Hiking and camping adventure to escape from the big cities. Take beer, water, food, tent and friends. Start from Shenyang to Huanghuacheng and Camp on the Wall in the middle of nowhere.

Going to see and climb the Great Wall was one of the most important parts of my trip to China and so i had to research where I went. I was aware of numerous places to visit and finally settled on Huanghuacheng. I was not disappointed... To begin with I think I saw about 20 maybe 30 other people. Which over the trek meant I was basically alone!! I had been so worried about it being heaving so this was perfect. The wall itself is very challenging so bring decent walking shoes. Some parts are extremely steep with little to hold on to. Even the steps are very difficult and steep. Some parts of the wall have been repaired more than others which on the whole give it a more ‘authentic’ feel. It’s split into 2 parts where the damn is situated which gives some lovely views with the lake behind. You have to do both sections. It’s a must. One section you pay ¥5 through a vineyard. Then the other way you pay about ¥15 to go over the damn and through a gate - these are all completely unofficial but about £2 for such an experience isn’t a problem. Once over the damn you have a little climb before going up a ladder through a window to get onto the wall. For this section I was completely alone and probably gave better views. In whole it was a magical experience and something I’ll never forget. No crowds gave me plenty of opportunities to just relax and take in the views (and photo ops) and stop for lunch in peace. I even had clear blue skies which made it all the more special.