The Great Wall of China

As a daytrip from Beijing

North of Beijing, an area known as Jinshanling has, perhaps, the most dramatic and beautiful section of the Great Wall. In a time when certain sections close to the capital have been turned into reconstructed 'theme parks' Jinshanling and nearby Simatai remain in their original state, clinging to the ridges of the ancient Chinese-Mongolian border.

Although this part of the wall is further away from Beijing than other areas, experiencing Jinshanling will allow you to get away from the crowds, and if you time it right you can experience the leaves turning red in Autumn. Expect a round trip from Beijing of around eight to nine hours – but the long day is well worth it.

The Southern Great Wall

For a totally different glimpse of this iconic site there is the Southern Great Wall, an addition to the Northern section made in the Ming Dynasty that is little visited by Westerners and which offers some spectacular views close to some charming, unspoilt villages.

Along the Silk Route

The Great Wall also stretches west along the Chinese Silk Route, ending in the Gobi desert close to Dunhuang so a trip along this ancient trading route can be interspersed with recurring encounters with the Wall.

Hebai province

Another option is to see The Great Wall where it meets the sea, in Hebai province, though this spot does get busy with domestic tourists.