October 22, 2024

Unique in world

The Great Wall of China is famous and unique for several reasons. Firstly, it is an ancient and impressive feat of engineering, construction, and architecture. It is the world’s longest wall, stretching over 13,000 miles, and was built over a period of more than 2,000 years by successive Chinese emperors and dynasties. The Great Wall was built as a defensive fortification to protect China from invasions and attacks by various nomadic groups from the north.

Secondly, the Great Wall has played a significant role in Chinese history and culture. It is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is a symbol of China’s national identity and pride. It has also been the subject of many myths, legends, and stories, further contributing to its fame and mystique.

Lastly, the Great Wall has become a popular tourist destination and attracts millions of visitors from all over the world each year. Its stunning vistas, picturesque landscapes, and historical significance make it a must-see attraction for anyone traveling to China.

Some key facts about the Great Wall of China:

  • The Great Wall of China is the world’s longest wall, stretching over 13,000 miles (21,196 km).
  • Construction on the Great Wall began over 2,000 years ago during the 7th century BC, and was completed in the Ming Dynasty in the 17th century AD.
  • The Great Wall was built to protect China from invasions and attacks by various nomadic groups from the north, such as the Mongols and the Manchus.
  • The wall is made up of different materials, including brick, tamped earth, and stone.
  • Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall cannot be seen from space with the naked eye. It is only visible from low Earth orbit under ideal conditions.
  • The wall has been damaged and rebuilt over the centuries, with some sections of the wall in disrepair while others have been restored.
  • The Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year.
  • The most popular sections of the Great Wall for visitors are located near Beijing, such as Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling.
  • The Great Wall has become a symbol of Chinese national identity and pride, and is referenced in Chinese literature, art, and music.

How can a person reach the Great wall of China ?

Visiting the Great Wall of China, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, involves traveling to Beijing, China, and then choosing among various sections of the wall to explore. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get there from anywhere in the world and the options available for reaching different sections of the Great Wall.

1. Flight to Beijing, China

The nearest major city to the Great Wall of China is Beijing. You’ll need to fly to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX).

  • Direct Flights: Major cities worldwide, including New York, London, Delhi, Tokyo, Paris, and others, offer direct flights to Beijing. Airlines such as Air China, China Southern, Lufthansa, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, etc., operate these flights.
  • Connecting Flights: If no direct flight is available, connecting flights are common via hubs like Dubai, Singapore, Doha, or Hong Kong.

Flight Duration:

  • From the USA: 12-14 hours
  • From Europe: 8-10 hours
  • From India: 6-8 hours
  • From Southeast Asia: 4-6 hours

2. Transportation from Beijing Airports to City Center

Once you land in Beijing, you’ll need to reach the city center to start your journey to the Great Wall.

a. From Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

  • Airport Express Train: Takes about 30 minutes to reach Dongzhimen Station, located in the city center. Cost: ¥25.
  • Taxi: Takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Cost: around ¥100-¥150.
  • Airport Shuttle Bus: Available to various locations within Beijing. Cost: ¥25.

b. From Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

  • Daxing Airport Express: Takes about 20 minutes to reach Caoqiao Station. Cost: ¥35.
  • Taxi: Takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Cost: around ¥150-¥200.

3. Choosing a Section of the Great Wall

The Great Wall stretches across thousands of miles, but the most popular and accessible sections near Beijing are:

  • Badaling: The most popular and crowded section.
  • Mutianyu: Less crowded, with beautiful views.
  • Jinshanling: Ideal for hikers, with fewer tourists.
  • Simatai: A more rugged and wild section, partially restored.

4. Travel Options from Beijing to the Great Wall

The Great Wall is located outside Beijing, and the travel method depends on which section you choose to visit.

a. To Badaling Section

Badaling is the most visited section of the Great Wall, and it is about 70 km (43 miles) from Beijing.

