The great Wall of China (Jinshanling)

Great Wall is the most famous tourist destination in China, you cannot miss it. Recently you can often find the terrible pictures on the Internet, like this one.


Don't worry, as in many other cases, these pictures just a hoax. Photo was taken during a national holiday, it's the most popular section of the wall - Badaling, closest to Beijing and easily accessible by public transport.

Wall can be visited in many areas, so forget about Badaling and Juyongguan. Read here a description of all areas and some other useful information. We originally planned to go from Jiankou to Mutianyu. But two weeks before the trip reconstruction began at these areas, so we went to the Jinshanling section (金山岭 长城), built in 1567-1570 years.

Jinshanling has two advantages (2016):
 - no tourists, we met around 20
 - most of the wall is original

Unfortunately Jinshanling is located 130 km from Beijing. Of course you can reach this location with a public transport, but with a few transfers and a big waste of time. We had only one day and did not want to risk, so found on the internet the driver with the car for 1,200 yuan ($180). It is expensive and it is possible to find a cheaper option for 1000 or 800. If this is still expensive, google for information on tourist bus to Jinshanling from Wangjing West subway station. And information about public transport can be found here.

Visiting the wall looks like this: you come to the entrance, then to a wall, walk through a certain number of towers and then either descend back to the entrance along the other path, or go to another exit. We entered through the Middle gate and went out through the East gate. Futher, in the direction of Simatai, you cannot go since 2015.


It took us about 2.5 hours to pass 21 towers. Don't forget to take water, warm clothing and light umbrella.

The way to the wall (tickets $10). On the site there is even a cable car, but we did not use it.


Blossom in April


Entrance to the wall Zhuanduokou pass


At first we passed reconstructed section


And then original one. Which is better - decide for yourself


Sometimes it's almost ruins, but you can safely pass








All towers are different, as they have a different purpose. Here, for example, some residential tower




In general, it is not difficult to walk, but in one place you have to climb almost vertically.


Attention! If you want to go from one area to another on the wall, you need to know whether the passage between the areas is opened. Very often some sections or towers are closed for reconstruction. If you can not find information on the Internet, take a map and ask at the entrance.