Great Wall Travel Guide: Experience the Charm of a Thousand-Year-Old Wonder

Great Wall Travel Guide: Experience the Charm of a Thousand-Year-Old Wonder The Great Wall, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, carries a rich history and culture, attracting countless tourists to explore it. This guide will help you easily experience the magnificence and splendor of the Great Wall. I. Choosing Your Great Wall Destination 1. Badaling Great Wall: Located at the north entrance of the ancient Guandao Pass in the Jundu Mountains, Yanqing District, Beijing, it is an essential part of the Great Wall and the most popular section for both domestic and international tourists. It is well-developed with complete facilities and convenient transportation, offering cable cars and toboggans, suitable for all types of travelers. 2. Mutianyu Great Wall: Located in Huairou District, Beijing, it boasts high vegetation coverage and fresh air. With relatively fewer tourists and beautiful scenery, it enjoys the reputation of being the "most beautiful section of the Great Wall". It also offers a unique "Great Wall Afternoon Tea", adding a special touch to your trip. 3. Simatai Great Wall: Located north of Simatai Village, Gubeikou Town, in the northern part of Miyun District, Beijing, it is adjacent to the Jinshanling Great Wall in Hebei Province. It retains a more pristine appearance with challenging terrain, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Combining a visit with the nearby Gubei Water Town allows you to experience the tranquility of the ancient town alongside the grandeur of the Great Wall. II. Itinerary Planning One-Day Trip: • Badaling Great Wall: Depart from the city center in the morning. You can take the S2 suburban railway line (reservations required) from Huangtudian Station directly to Badaling Great Wall Station. Alternatively, take bus route 877 from Deshengmen, which goes directly to the foot of the Badaling Great Wall. Upon arrival, you can choose to hike and experience the magnificence of the Great Wall or take the cable car directly to the Fourth Tower to save energy. After visiting the "Hero Slope" at the North Eighth Tower, you can return the same way or take the toboggan down. • Mutianyu Great Wall: Depart in the morning. Take the express bus route 916 from Dongzhimen Transportation Hub to Huairou North Street, then transfer to bus route H23 to reach Mutianyu Great Wall. Climb the Great Wall in the morning, enjoy the scenery, have lunch at a restaurant within the scenic area, continue exploring in the afternoon, and experience the "Great Wall Afternoon Tea" before returning to the city center in the evening. Two-Day Trip: Day 1: Head to the Simatai Great Wall. Climb the Great Wall in the morning, marvel at its steepness and magnificence, and take photos. After descending in the afternoon, go to Gubei Water Town, check in to your accommodation, stroll through the water town, admire the scenery, and savor local delicacies. Day 2: Get up early for another glimpse of the Great Wall, then enjoy free time in the water town, experience handicraft workshops, and have lunch before returning to the city center. III. Transportation Guide 1. Public Transportation: In addition to the S2 suburban railway line, bus route 877, express bus route 916, and related transfers mentioned above, you can also take the high-speed train from Qinghe Station to Badaling Great Wall Station for a convenient and fast journey. 2. Driving: If driving, pay attention to traffic conditions and parking information for the scenic area. Badaling Great Wall has multiple parking lots with fees per entry; Mutianyu Great Wall also has dedicated parking lots, making parking relatively convenient. IV. Tickets and Fees 1. Badaling Great Wall: Entry ticket is CNY 40 per person (subject to official updates), round-trip cable car is CNY 140 per person, one-way is CNY 80 per person; one-way toboggan is CNY 100 per person. 2. Mutianyu Great Wall: Entry ticket is CNY 45 per person, round-trip cable car is CNY 120 per person, one-way is CNY 80 per person; combined cable car and toboggan ticket is CNY 120 per person. 3. Simatai Great Wall: Entry ticket is CNY 40 per person, round-trip cable car is CNY 160 per person, one-way is CNY 90 per person. Gubei Water Town entry ticket is CNY 140 per person. V. Travel Tips 1. Clothing: Wear comfortable athletic or hiking shoes suitable for long walks and climbing. Choose appropriate clothing according to the season. In summer, take sun protection measures, bringing a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc. In winter, dress warmly with thick cotton-padded clothes, scarves, gloves, etc. 2. Food and Drinks: There are restaurants and convenience stores in the scenic area, but prices are relatively high. You can bring your own water and food, such as bread, sausages, fruit, etc., to replenish your energy. 3. Safety: Pay attention to your footing while walking on the Great Wall. Do not run or jump on the wall. Be careful and walk slowly on steep sections. 4. Environmental Protection: Protect every brick and tile of the Great Wall, do not litter, and keep the scenic area clean.