How I climbed The Great Wall | Beijing
Ok I had this saved up for some time and since I received a lot of question on how I did the Great Wall so here it is. 🤭
Btw, The Great Wall of China is really not for the weak! This is one of most taxing activity I’ve ever done for a holiday. I had really bad aches the following day! So consider this your warning before you book yours!! 😂
So how did I made my way there?
I booked a day trip out to the Great Wall via Klook.
Theres are 2 sides of the Great Wall that you can visit (covered by Klook)
1️⃣ 八达岭长城 / Ba Da Ling
2️⃣ 慕田峪长城 / Mu Tian Yu
I choose the latter, because I wanted a lesser crowd. Badaling is known to be more popular spot but I heard it’s also relatively easier to climb.
The package from Klook cost about $60+/pax and i chose the one that includes the following:
✅ Hotel pickup
✅ Lunch
✅ Lift-chair up
✅ Toboggan Slide down
✅ Drop off
‼️ If you choose the above like mine, you are doing East line entrance!! Cable car is at West line entrance!
‼️If you intend to cover the 英雄台 (hero tower) it’s at tower 20. (West line entrance) The Cable Car is at tower 14, so be prepared to climb through 5 towers in order to reach it. Which is a little tricky given the time allocated by the day tour.
I top up my package during the tour because I wanted to attempt the hero tower, but sadly I went the wrong direction and I was too exhausted to do it 🙃😭
Pick up was also awfully early at 7am. Please ensure you have your breakfast first because there isn’t any stops for you to get a bite. I survived the climb without breakfast but a bar of chocolate. 😂
Conclusion?
Do this when you still have to energy to move! The scenery is worth it as well. It’s an experience ✨
#china #beijing #greatwallofchina #beijingtravel #chinatravel
Climbing the Great Wall of China, especially at Mutianyu, is truly a memorable adventure but one that requires good preparation. From my experience, choosing Mutianyu over the more popular Badaling section gave me the chance to enjoy a less crowded and more scenic trek. The Mutianyu area is famous for its well-preserved watchtowers and stunning views, and unlike Badaling, it offers a slightly more challenging climb that’s very rewarding. I highly recommend booking a tour that includes hotel pickup and lunch, as having a full day arranged helps focus on enjoying the experience without worrying about logistics. It’s also worth considering a package that offers a lift or chairlift to get you partway up and a toboggan slide down — both save energy and add fun to your visit. However, even with these options, the walk involves a lot of steep steps, so wearing comfortable shoes and stretching beforehand really helps. One practical tip is to make sure you have a good breakfast before your early morning pickup since stops for food during the trip can be limited. I learned this the hard way when I only had a chocolate bar to fuel the climb. Bringing water and some snacks is advisable, too. If you plan to visit the Hero Tower (英雄台) located at tower 20 on the West line entrance, be prepared for additional climbing through multiple towers. The cable car access near tower 14 can help, but fitting this into a day tour can be tight. Assess your fitness level honestly before adding this to your itinerary. Lastly, take your time and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The Great Wall isn’t just a climb — it’s an immersive journey into China’s history and remarkable architecture. The aches afterward are a small price for such a unique cultural and physical experience. You’ll bring back incredible memories and maybe a few epic photos too!
