By David Thyberg
Activities at the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is the longest man-made structure on the planet, stretching for roughly 4,000 miles from Liaoning Province all the way to Jiayuguan in the Gobi Desert. This architectural wonder, originally constructed around 2,000 years ago, is a symbol of the Chinese nation, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Separate sections of the ramparts were connected by various rulers over the centuries. Today, each section of the Great Wall offers something unique for visitors.
Badaling Section
Badaling is the most visited section of the Great Wall of China. Located 44 miles northwest of Beijing, Badaling is one of the best preserved parts of the Great Wall. Beautiful scenery and ancient architecture clash with numerous souvenir stalls and hordes of tourists. Admission to this area costs 45 yuan as of 2009. The Badaling section is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the summer and 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the winter. The admission fee also covers entrance to the on-site museum, and visitors can watch a 15-minute film about the Great Wall in the 360-degree panoramic Circle Vision Theater. Walking tours are available here, with a large number of state-employed and independent guides on site.
Mutianyu Section
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is 55 miles northeast of Beijing. This area is known for its exemplary construction, which dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Mutianyu is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the entrance fee is 35 yuan. Hike up to the massive guard towers or take the cable car if you are in the mood for a scenic ride. A round-trip cable car ride costs 50 yuan. While popular, this section of the wall is slightly less touristy than Badaling, making for a more relaxed environment.
Simatai Section
The Simatai section of the Great Wall is the most rugged area accessible to visitors. Simatai is 70 miles northeast of Beijing. This section of the Great Wall features incredibly steep cliffs and sheer drops down the face of the mountain on which it was constructed. The Ming Dynasty masonry is aging, and the crumbling battlements stand in stark contrast to the renovated walls at Badaling. A trek along the 12-mile Simatai section of the wall is both treacherous and exhilarating. If you're comfortable with strenuous hiking, you can visit 12 of the 16 watchtowers located at intervals along the precarious ramparts. The walls supporting the final four towers are too dangerous to climb. Admission costs 30 yuan and the area is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
If you are looking for an extreme adventure, try paragliding at Simatai. The distance from the take-off point on the Wall to the landing zone below is nearly 1,000 feet. Paragliding companies in Beijing will facilitate the activity for you; for example, Flying Man School has expert instructors who will teach you to fly solo or prepare you for a tandem flight. Transportation to the Great Wall and back is included in package deals that allow you to learn how to paraglide before soaring over Simatai. The breathtaking views and adrenaline rush make this a fun and unique activity at the Great Wall of China.
Flying Man School
www.flying-man.com
hoefu@hotmail.com (Alex Hofer, Head Instructor)
About the Author:
David Thyberg began his writing career in 2007. He is a professional writer, editor and translator. Thyberg has been published in various newspapers, websites and magazines. He enjoys writing about social issues, travel, music and sports. Thyberg holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh Honors College with a certificate in Spanish and Latin American studies.
Photo Credits:
http://www.sxc.hu/photo/500182
