We loved this private trip we took along with the Ming Tombs. There is no crowd when we got there and very few vendors at the top so we got to enjoy the nice view and can get a sense of how magnificent the Wall was seeing them stretch all the way until we lost sights of it. We took... More

Easy access with the cable car and not too crowded.

Not too crowded. Impressive and awesome - the idea of building this wall on the crest of a mountain chain without machines is mind boggling.

May 1, Internat'l Workers Day, was not the best time to visit--very crowded. Thank heavens for the gondola up to the top. Again so many people one could hardly get a phot shot!

What an experience seeing this small section of one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. You only have to stand there and think about it's immensity, stretching all the way across China (once upon a time. Much of it has now been used as building materials), made entirely with manual labor, over some incredibly difficult terrain. And it... More

Avoid the peddlars, bring dollars if you want to purchase anything of values (sweatshirts, stuffed pandas etc). Bring water, it stops people trying to sell it to you. Take the cable car up to the wall and take the slide down. It's worth the wait!

Likely that if you visit the Wall, you will be taken to Mutianyu for a first visit; the wall can be accessed by cable- car which is only about 10 dollars. It's great exercise, and a terrific feeling if you can make it up to the top; lots of locals, including pensioners, are hobbling up, and there is a real... More

Like others wanted to avoid the crowds and also did not want to take a tour. Took a 916 bus from Dongzhimen bus station in Beijing(2 RMB from my hotel by metro on Line 2) which took about an hour each way (ask if it is an Express) and cost 12 RMB. Got out at Huairou and negotiated a taxi... More

On my last day in Beijing I decided together with my colleagues to do the mission impossible which is visiting tienmen square and the forbidden city then in the after noon the great wall not at badaling but the more scenic matianyu and on the way to do this we made visits to the silk market and dr tea and... More