Located in the north of China, the Great Wall is a series of fortifications that were built as protection against various nomadic groups from the Eurasian Steppe. It is one of the world's largest and most famous fortifications, as well as one of the most visited destinations.
Badaling
Located in the northeast of Beijing, Badaling on the Great Wall of China is an ancient military stronghold. It is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, and is a significant site in the history of China.
This ancient military fortress was first built in the Qin Dynasty (206 BC - 221 BC). The construction of the Great Wall began under the direction of Qin Shihuang, who is considered the first emperor of China. It played a vital role in protecting the capital from Mongolian tribes and other northern people.
The Badaling section of the Great Wall is 7.6 km long. The wall is made of big stone blocks mortared with special glue. The walls are topped with crenellated battlements. They are averaging seven meters tall and twenty feet wide at their base.
There are sixteen watchtowers in the Badaling section of the Great Wall. There is also an Archery Tower. The upper and lower layers of watchtowers are used for accommodation and materiel storage. There are also shooting holes in the upper layer.
The Badaling Great Wall is an ideal place to enjoy a beautiful view. The surrounding mountains are decorated with camellia blossoms and green grasses. At night, the wall is shone with lamps of gentle colors.
The Badaling section of the Wall is relatively easy to climb. The stairways are not steep and there are handrails on the upper stairs. This section of the Great Wall is a good choice for beginners, though seniors may find the stairs a little difficult.
Jiankou
Located just north of Huanghuacheng, Jiankou on the Great Wall of China is one of the most photographed sections of the wall. Jiankou features a rugged, steep ridge. The wall stretches over 20 kilometers from Huanghuacheng to Mutianyu.
Jiankou is also a popular area for mountain climbing. There are many steep slopes and ridges, and it is recommended that you have good hiking skills and good maps. There are several footpaths leading to major sites on the wall. It is also a good idea to use a tour guide.
The best places to view the wall are the Zhengbei Tower and the Zhengbeilou Watchtower. They offer a panoramic view of the wall. The Zhengbei Tower is the most well-preserved watchtower, and it offers the best views of the Jiankou section.
Located at the foot of the Jiankou Great Wall, Xizhazi Village is a great base camp for hikers. It is the perfect place to watch the sunrise and sunset. It is also home to the most famous house in the area, the Zhao Shi Mountain Villa.
It is also recommended that you hike the Jiankou section with a guide, since some parts are unstable and unreliable. In addition, it is important to remember that some parts of the wall are on private property.
The Jiankou section is also home to several guard towers that have collapsed. It is important to take a guide with you, and to use good maps.
Jinshanling
During the Ming Dynasty, the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall was constructed. The wall was strategically designed to protect the pass of Gubei.
The Jinshanling section of the Great Wall is built between two mountain ranges, the Big Jinshanling and the Small Jinshanling. It is about 10.5 km long, with 67 watchtowers, three beacon towers, and five passes.
The Jinshanling section of The Great Wall was renovated in 1567. It is the most beautiful section of the wall. It is a good place for tourists who like to hike and explore. It offers different views during sunrise and sunset. The area is also great for photography.
A special tourist bus is available for Jinshanling on The Great Wall. It departs from the Dongzhimen Bus Terminal at 07:30. The ticket includes the entrance fee, cable car, and sight-seeing car. The ticket is priced at CNY 100.
The Jinshanling section of Great Wall is located 140 kilometers northeast of Beijing. It is a popular tourist destination. It is also considered to be the best spot for hiking. The scenery has different levels of seasonal beauty, including a sea of apricot flowers in early April.
There are several hotels in Jinshanling. A cab ride costs about CNY 40-60. It is recommended to organize a guide before you visit the Great Wall. It is best to visit in May or June for the green mountain scenery.
Travel times from Beijing
Whether you want to take a day trip from Beijing or hire a driver and guide, there are several options to reach the Great Wall. The first thing you need to decide is which section of the wall you want to see. There are many options and each section offers a unique experience.
For the discerning traveler, the best way to experience the Great Wall is by hiking along the less crowded stretches. This allows you to appreciate the effort that went into building it. During this time, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding mountains. The best time to hike is during the cooler months of March through May. However, if you are planning a long hike, you should have a few snacks on hand.
The best way to reach the Great Wall from Beijing is by taking a day trip. Many hotels and tour operators offer day trips to the Great Wall. There are a number of bus routes that lead to the wall from Beijing. For the most part, you will want to take the first bus or train of the day.
The Great Wall of China is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. It is located across Northern China, and attracts millions of visitors each year. It is considered one of the most expensive constructions in the world. It has been built to protect China from invaders.
Accommodation options in Beijing's Shijia Hutong district
Whether you are looking for a traditional Chinese Hutong hotel or a luxurious hotel, there are a number of options to choose from in Beijing's Shijia Hutong district. It is easy to incorporate this district into your tour of the city.
The Shijia Hutong area is an ideal location for tourists looking for traditional architecture. It is easy to reach from many of the city's main attractions, such as Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City.
The Shijia Hutong Museum is an excellent place to learn about the history of the Beijing hutongs. Exhibits cover the hutongs' origins, and the differences between the hutongs in Beijing and those in other cities. In addition, there is an exhibit that covers the hutong's material and 21st century life.
Located within a 100-year-old courtyard in the Hutong area of Beijing, the Hyde Courtyard Hotel offers traditional Chinese-style rooms with free WiFi. Some of the rooms have Buddha statues and Chinese-style furniture. There is also a Chinese restaurant. The hotel is a short walk from the Zhushikou metro station and Qianmen metro station. The hotel is also within easy reach of the Beijing South train station.
Other hotels in the area include the Courtyard 7 and the Red Wall Garden Hotel. The Courtyard 7 is a quadrangle-style building with steep and tiled roofs. It features a traditional rosewood-framed bed. There is a bar on the courtyard, and guests can access WiFi.
Hiking on the Great Wall
Visiting the Great Wall of China is one of the most popular things to do in China. Depending on what section you choose to visit, you will have a different experience. Whether you want a quiet hike or one that involves climbing on all fours, the wall can provide you with a breathtaking landscape.
The Great Wall of China is one of the world's most spectacular structures. The structure was built in the 7th century BCE as a defensive fortification. Today, the wall spans over 8,000 kilometers. Depending on the season, the scenery can change. The most spectacular times to visit the wall are during spring or autumn.
In autumn, the sky is blue and the foliage is colorful. The temperature is usually around 18degC. However, in winter, the temperatures can drop down to below freezing.
In winter, you can also enjoy a toboggan ride. To access the wall, you will need a walking stick and proper hiking boots. You should also wear warm clothing.
There are several sections of the Great Wall that are best for day hikes. Depending on the section you choose, you can take one or two hours to walk.
A popular hiking trip is the Jinshanling section. This section is half wild and half reconstructed. The hike takes about three hours, and you can stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant. During the hike, you will weave through trees growing on the wall. You will also descend a 50-degree slope on the wall.