The Great Wall of China is a true wonder of the world and an absolute must-see for any visitor to this wonderful country. The combined sections snake a staggering 15,000 kilometers along the whole northern forties of the ancient Chinese kingdom, from the shores of the Bo Hai ( Bo Sea) on the east to the desert of Xinjiang.
Construction of the Great Wall first began in the seventh century BC, during an era known as the Spring and Autumn Warring States Period (770-465 BC). In 221 BC, after defeating other warring kingdoms, Qin Shihuang unified China for the first time under the Qin Dynasty. As the first emperor, he began his Great Wall project by linking separate wall sections already built by different kingdoms to ward off enemies. It took ten years to connect all the different sections. When it was finished, in 206 BC, the Great Wall was more than 5,000 kilometers long.
Subsequent dynasties added to and rebuilt sections to create the wall remains that we can see today. The sections to the north of Beijing were constructed, for the most part, under the relatively recent Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). In 1987 the Great Wall was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and preservation work on significant portions of the wall continue through today.Details for four key sections of the wall near Beijing area:
Badaling Great Wall    Location Map
Badaling is the best-preserved, most well-trodden section of the Great Wall, and it became a very important military strategic site during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. Its bricks have seen the footsteps of over 370 world leaders. Made of huge bar stones weighting hundreds of kilos each, the top is paved with bricks, making it easily traversable.
Nearly, the Great Wall Museum winds up the day nicely. Address: Yanqing Country
Time: 7:30 a.m - 5 p.m
Ticket: 45 yuan ( April 1- October 31)
Transport: take 919 from Deshengmen Long Distance Bus Station, 500 meters east of Jishuitan Subway Station. Buses depart every half hour from 5:50 a.m and return form Badaling until 6:30 p.m. the trip takes on-two hours.
Mutianyu Great Wall    Location Map
Rebuilt in 1560, Mutianyu is loved for its unusual fortifications. The Mutianyu Pass consists of three connected watchtowers, with a big one in the center and two on the sides
Address: Mutianyucun, Huairou District
Time: 7:30 a.m - 6 p.m
Ticket: 40 yuan
Transport: take 916 from Dongzhimen Long Distance Bus Station, 100 meters east of Dongzhimen Subway Station Exit D, then walk 150 meters to the left. Buses depart from 5:20 a.m and return until 6:30 p.m. the trip takes two-three hours.
Simatai Great Wall    Location Map
Unlike elsewhere, Simatai has received littler or no restoration, making it a favorite “authentic” Ming section to visit. Crumbling and in a state of disrepair, it looks as it should after 200 years of life. It lies on a very steep mountain, and it’s said that from its 986-m-high Watching-Beijing Tower, people can see the lights of Beijing at night and the White Dagoba in Beihai Park by day.
Though not an easy passage, those up for the challenge will reap the rewards. Taking a cable car is always an easy-on-the –feet alternative. Very close to the Jinshanling section.
Address: Vubeikouzhen, Miyun Country
Time: 8 a.m - 5 p.m
Ticket: 40 yuan
Transport: take 980 from Dongzhimen Long Distance Bus Station, 100 meters east of Dongzhimen Subway Station Exit D, then walk 150 meters to the left. Buses depart from 6 a.m and return until 7 p.m. The trip takes two ¨C three hours.
Juyongguan Great Wall    
About 20 km south of Badaling is the most recently restored section of the Wall, Juyongguan Pass.Less crowded, it was one of the three most important strategic passes along the Great Wall. As it is on the way to Badaling, it is convenient to visit both on the same trip.
Address: Nankouzhen, Changping District
Time: 8 a.m - 5 p.m
Ticket: 45 yuan
Transport: take 919 from Deshengmen Long Distance Bus Station, 500 meters east of Jishuitan Subway Station. Arrive Nankou Town Bus Stop and take a small bus to Juyongguan Great Wall. Buses depart from 5:50 a.m and return until 6:30 p.m. The trip takes two-three hours.
Jinshanling Great Wall: Named after the mountain on which it stands, this Ming wall is second only to Badaling in terms of preservation. However, it is far less crowded and great to explore, and boasts the greatest number of watch and beacon towers anywhere along the wall. At 700m, it provides some spectacular photo opportunities. Camping overnight here is legal
Address: Junction of Miyun County of Beijing and Chengde City of Hebei Province
Open time: 8 am – 5 pm
Ticket: RMB 30
Jiankou Great Wall: Connecting with the Mutianyu and Huanhuacheng sections, Jiankou is probably the most authentic and dangerous park of the Great Wall in Beijing. Sadly, this also means it’s the most endangered.
Built during the Ming Dynasty, it possesses some stunning hikes and photo opportunities, notably the wall’s highest point and the “Sky Stairs” which are almost (but not quite!) unclimbable.
Address: 28 km northwest of Huaiyou District, Beijing.
Open time: whole day
Ticket: RMB 10
Huanghuacheng Great Wall: Connected with Mutianyu, this section of the Wall by a reservoir is a hikers’ favorite, as it has never been restored. The Yaoziyu Fort is one of the best-preserved forts, covering 7,257 sq-m.
Address: Chengguan town, Huairou District, Beijing.
Open time: 8am-5pm (Winter); 7am-6pm (Summer)
Ticket: RMB 25; half price for students
Jiuyanlou Great Wall: Built in 1543, this section of the Wall is home to the largest watchtower, measuring 7.8 m high and 13 m wide. Nicknamed by the locals “nine holes tower”, it contains the greatest number of crenels of any tower along the entire Great Wall…nine.
Address: 1 km southeast of Shiyao Village, Sihai town, southeast of the county proper of Yanqing District, Beijing.
Open time: whole day
Ticket: RMB 20; half price for students

Location Map