Start your visit to the Great Wall of China 60 kilometers northwest of Beijing at the Juyong Guan section. Walk through the Cloud Terrace's semi-hexagonal archway to read the Buddhist inscriptions and carvings on the walls. This area has a unique history, as numerous invaders passed through this section of the wall.
Continue 70 kilometers northwest of Beijing to the Badaling sector. An older section of the original wall was replaced during the Ming Dynasty in 1571; this section is considered one of the best preserved parts of the Great Wall of China. Stretching about five kilometers, the wall reaches eight to 10 meters high. Many shops are available for tourists, and a short film is available in the amphitheater. Stop by the museum, which displays photos of famous visitors to this section of the Great Wall.
Ride the cable car to reach Mutianyu and enjoy the views from the top. Almost 80 kilometers northeast of Beijing, Mutianyu has 22 towers. It also features crenellation, which are rectangular spaces cut out of the top of the wall and used for shooting at enemies. This feature is often seen on medieval castles in Europe.
Travel farther out to reach Simatai, 140 kilometers northeast of Beijing. Simatai is one of the least restored areas of the Great Wall of China. The capital city can be seen from the Wangjinglou, a 1000-meter-high tower reached by climbing the "Stairway to Heaven" in which you must crawl on all fours and then cross a narrow "Sky Bridge" over a deep abyss to reach "Fairy Tower." The dangerous trip is worth it because it will enable you to view clouds below the tower. You will feel as if you're floating in the heavens. Cross a small reservoir to reach the Jinshanling section of the wall, right next to Simatai.
Bring your hiking gear to Huanghuacheng, 100 kilometers north of Beijing, and a popular destination for hikers. Be careful because parts of the wall may crumble under your feet. If you're more interested in history, go to the Gubeikou section of the Great Wall of China - the scene of many battles and home of a temple to Yang Ye, a famous Song Dynasty general.
Brave the Jiankou section during the winter and you'll see white rocks under white snow, perched on dangerous cliffs. While perilous, many adventurous types find this a popular destination.
