About the Great Wall

📍 Beijing · 👁 2 reads · ❤️ 95 likes

When visiting Beijing, a trip to the Great Wall is usually a must. Speaking of the Great Wall, the most famous section is Badaling. People think that the Badaling Great Wall is the most authentic, and other sections are inferior knockoffs. However, locals from Beijing generally don’t come here—it’s just too crowded, traffic is terrible, and once you’re here, all you see are crowds of people. You can’t experience the real character and historical depth of the Great Wall; there’s no fun at all.

Speaking of knockoffs, Beijing actually has a 'Water Great Wall.' Some 'water units' in Beijing used to run day trips, claiming to take you to see the Great Wall, and they’d take you to this Water Great Wall. Eventually, that scam was cracked down on. But the Water Great Wall is actually a section of the Great Wall near Beijing—it’s the real deal. And the Badaling Great Wall is actually 100 years 'younger.'

Besides the Water Great Wall, there are many other Great Wall sites near Beijing: Mutianyu, Jiangjunguan, Jiankou, Huangyaguan, and so on. Basically, if you head north from Beijing, you’ll find authentic Great Wall everywhere. Each has its own character, and they are all favorites among photography enthusiasts in Beijing. In particular, Jinshanling Great Wall, which has been gaining more and more fame recently, is especially beloved by photographers. These sites are all very accessible (you can check online for directions). Visitors from outside Beijing, after experiencing the crowds and frustrations at Badaling, might want to check out these other spots if time permits.

I especially recommend Jinshanling Great Wall. Before the pandemic, I used to go there many times a year. It’s rarely crowded, the walls are ancient and weathered, and it’s convenient for lodging—no climbing needed, so it’s suitable for both the elderly and young children.

Earthen Great Wall (obviously not the 'original' kind)

Yumen Pass – Why should the Qiang flute complain about the willows? The spring breeze never reaches Yumen Pass.

Grass Great Wall (Han)