Dear All,
We continued our trip in the capital of China - Beijing.
History
Its name, ๅไบฌ (Bฤijฤซng), means โNorthern Capital,โ chosen to distinguish it from Nanjing, or โSouthern Capital.โ Once the capital of the Yan state during the Warring States Period, it became an imperial hub under the Jin (1115โ1234) and Yuan (1271โ1368) dynasties. The Ming dynasty (1368โ1644) established it as Chinaโs enduring capital, constructing landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. After a brief decline, it regained its status when the Peopleโs Republic of China was founded in 1949.
How to get here
If you arriving from abroad or further parts of China, there are 2 airports to choose.
Also there is a great train connection of fast trains from multiple Chinese cities. We took a high-speed train from Suzhou.
โWhere to stay
The best location would be close to Forbidden city. We stayed in the traditional 5* hotel - but it was not worth its money for the value.
Must-visit places
Forbidden city
Tiananmen Square and Rostrum
Tiananmen Square, in central Beijing, is one of the worldโs largest public squares and a symbol of Chinaโs history and culture. Built in 1651, it was expanded under the Peopleโs Republic of China. The square is home to significant landmarks, including the Monument to the Peopleโs Heroes and Mao Zedongโs Mausoleum. Known for its role in major events, itโs where the founding of the Peopleโs Republic was declared in 1949 and where the 1989 pro-democracy protests took place, making it both a place of national pride and somber remembrance.
Sommer palace
Temple of heaven
Lama temple
Hutons
Other must-do activities
Beijing Opera
Calligraphy
Where to eat
1-day trip from Beijing
Mitianyu Great Wall of China
No way we would miss Great Wall of China ๐จ๐ณ. Also we wanted to see the Wall without tourists and we managed it.
The secret is easy - we just arrived directly to the opening hours (7:30 am, October), on the working day. There were only us and one French family.
History
The Great Wall of China began as separate walls built for defense and were later connected. Later dynasties, especially the Ming, expanded and fortified the Wall to protect against northern invasions. It spans for 22k kilometres.
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall was first built during the Northern Qi Dynasty (550โ577 CE). It was later reconstructed and fortified during the Ming Dynasty (1368โ1644 CE), particularly in 1569, to strengthen defense against Mongol invasions.
How to get here
We took Didi to get here (it was around 20-30 Euro one way from Beijing city centre.
Of course there are cheaper versions as getting shuttle or bus. However, you will then arrive with multiple tourists.
How to choose the section to go
These are several sections of the Great Wall of China, each with unique features. Choosing which one to visit depends on the time you have and your preferences. Hereโs our shortlist of sections weโve been considering from Beijing:
1. Badaling: 1โ1.5 hours by car/train; most tourist-friendly and restored. The easiest to get, but the most crowded.
2. Mutianyu: 1.5โ2 hours by car; scenic with watchtowers and funny time. We chose this section as it is less touristic compared to Badaling and still easy to reach. Also it has cable car and toboggan run.
3. Jinshanling: 2โ3 hours by car; quieter, more steep, Great for hiking. If you want to visit wilder section - this one would be perfect as it is less reconstructed.
4. Simatai: 2โ3 hours by car; steep, authentic, night tours available. The most expensive.
5. Shanhaiguan: 3โ3.5 hours by train and then 1 hour by car - where the wall meets the sea.
All these sections are mainly reconstructed and adapted for tourists. We have not considered completely wild sections.
The home for unique & authentic travel
