Unveiling China

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications built across several Chinese provinces, spanning over 21,000 kilometers with sections dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period.

Notable Destinations

Some notable destinations include:

• Yongtai Turtle City: A well-preserved walled city in Gansu province.

• Mutianyu and Jiankou: Two contiguous sections of the Great Wall near Beijing, known as the “tourist wall” and the “wild wall” respectively.

Unique Features

The piled-stone wall at Dushikou is unique, constructed during the reign of Emperor Jiajing (1507-1567) and standing seven meters tall in some spots. The juxtaposition of its ruins against the rammed-earth Great Wall makes Bataizi a unique place to spend a morning or afternoon.

Accessing the Great Wall

Renting a car or booking private transport is recommended, as public transportation can take up to five hours to reach Xizhazi village, where Jiankou is located. Laoniuwan village, where the Great Wall meets the Yellow River, is difficult to get to by public transportation and it’s recommended to rent or book a car to take you from Datong.

Must-Visit Locations

Laoniuwan Fortress was built in 1467, while the Wanghe Tower (literally meaning river-watching tower) was constructed in 1544. A boat ride along the Yellow River Gorge is highly recommended. The Fairy Tower at Simatai is a sight to behold, but it’s difficult to access due to its remote location.

Practical Information

Pianguan city has an airport opening later this year and Shuozhou has an airport that will be opening soon. The nearest train station or airport to Laoniuwan village is not available, and the only option is to arrive by bus.

Overview

Notable Destinations

Yongtai Turtle City

A well-preserved walled city in Gansu province, known for its breathtaking views and glimpse into China’s rich history.

Mutianyu and Jiankou

Two contiguous sections of the Great Wall near Beijing, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the Ming Dynasty’s construction efforts. Mutianyu is the more commercialized section, while Jiankou is colloquially known as the “wild wall” with limited ticketing and safety concerns.

Other Notable Sections

Bataizi

A small village just inside the Motianling section of the Great Wall, home to the ruins of a Gothic church built in 1876 under German missionary direction. The juxtaposition of its ruins against the rammed-earth Great Wall makes Bataizi a unique place to visit.

Laoniuwan

Where the Great Wall meets the Yellow River, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into ancient architecture. A boat ride along the river is highly recommended for a natural beauty experience.

Getting There

• Laoniuwan: Difficult to get to by public transportation; renting or booking a car is recommended.

• Bataizi and Datong: Can be accessed via public transportation, but renting a car for the day is highly recommended to see both locations in one trip.

• Mutianyu and Jiankou: Less than a 90-minute drive from downtown Beijing, with options for cable cars and hiking.

Tips

• Late summer or early fall is an ideal time to visit Laoniuwan and Bataizi for comfortable temperatures and minimal crowds.

• Avoid the potentially dangerous mountain roads during spring rainstorms or cold winter months when visiting Laoniuwan.

• Take a boat ride along the Yellow River Gorge in Laoniuwan for a unique experience.

• Consider spending a night in the countryside near Mutianyu and Jiankou to fully appreciate the natural beauty of these areas.