I have gone to the Great Wall numerous of times. It really depends WHEN you go there. I've heard rumors about China having construction in many sites like the Forbidden City since it's so close to Olympics right now. The Great Wall of China is truly an amazing site to see. I still remember my first experience when I went... more

Traveling in Beijing in October is perfect weather. No polution. We arrived at the Great Wall - Badaling Gate on a clear day with limited crowds. The tour guide books don't tell you about the crowds or the marketers. Everywhere you go in Beijing you are met by people selling their wares. On the Great Wall you have to pick... more

I visited the Great Wall at Badaling in December of 2007. It was mid-week. The parking lot was jam-packed with all manner of tour-bus, van and taxi. No matter what day you trek to Badaling, expect to share your experience with hundreds (if not thousands) of other like-minded folk. Personally, the crowds didn't bother me (I was too enraptured by... more

I had the chance to go to Badaling and take my Great Wall picture which I treasure, but I did not enjoy the trip. Too crowded. I went in a Sunday -Folks, NEVER go in a Sunday and less by yourselves- and it took me nearly one hour in line to go up and one and a half to go... more

Just seeing the wall is truly humbling. Be prepared for it to be cold and take warmer clothes, but if you don't, you can RENT jackets and hats at the base of the hill. We did just that but once we got up to the wall, it was plenty warm. HOWEVER, if we had not taken them and it was... more

I thought the Great Wall was the highlight of our China trip. We went in mid-May and the weather was great. We were debating whether to go to Badaling or Mutinyu and we are so happy we went to Badaling. There were a lot of people but the wall is so long that people are spread out. In some parts,... more

It sounds so cliched, but the Great Wall really was the experience of a lifetime. The Chinese tourists were out in force on the 4 towers section of the wall - so crowded - but going up the steeper, less famous side it was considerably less crowded. A cool breeze blows and you are surrounded by beautiful Chinese scenery- and... more

Great Wall at Badaling is where most tourists would begin their climb. It is about 45 minutes drive from Beijing itself. I went in June, and the weather was perfect...though the sun shone rather brightly (I won't forget sunscreen next time), the wind was breezy and cool. It was a tiring climb indeed...after 1 hour of climbing, I decided I... more

I am currently a volunteer from England teaching English for three months at a middle school in Yanqing. I visited The Great Wall at Badaling with some friends and teachers on Saturday 7 Oct 2006. It was about 5pm when we arrived at the wall and as the day was turning cooler and the sun began to set, there were... more