The Great Wall of China

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The Great Wall is said to be the only structure that is visible from the moon. Either there’s a modicum amount of truth in it or there isn’t, this man-made longest structure on earth will amaze everyone who visits it. Its grandeur is unfathomable and the long stretch of the wall looks like a dragon’s tail on a clear summer day if viewed from the top. It’s a magnificent panorama of man’s effort to build such a fortress to defend its vast country from the enemies.

The Great Wall Tour

Since the Great Wall of China is far from the capital, the cheapest way to go there is by bus. But, considering that you are new in the country and don’t even speak mandarin, I’d recommend you to take a tour offered by the hostels everywhere around the city. They have this group tour to the different parts of the Great Wall. If you are into hiking on the Wall itself for 4 long hours, take the Jinshanling to Sematai Great Wall. If you are not strong enough to walk for hours, take the Mutianyu tour. However, before paying the tour, make sure to ask if there are “stops” during the trips. Do NOT take the ones that brings you to some stops, like the jewelry shops, Chinese traditional medicine, tea shops, etc… These stops will limit your time to stay at the Great Wall. The tour guide will rush you and it’s not gonna be fun at all.

The Hike: Jinshaling Great Wall

The Jinshanling – Sematai parts of the Great Wall are two favorites to go on hiking. I’ve been here soooo many times already. It’s a ten-kilometer stretch and will take 4 hours to complete the hike with a couple of stops to catch your breath. No, you’re not gonna walk along the wall. You’re gonna hike ON the wall itself. Some parts are renovated and some parts are untouched. But, probably now, most of the parts might already be renovated.

From Beijing to Jinshanling, the drive takes 2 hours and half or close to 3 hours. Take note that the tour fee (RMB120) you doesn’t include the ticket. Buy the ticket (RMB40) for the Jinshanling part. The tour guide will give you some instructions and will leave alone on your own to hike. If you are traveling alone, find a buddy who you can go with so you can take turns in taking pictures of each other.

The beginning of the hike is on newly-renovated parts. You will be overwhelmed by what you see and walking seems to be slow as you are busy taking photos. But, I’d recommend not to take too many shots at the start of the hike, unless there’s something that caught your eye. There are more beautiful vistas you’ll see as you move on.

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The Sematai Great Wall

When you reach halfway through the hike, there’s guy wearing a read band on his arm that would ask you to pay for another ticket as you enter the Sematai area. It costs about RMB45. This part of the Great Wall is where you can experience most of the untouched parts and take an extra care. It goes up and down and there’s the highest peak here with 101 steps. But you will be rewarded by what you see when you reach on top. The view is amazing and you’ll be left with your mouth open in the air.

As you are approaching the near end of your hike, there’s this little bridge that you have to pass through. At the end of the bridge is a guy who will be collecting RMB5 for using the bridge. Few more steps and you’ll see the tour guide and he’ll take you where the bus is.

If you want to reward yourself with an easy way to go down from the mountain, you can take a zip line that takes you across the lake. Then, you’ll take a short boat ride to the bus stop.

After completing the hike, pat yourself on the back and say, “You’re now a great man!”

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TIPS: What To Do/Bring During The hike

1.) Wear comfy shoes.

2.) When you pay for the tour, ask if lunch is included. If yes, and you do not want it, tell the tour operator and the fee will reduced.

3.) Bring some snacks and bottled water. Bottled water at the Wall is freakin’ expensive.

4.) Bring an extra t-shirt / socks.

5.) Bring extra batteries for your camera.

6.) Bring a book if you want to read there for 30 minutes. It’s a good feeling. Believe me.

7.) Take your time when hiking. The bus will not leave until everyone arrives.

8.) Pack light.

9.) Breath

10.)  Enjoy

ANOTHER TIP:

If you are a member of COUCHSURFING, join the Beijing Group. It organizes Great Wall Tour once or twice a week, depends on how many would request it. For sure, it’s cheaper and more fun!

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Be AWARE: SCAMS

While hiking on the Great Wall, there are vendors that follow you to buy their stuff, especially, “I Climbed The Great Wall” t-shirts. They’ll charge you for an exorbitant price of RMB60-100. Buy it for RMB10-15. No more, no less.

After the hike, if you decide to eat in one of those restaurants around the bus stop, waiter/waiters will give you the “menu for the foreigners” that has higher prices, of course. But, if you have someone who can speak Chinese with you, ask him to go inside and find a table first. When the “menu for the Chinese people” is already handed, that’s your clue to go inside. I know, it’s crazy. This “scam” is not only in Jinshanling or Sematai parts of the Great Wall but also in Mutianyu, Badaling, etc…

BLOGGED AT: 

http://budgettravelmall.com/2010/10/the-great-wall-of-china-jinshanling-to-sematai/