We spent October in China and during this time we visited Mutianyu. We had avoided Badaling as we were told it was too commercial. Last week we were back in Beijing for the New Year (European one that is). Unfortunately as it was a last minute trip the Central Plaza was full, but we contacted Storm to ask his advice... more

On way to Great wall’s Juyong section in Changpin County we passed through Ming’s Tomb. Description about Tombs will be given later. If you want to see Great Walls well preserved section, with lots of tourists and crowd then you should go to Badaling but if you want less people and more of the Wall then Juyong pass is the... more

A visit to the Great Wall is really a MUST when you visit Beijing! Writing about the wall doesn't do it justice. You'll just have to go and experience it :) We went with a bus tour booked out of our hotel. The journey to the wall took about 90 minutes, and our guide gave us some history and also... more

The Great Wall really does deserve to be one of the seven wonders. We took a tour there while in Beijing and we were the first to arrive so there were no tourists and we were able to climb it by ourselves. It was an awesome experience and it was very tough. The steps are really uneven so it makes... more

I have gone to the Great Wall numerous of times. It really depends WHEN you go there. I've heard rumors about China having construction in many sites like the Forbidden City since it's so close to Olympics right now. The Great Wall of China is truly an amazing site to see. I still remember my first experience when I went... more

Traveling in Beijing in October is perfect weather. No polution. We arrived at the Great Wall - Badaling Gate on a clear day with limited crowds. The tour guide books don't tell you about the crowds or the marketers. Everywhere you go in Beijing you are met by people selling their wares. On the Great Wall you have to pick... more

I visited the Great Wall at Badaling in December of 2007. It was mid-week. The parking lot was jam-packed with all manner of tour-bus, van and taxi. No matter what day you trek to Badaling, expect to share your experience with hundreds (if not thousands) of other like-minded folk. Personally, the crowds didn't bother me (I was too enraptured by... more

I had the chance to go to Badaling and take my Great Wall picture which I treasure, but I did not enjoy the trip. Too crowded. I went in a Sunday -Folks, NEVER go in a Sunday and less by yourselves- and it took me nearly one hour in line to go up and one and a half to go... more

Just seeing the wall is truly humbling. Be prepared for it to be cold and take warmer clothes, but if you don't, you can RENT jackets and hats at the base of the hill. We did just that but once we got up to the wall, it was plenty warm. HOWEVER, if we had not taken them and it was... more