Great Wall, Beijing

I was there back in 1997 while on a business trip. there were 1000's of people on the wall that day. every nationality you could think of.i stood by the wall and just people watched, it was amazing. to walk on the wall was also very interesting. some parts are slippery and with steep stairs. definitely a wonder to behold.

An awsome place but be careful since going up and down is really steep since it really is a work out but totally worth it. Not recommended for handicapped people since its all stairs, no ramps.

This is a place for everyone to respect the people who built this thing. One stone was carried up everyday to build the fittest. May God bless those who helped this wondorous place to be built. Try holding those bricks yourself. Would you take 4 boulders up that wall by yourself?

Most places to visit the great wall are kind of crowded; this can be nice but not what my girlfriend and me were looking for. We asked a local Beijing guide to organize a trip to the great wall for us, this included a driver, hotel and entry to the park. I was a bit skeptical at first because there are so many guides and you hear some stories that are not so positive. Our guide organized everything but didn�t travel with us. The trip to there takes some time but since you have your own driver there are lots of place to stop and take in the scenery. The place was called Xiangshui Lake and believe it or not we had the whole place to ourselves. After arriving we went up the wall and in the evening walked through the mountains. It is hard exercise climbing and walking so much so make sure to get good walking shoes. Next morning we took another route to the wall and seen part of it that has not been renovated, looks like ruins but really beautiful. Because you can be there in the morning time there are low hanging clouds everywhere making it magical. I could recommend everyone to make use of a guide since you take time off going so far away you might as well spend a little extra and treat yourself to a really good time. I�ve heard some bad experiences from people so I guess it differs depending on whom you�ll take. If you want to contact the one we use you can contact me (through my profile).

This part of the Great Wall is such a tourist trap it will actually turn you off.... Go to Simitai or jingshalong (spelling may be incorrect) it is more out of the way but will give you such a better look at the original wall including sections that are falling apart and allowing you to see how time has treated the wall and to look back in time and see such things as old Ching Dynasty scrawlings on the bricks and signatures of soldiers from that period too. this kind of experience has been removed removed from the tourist seciton in Badaoling, since it is rebuilt sections there. It can be harder to walk the wall in these areas so if your not in shape for it then by pass this but I garuntee those of you who see it, you will prefer it and appreciate the Wall so much more.... I was there in July of 2006. ~Brian

The Great Wall is the best landmark of China! One should never miss this place. Use rubber shoes, bring water and camera. It is a long and tedious climb. Rest if you must as your heart is pounding loud and strong as you go higher.Pause and get a drink. Be cautious not to slip. Hold on the side railings. It is steep and the steps are nearly a foot high but when you reach the top, it's captivating!Enjoy the scenery-the trees and the other parts of the wall in the neighboring mountains. Get a panoramic shot. Don't forget to have your cerificate made when you are on the top. This is an experience i will never forget. It gave me sore legs and knees for two days. I can barely climb a step the following day. But, I feel great! In China, they have a saying, "One is not great if one has not climb the Great Wall". Next time I am in Beijing, I will visit the Great Wall again. This time at the area where there is a cable car.

This one of the coolest places I have ever been! I rode a ski lift up to the Wall, and on the way down I rode on a sled-run type of thing. I had an absolute blast there!

Very humbling place. Be ready for a workout, not as easy as it looks. Just an awsome place, a must see for everyone. Take lots of film.

Great Wall Badaling was not the best part, I would suggest you go to Mutianyu Great Wall. It is less touristic. We hiked from Gubeikou to Jinshanling and finally, we ended up in Mutianyu, the 12 towers on the east were the best part.

Great!! So amazing... You have to visit Great Wall if you visit Beijing.., but the wind here is so strong and cold.. You have to climb Great to the top to get a great experience in Beijing