  • Train: The most convenient option. High-speed trains depart from Beijing North Railway Station to Badaling Railway Station.
    • Duration: Around 1 hour.
    • Cost: Approx. ¥25-¥30.
    • After arriving at Badaling Railway Station, a short shuttle bus or walk takes you to the entrance of the Great Wall.
  • Bus: Take Bus 877 from Deshengmen Bus Station to the Badaling section.
    • Duration: Around 1.5-2 hours.
    • Cost: ¥12.
    • This is a direct bus that drops you at the foot of the Great Wall.
  • Taxi/Private Car: You can hire a taxi or book a private car directly to Badaling.
    • Duration: Around 1-1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
    • Cost: Approx. ¥200-¥300 (round trip).
  • Tour Groups: Many organized tours offer day trips to Badaling, including transportation and entry tickets. This is a convenient and hassle-free option.

b. To Mutianyu Section

Mutianyu is a more scenic and less crowded section, located about 73 km (45 miles) from Beijing.

  • Private Car: Hiring a private car or taxi is the most convenient option for visiting Mutianyu.
    • Duration: Around 1.5 hours.
    • Cost: Approx. ¥300-¥400 (round trip).
  • Bus: Take the Bus 916 Express from Dongzhimen Station to Huairou, then transfer to a local bus or taxi to reach the Mutianyu section.
    • Duration: About 2-2.5 hours.
    • Cost: ¥15-¥20 for the bus, and an additional cost for the taxi from Huairou.
  • Tour Groups: Many tour companies offer trips to Mutianyu, providing transportation and entry tickets. Ideal for those who prefer guided experiences.

c. To Jinshanling Section

Jinshanling is known for its hiking trails and stunning views, located about 130 km (81 miles) from Beijing.

  • Bus: Take a tourist bus or private bus from Dongzhimen to Jinshanling. There are no direct public buses, so organized tours are more common.
    • Duration: About 2-3 hours.
    • Cost: Approx. ¥50-¥60 for a bus, or ¥300-¥500 for an organized tour.
  • Private Car: You can hire a car or taxi, which is the fastest way to reach Jinshanling.
    • Duration: Around 2-2.5 hours.
    • Cost: Approx. ¥400-¥500.

d. To Simatai Section

Simatai is a more rugged section of the wall, located about 120 km (75 miles) from Beijing.

  • Bus: Take Bus 980 from Dongzhimen Station to Miyun County, then transfer to a local bus or taxi to reach Simatai.
    • Duration: About 2-3 hours.
    • Cost: Around ¥20-¥30 for the bus and an additional taxi fare.
  • Private Car: Hiring a car or taxi is the most efficient way to get to Simatai.
    • Duration: Around 2 hours.
    • Cost: Approx. ¥400-¥500.
  • Tour Groups: Organized tours are also available for Simatai, often combined with a visit to Gubei Water Town nearby.

5. Exploring the Great Wall

Once you arrive at the chosen section of the Great Wall, you can explore by walking or hiking. Some sections like Badaling and Mutianyu have cable cars or chairlifts to make the ascent easier, while others like Jinshanling and Simatai offer more challenging hiking trails.

  • Cable Car: Available at Badaling and Mutianyu to reach the wall easily.
  • Chairlift and Toboggan Ride: At Mutianyu, you can take a chairlift up and ride down on a toboggan, adding a fun element to your visit.

Additional Tips:

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are the best seasons to visit the Great Wall due to pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
  • Entry Tickets: Ticket prices vary by section, usually ranging from ¥40-¥65. If you take the cable car or chairlift, there are additional costs.
  • Hiking: Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for steep climbs, especially at more rugged sections like Jinshanling and Simatai.
  • Guided Tours: Consider booking a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the Great Wall.

Summary:

  1. Fly to Beijing, China (via PEK or PKX airports).
  2. Use public transportation, taxis, or private cars to reach the city center.
  3. Select a section of the Great Wall to visit (Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, or Simatai).
  4. Travel by train, bus, private car, or join a tour group to reach the Great Wall.
  5. Explore the wall by hiking or using cable cars/chairlifts for convenience.

By following this guide, you can plan your perfect visit to one of the greatest architectural achievements in human history!

Location- https://goo.gl/maps/bsyeAnnjJdRsVdx76

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