If you are going to take a package tour in China, the Great Wall is going to be high on the list of things to see, and here are some of the best parts on offer.
The Great Wall of China is a great technological achievement, especially when you think that it is over 2000 years old! The wall is visible from space and goes on for thousands of kilometres. There are many places where you can visit the wall, all charging different admissions prices, and some are also more accessible than others so you will need to do some research on the most suitable places for you and your family, before you book your package China tours.
Popular Destinations
Due to the proximity of Beijing, two of the most popular destinations along the length of the Great Wall are Badaling and Juyongguan. There are various buses, which run between these destinations, and are full of tourists, both foreign and local. The journey lasts for about an hour. There are many touts offering expensive trips to these sights, but if you do not want to take a bus, take a train or even hire a private taxi. Or you can have your very own escorted China tours to these destinations.
Be prepared for large crowds, especially during local holidays and festivals. There are lots of souvenirs available, as well as food from the many street vendors. Taking a bag with some extra clothes, food and drink, is always advisable.
Travel a Bit More
A bit further out from Beijing, you have Jinshanling, Simatai and Gubeikou, and it is definitely worthwhile to spend that little extra time travelling to one of these sights. You will find far fewer tourists, as well as few vendors and hawkers, trying to peddle their wares. Unlike the construction at Badaling, which has been restored, at Simatai you will find much of the original structure, and it is fairly well preserved, with some restoration work being done over the last couple of years. These locations are roughly around 80 miles northeast of Beijing, so will not take that much longer to get to, than the busier tourist spots.
Old Dragon Head
Jumping on a train from Beijing, and heading to Shanhaiguan, will bring you to where the wall meets the sea. The original structure has long since gone, but the area has been extensively renovated over the years. There are also many fortifications and parks which are within easy reach from the town, and the wall:
- First Pass under Heaven
- Shanhaiguan Fortifications
- Great Wall Museum
- Five Buddha Park
There is plenty to see at this end of the wall, and the normal train is only four hours to Beijing, or the express can do it in two, but you will need to book in advance.
Go for a Hike
For the adventurous people, why not go for a hike along the Great Wall? There are lots of parts of the wall which have been un-restored, so you will need to be careful where you are walking. A popular section of the wall to walk along is from Jinshanling to Simatai. The distance of this hike is around 10KM, but there is much changing in elevation, which can offer awesome views if you are willing to put the effort in. This is a great way to see the wall and take in the sheer splendour of it. Depending on your level of fitness, the walk can take anywhere from 2.5 hours, up to around 6 hours, so you not only get great views and some great pictures, you also get a great workout at the same time. What more could you want from a holiday? Get your package China tours now.