The Great Wall (Changcheng), totaling more than 12,000 kilometers, is arguably the most famous image of China throughout the world. It is the only man made object visible from the moon, and as one of the Eight Wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China lives up to its reputation.

As the closest section of the wall to Beijing, Badaling is by far the most popular part of the site to visit and, perhaps for this reason some find it the most disappointing. The best time to visit is early morning, before the tour buses arrive. If you make it past the hoards and hustlers and make the climb itself, the views are quite spectacular. The Great Wall is a symbol of Chinese traditional culture and the pride of the Chinese nation. Its worth taking a hike and reflecting on this incredible feat of mankind.

Of course, if we take a look at history, the wall did not succeed in its main function; to keep out foreign invaders. Those who wanted to break through the fortifications all those years ago, found an alternative method. The Chinese Empire did not allow for human weakness. Attackers bribed their way past the wall where they had failed to break through with physical force.

How to get there:
1. Take the train to Badaling from Beijing Railway Station or Xizhimen Station, and then walk about 15 minutes, to the Jiayuguan Pass
2. Take the No.2 tourist bus from the Beijing Railway Station or from the West Gate of the Museum of Chinese history.