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Although the city itself is already rich in sights and attractions, Beijing’s surroundings too, hold a few treasures which can rival even the Forbidden City and make it well worth to venture out.
Described by poets and politicians, the Great Wall is probably the most famous destination for daytrips out of Beijing. The historical monument, which winds itself like a dragon over the hills to Beijing’s North, is truly worth a visit and will impress travellers from China and abroad alike. There are several sites from where to see this majestic relic of the country’s great past – however, contrary to common belief, the moon is not one of them. In any case, locations like Badaling, Mutianyu or Simatai are much closer and offer something for almost any taste, at much less effort and cost.
Badaling is the closest and most visited part of the Great Wall. It offers the picture opportunities most travellers expect – as well as large crowds and masses of souvenir stands.
The section at Mutianyu is slightly less touristy and at times – for example in winter – actually offers the chance to explore the restored wall with its Ming watchtowers (almost) alone. Fun loving visitors may want to take the toboggan ride down from the wall instead of the cable car or walking.
Simatai is the furthest and wildest of the three sections described here. Its partly very steep inclines make for dramatic pictures, but require good shoe-work and, at times, free hands to climb.
Tours to the Great Wall are offered by countless organizers and travel agencies, as well as by most of the larger hotels. Cycling and hiking trips to/around the Great Wall are available, as are tours that allow outdoor fans to sleep on the wall. Alternative ways to get there are busses or privately hired drivers, the prices of whom depend on one’s negotiation skills.
Often combined with the Great Wall is a visit to the Ming Tombs. This Chinese “city of the dead” is the resting place of the majority of Ming emperors who, having ruled China from 1368 to 1644, still impress through their extended, park-like funerary complexes.
Being the political and cultural capital and an economically dynamic city, Beijing can boast of excellent plane, train and bus connections. These make it easy to reach almost any point in China, allowing for trips of variable length and the personal discovery of the rest of this diverse and fascinating country.
Great Wall (Badaling)
Hours of Opening
06:30-19:00 (summer)
07:00-18:00 (winter)
Prices
adults: 45 RMB (Apr. 1 to Oct.31); 40 RMB (Nov.1 to Mar.31)
Link: TravelChinaGuide.com – Badaling Great Wall...
Great Wall (Mutianyu)
Hours of Opening
08:00-16:00
Prices
adults: 40 RMB
cable car: 35 RMB (single); 50 RMB (round trip)
toboggan ride: 55 RMB
Link: TravelChinaGuide.com – Mutianyu Great Wall...
Great Wall (Simatai)
Prices
adults: 40 RMB
cable car: 30 RMB (single); 50 RMB (round trip)
express train to peak: 20 RMB (single); 30 RMB (round trip)
Link: TravelChinaGuide.com – Simatai Great Wall...
Ming Tombs
Hours of Opening
Changling Tomb: 08:30 to 17:30
Dingling Tomb: 08:30 to 18:00
Prices
Changling Tomb: 30 RMB (Nov.1 to Mar. 31); 45 RMB (Apr. 1 to Oct. 31)
Dingling Tomb: 40 RMB (Nov.1 to Mar. 31); 60 RMB (Apr. 1 to Oct. 31)
Link: TravelChinaGuide.com – Ming Tombs)