Premium account Joined: Jan 08 Points: 55907 Posts: 118
Posted: 2009-03-18 22:13:00  
Hi there!
I was just wondering if anyone could recommend a few nice places to see the Great Wall. I would like to go for a hike on the wall and take some nice pictures, panoramic with great stretches of the wall, weaving like a dragon on the hills...
Thanks.
Krys
--- Exaggeration is a truth that has lost its temper... Travel! You will see the world and discover who you are.
Premium account Joined: Aug 04 Points: 42126 Posts: 188
Posted: 2009-03-18 23:43:00  
Krys,
When I went to China I went to the Balding Pass, which is the closest section of the wall to Beijing, but I found this part heavily populated with tourists and the wall has been restored and looked a little too modern.
In contrast I was encouraged to go to Simatai where the wall is crumbling and has a lot of character. I think Ralph went to this area as well.
Juyongguan Great Wall, Huangyuguan Great Wall-Yellow Cliff Great Wall, Great Wall, Simatai, Great Wall Jinshanling, Great Wall at Mutianyu ate some popular sections to see.
Adviser travel.justluxe
Badaling is nice, but very touristy I found (I went this fall, but haven't uploaded the pics yet). If that's your thing, then fine, but based on your post, I suggest Simitai.
It's off the beaten path (it takes two hours to get there) and is totally worth it IMHO. I've some of my links to give you a better idea.
Premium account Joined: Jan 08 Points: 55907 Posts: 118
Posted: 2009-03-19 13:35:00  
Thank you all for your responses. I am planning to be in Beijing for a few days during which I would like to incorporate the visit to the Great Wall. I was planning to make two trips, perhaps. One to the restored sections and perhaps frequently visited; and the other to a more remote sections of the wall... I thought I would need to come back to the capital for the night between the two trips (as it is easier to organise trips from there), but I guess it would make sense to stay closer to the wall - any suggestions?
--- Exaggeration is a truth that has lost its temper... Travel! You will see the world and discover who you are.
The famous Great Wall sections include the Badaling, Huanghuacheng, Mutianyu, Jiankou, Gubeikou, Jinshanling and Simatai sections. You may want to avoid the peak seasons or visit the Mutianyu Great Wall instead. It is even more beautiful and has fewer tourists. If you are nostalgic for old times, the Simatai and Gubeikou sections should be on your itinerary.