Great Wall review by our experts

The Great Wall is China’s most famous landmark, and one of the new “Seven Wonders Of The World.” Within an hour or two of Beijing are two good spots for seeing restored portions of the Wall, and the wall is a must-see if you’re in Beijing.

The most popular section of the Wall to visit is at Badaling, about 45 miles from Beijing. There are some great views here, and this is where many of the well-known photographs of the Wall have been taken. You can walk along the wall for a ways, though those with mobility issues may find some of the steep inclines a challenge. At the end of the area where the wall has been restored you can get a look of the remains of the original wall. The crowds of Chinese and other tourists can be huge (particularly on weekends) and while it’s a very touristy scene, it’s still a great experience.

An alternate area of the Wall that can be explored from Beijing is at Mutianyu, which is a little less commercialized than Badaling.

Many visitors take a tour from Beijing, but be aware that some of these tours will make stops at various shops where they’ll get a commission on anything you buy. Before booking, verify that your tour is only to the Wall and back, so that you can avoid such scams and distractions.