No matter what your reason for visiting China, the Great Wall is simply a must-see sight during your stay. The Great Wall is truly a wonder of mankind’s ability to create, as well as his sheer determination to build. The wall measures around 5,500 miles long (8,850 km), taking many centuries to build, and being added onto by multiple dynasties throughout the past. To walk along the Great Wall is to walk upon history, something you can’t afford to pass up.

The Wall is accessed easily from Beijing, so if you intend to make the Great Wall a large part of your visit to China, finding accommodations in the city will greatly benefit you as you can easily create several day trips from Beijing to the Great Wall. There are multiple ways of getting there as well, from hopping on a tour bus to hiring your own method of transport. The most popular tourist spot is the Badaling Section, which has been open to tourists since 1957 and also happens to be the closest part of the wall to Beijing.

But you don’t have to go where everyone else decides to flock! The Great Wall is huge, and there are a number of locations you can check out that are much clearer when it comes to tourists. Indeed, a serious travel to the Great Wall almost demands you visit multiple areas to better enhance your travels as well as increase your appreciation for this magnificent structure. Just some of the places you can visit are Gubeikou, Baimaguan Pass, Beishicheng, Mutianyu, Jiankou, Hugnhuacheng, Juyongguan Pass, and more.

Hiking along the Wall has always been a favorite pastime of travelers, and what better way to get a feel for the way it rolls and crosses over the landscape for miles and miles? You’ll be offered fantastic views as you top the peaks where old sentry towers were once active with soldiers from days long gone. You can gaze out over the amazing scenery that China has to offer, as well as the cityscapes like Beijing. Keep in mind that some hiking will be more difficult than others; the Badaling Section is the easiest, the Mutianyu Section is moderate, and hiking from Jinshanling to Simitai is the most difficult.

Bring your camera and choose what part of the Great Wall you want to visit. Do what you can to prepare yourself, because it’s enough to take a person’s breath away.