Jiuyanlou is the largest watchtower on the Great Wall and boasts the most arrow slits—nine on each of its four sides, totaling 36. It is hailed as the “First Watchtower of the Great Wall.” This article provides a detailed overview of its location at the junction of the Inner and…

 Jiankou is Beijing’s most treacherous section of the Wild Great Wall. It’s three notorious “gates of death ” —the “Heavenly Ladder,” “Eagle’s Flight,” and “Beijing Knot”— have left countless hikers trembling. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the Zhengbeilou Viewing Platform, the story behind its archaeological-style restoration, essential gear,…

The Huanghuashui Great Wall is Beijing’s only natural wonder where the Great Wall meets the water. This article details the “Three Spectacular Views” (the Great Wall entering the water, the Ming Dynasty chestnut orchard, and Haoming Lake), offers leisure activities such as boat tours, camping, and family hikes, and includes…

The Jinshanling Great Wall, rebuilt under the supervision of Qi Jiguang, features the “Three Architectural Wonders”—inscription bricks, parapets, and horse-stopping walls—making it a favorite section of the Great Wall among photographers.  This article provides a detailed guide to the three iconic photo spots, hiking routes, transportation tips to avoid pitfalls,…

Simatai is the only section of the Great Wall that retains its original Ming Dynasty appearance, and it is also the only Great Wall site in the country open for night tours. This article provides a detailed explanation of the history behind the “ inscribed bricks,” the Heavenly Ladder, Fairy…

Juyongguan is the “command center” of Beijing’s Great Wall defense line and the largest pass in the country. This article provides a detailed guide to the Yuan Dynasty Yuntai National Treasure, the tactics of the barbican, hiking routes along the East and West Loops, and the filming location for “Train…

> Beijing’s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, it once served as the “home” of Emperors Yongzheng and Qianlong. With its yellow tiles and red walls, it’s even more majestic than the Forbidden City. Direct access via Subway Lines 2 and 5; admission is 25 yuan (about $3.50). The site features an…

The Mutianyu Great Wall is the most scenic and versatile section of the Great Wall in Beijing. This article provides a detailed overview of its history, architectural wonders (the Main Watchtower and double-sided crenellations), options for cable cars, ropeways, and toboggans, the best hiking routes, prime photography spots, and tips…

“He who has not been to the Great Wall is not a true hero.”— —This line from Mao Zedong’s poem has almost become the inner monologue of every traveler to China. My foreign friends often tell me excitedly that climbing the Great Wall is the number one item on their…