The Great Wall

You just can't leave China without a visit to the Great Wall. Whether you want a quick peek, a cable car ride to the top, or a rugged cycling trip, here's how to see the wall

From the 5th century BC on, northern China had defensive walls; however it wasn’t until the Ming Dynasty – when the Ming’s army was defeated by the fearsome Mongols in 1449 – that they began building proper barriers made of bricks and stone instead of earth. The wall now stretches some 4,000 miles.

While the renovated sections make for easy treks and great photos, the rougher, more run down sections are more evocative and peaceful. A word of warning: those with serious heart conditions, very young children or elderly companions should consider giving the Wall a miss.

Badaling
This renovated section of the Ming Dynasty Wall may be pilloried for being overly commercial and ‘too perfect’, but if you don’t mind the volume of people, Badaling is still the closest and most convenient part of the Great Wall.
By taxi approx 340RMB round trip By bus 919 from Dongzhimen bus station (12RMB). Open 7am-6pm daily. 40RMB, 22.50RMB concessions.

Jinshanling
One hundred and fifty kilometres from the centre of Beijing, Jinshanling can take more than three hours to get to, but once you’re there it will seem like you’ve got the entire, semi-wild wall to yourself. You can often walk for miles without seeing a soul.
By taxi: 800-1,000RMB round trip. Open 8am-5.30pm daily; 50RMB.

Mutianyu
By far the best section of the wall on account of its relative proximity to downtown Beijing, its rugged charm and the satisfying toboggan ride down, Mutianyu is hard to beat. Catch a cable car up to the top and marvel at the views before trekking over to the chairlift in the distance (or in the opposite direction if you want to spend longer).
By taxi: approx 500-600RMB round trip; By bus: Bus 916 from Dongzhimen bus station. Change at Huairou for centre 8 minibus Open 7am-6pm daily. 40RMB; 20RMB concessions (not including cable car).

Simatai
Stunningly beautiful but in parts dangerously worn away, Simatai is no place for the fainthearted. However it’s the perfect spot for those with a taste for adventure, as there’s a long walk up to the top (a cable car is also available) and a hair-raising zip wire down.
By taxi: approx 700-800RMB round trip; By bus: 980 from Dongzhimen bus station to Miyun Zhongdian, then take a taxi the rest of the way.

Great Wall tours

Beijing Hikers
In operation since 2001, Beijing Hikers is great for those who take their walking seriously. Organises walks and overnight trips to various parts of the Wall, with transport, food and quaint countryside accommodation included.
Go to the website www.beijinghikers.com or call 5829 3195 Tuesday-Friday to arrange a tour. Daytime hikes are available, starting at 350RMB (everything included). Overnight hikes will be available in September starting at 650RMB.

China Adventure Tours
Experienced local guides accompany you to more ‘wild’ sections of the wall, as well as leading hiking tours from Jinshanling to Simatai. See website for details.
Daxiangtouzi Dasha (Elephant Plaza), A1 Dong Binhe Lu, Dongcheng district (5166 9102; www.cnadventure.com ). From 420-500RMB per day.

Cycle China
Not only for cyclists, this reputable company runs day-long tours to ‘secret’ and more distant parts of the Great Wall, include lunch, and have you home by dinner.
12 Jingshan Dongjie (Opposite the East Gate of Jingshan Park) (6402 5653, 139 1188 6524; www.cyclechina.com ). From 400-650RMB per day, depending on group size.