The Great Wall, one of the most iconic structures in the world, is more or less the symbol of China. Due to its history and beauty, it also attracts a great number of tourists each year. In an article by The Independent, Wendy Wu Tours shares how travelers can make the most out of the 5,000-mile marvel.
Get to know the Great Wall’s other face
According to Wendy Wu Tours, the best way to experience the Great Wall while avoiding the tourist circus is to check the Wall’s lesser-known sections.
The Great Wall of China stretches to over 5,000 miles long. Most tourists frequent the most visited sections such as Badaling and Mutianyu. For a more authentic experience, visit the less-popular sections instead.
For example, the Huanghuacheng section offers a picturesque scene featuring a lake. It is located about 40 miles north of Beijing and offers travelers a chance to get a glimpse of what the Great Wall was like originally. After all, the Huanghuacheng section is only partially restored--some of its parts date back to 1575.
Go trekking
Another way to see the Great Wall in a whole new light is to trek from one section to another. In The Independent’s article, Wendy Wu Tours recommended trekking from Gubeiku to Jinshanling section.
What makes this trek special? Travelers will get to walk in the footsteps of the ancient Chinese who once used the wall to get to one point to another. The Gubeikou to Jinshanling section both have restored and unrestored parts.
As for the views, it’s all rolling hills and lush countryside. The whole distance between the two sections runs to about 11 to 14 kilometers and takes an average of 4 hours to finish.
Climb the Heavenly Ladder
From Beijing, take a two-hour drive to the remote section of Simatai. According to Wendy Wu Tours, the best time to visit the section is before sunset.
The Simatai section, however, is most known for the “Heavenly Ladder,” a steep part of the Simatai section that will take travelers to the “Sky Bridge.” Note that the Heavenly Ladder is flanked by cliffs on both sides, thus making the climb treacherous during winter.