My Remarkable One Day Tour in Changping Great Wall
Introduction to the Great Wall specifically for Hiking Enthusiasts
Iconic landmarks such as the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Summer Palace are likely to come to mind when one considers Beijing. However, Beijing's culinary scene is equally captivating. The city is renowned for its unique and diverse culinary traditions, which include the succulent Peking duck and flavorful zhajiangmian, as well as the lamb hotpot, douzhi, and chaogan.
For hikers, Beijing offers an unmatched gem, though: the Great Wall This old wonder is not only evidence of historical resiliency but also a huge playground for those who are nervous to explore its several parts. Whether you are negotiating the less-traveled pathways of Jiankou or climbing the rocky terrain of Mutianyu, the Great Wall presents a wealth of chances for spectacular hikes.
The Great Wall's history is as expansive as its structure. Originating in the Spring and Autumn period, various states constructed segments to defend their territories. Following Qin Shi Huang's unification of China, massive buildings started to establish the groundwork for what is now the Great Wall. Rising over 6,000 kilometers from the Yalu River in the east to Jiayuguan in the west, the wall was a strong barrier against northern incursions.
These days, the name "Great Wall" mostly refers to the defenses of the Ming Dynasty. Mostly located in the districts of Miyun, Huairou, Yanqing, Changping, and Pinggu under Beijing's authority, parts of the Ming Great Wall are Every district provides a different window through the architectural variety of the wall:
- Miyun District: Renowned for its robust walls, watchtowers, and fortresses, Miyun stands out as Beijing’s premier region for Great Wall enthusiasts.
- Huairou District: Central to the Great Wall’s northern stretch, Huairou is celebrated for its steep and majestic sections, epitomizing defensive strength.
- Changping District: Characterized by the "215" formula—two sections of the Beiqi Great Wall, one Ming Great Wall, and five fortresses—Changping is a hiker’s paradise.
- Yanqing District: Home to the famous Badaling and Jiuyanlou sections, Yanqing attracts countless visitors each year.
- Pinggu District: While much of Pinggu’s Great Wall has succumbed to time, its historical significance remains palpable.
Among the myriad checkpoints, notable spots include:
- Juyongguan Great Wall: A springtime favorite for photographers, especially near the S1 railway.
- Mutianyu Great Wall: A well-preserved segment offering scenic vistas.
- Lianhuatan-Shuiguan Great Wall: Known for its picturesque landscapes.
- Shixiaogu Great Wall: Features the distinctive "U" bends at Ruohecheng.
- Panlong Mountain-Jinshanling Great Wall: Ideal for sunset views.
- Linlong Mountain-Zhuangdaokou Great Wall: Offers panoramic overlooks of the water sections.
- Huanglouwa-Changyu Great Wall: A culinary delight with local pig trotters.
- Xiangshuilake-Jiuyanlou Great Wall: Combines natural beauty with historical intrigue.
- Five Towers: Dubbed the "Thousand-Island Lake of Beijing Suburbs."
- Shuichang Great Wall: A gem nestled between verdant hills and waters.
- Longquanyu-Shuichuan Village Great Wall: A serene escape for hikers.
- Jiankou Great Wall: A challenging yet rewarding trek.
- Simatai Great Wall: Renowned for its rugged beauty.
My Itinerary to Changping Great Wall
Without conquering the Great Wall, a journey to Beijing is incomplete; among its several portions, the Changping Great Wall is one of the must-see sites. Having visited Changping many times for work, I discovered it was a perfect weekend hiking destination because of its proximity to the famous Badaling Great Wall.
Planning a Visit before you visit changping great wall
- Tickets: Entrance fees are approximately 40 RMB per person. It’s advisable to book your tickets online at least seven days in advance to secure your spot.
- Transportation: I opted for Didi (a popular ride-sharing service). The fare was around 60 RMB, but the driver took a longer route, exiting the highway prematurely and returning to the Qinglongqiao entrance, resulting in a total cost of over 130 RMB. Navigating the area can be tricky, so plan accordingly.
My Hiking Experience in changping great wall
Contrary to expectations, climbing the Changping Great Wall isn’t as arduous as anticipated. Unless you’re an elderly individual with mobility issues or a young child unable to handle the terrain, the hike is manageable and immensely rewarding. I ascended from North 1st Floor to North 11th Floor, effectively covering the entire northern section of the Great Wall in about three hours. For those looking to complete only a portion, a 1-2 hour hike is sufficient.
Hiking Route
Starting Point: Black Dragon Pool
From the Black Dragon Pool, transfer to a free shuttle bus. Disembark at the first stop and walk approximately five minutes to pass through security, where you’ll spot the “Badaling Stone.”
South 1st Floor
Just a minute to the left of the entrance lies South 1st Floor. Without ascending further, you can admire the "Great Wall Is Not for the Weak" monument. A brief photo op here is doable for those without endurance; nevertheless, I advise pushing to at least North 4th Floor for a rewarding experience.
North 1st Floor to North 4th Floor
After capturing the monument, begin your ascent from North 1st Floor. The hike to North 4th Floor takes about 30-45 minutes with mild inclines, making it an enjoyable trek. Each floor from North 1st to North 4th has designated descent paths, with North 4th Floor offering a cable car ride down via a thrilling zip line.
North 5th Floor to North 8th Floor
By the time you reach North 8th Floor, you have the option to take the cable car back, ideal for those with elderly companions or young children. Alternatively, you can opt for the walking descent.
North 9th Floor to North 11th Floor
This segment is more challenging, featuring four near-vertical staircases and steep slopes requiring handrails for support. The effort is well worth the panoramic views from the higher floors.
Descent: North 11th Floor to Black Bear Park and Bus Terminal 879
Descending from the North 11th Floor leads you directly to Black Bear Park, where a bustling commercial street offers a variety of souvenirs and snacks. From here, follow the downhill path to the junction, where you can either walk an additional 600 meters to the entrance or proceed 100 meters to reach bus stops 877 and 879.
Tips for a Smooth Hike
- Preparation: Wear comfortable hiking shoes and carry water and snacks.
- Weather: Check the forecast and dress in layers to allow temperature fluctuations.
- Timing: Start early to escape throngs and savor the calm morning scene.
- Safety: Follow local advice and keep on designated routes to protect the Changping's integrity.
Embarking on a journey to the Changping Great Wall is not just a hike; it’s an immersion into China’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a curious traveler, I believe that the Changping Great Wall promises you an unforgettable adventure.
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