Ethan
July 18, 2025
I had been dreaming about visiting the Great Wall of China for a long time, so when I planned my Beijing day trip, I made sure to do thorough research. The Great Wall is such an iconic landmark, and I wanted to enjoy it fully without any unwelcome surprises. One thing I quickly learned was to secure Great Wall Beijing tickets in advance. These cost 40 RMB for adults, but if you’re under 18 or over 60, you’re in luck—entry is free. I found it super convenient to purchase tickets through a small official app beforehand, avoiding long queues at the entrance.
Starting early from Beijing North Station, we took the train, which was an easy and scenic journey. You can also opt for a taxi or bus if that fits your schedule better. Just make sure you’re ready for some wonderful history and a bit of physical challenge ahead.
Before embarking, I packed essentials like snacks, water, and my ID (which you need for ticket verification). I’d read from other travelers that buying snacks beneath the Wall was cheaper, so I kept some cash handy for that—turned out to be very practical!
Out of all the sections of the Great Wall near Beijing, I picked the Eight Ridge section. It’s known to be a bit less crowded, but the staircases here are famously steep. One user on Xiaohongshu warned that “这里的很多阶梯非常陡峭，腿脚不便的老人不建议徒步上下，非常辛苦。” That really helped me decide on my approach.
We planned to take the cable car up and walk down, which made the hike challenging but manageable. The cable car prices are the same for all ages, and a single ride costs a bit more, but it’s worth it to skip the steep ascent. At about halfway through our exploration, we found ourselves at the 7th and 8th floors on the North section of the Wall, where the view was breathtaking, but the climb was no joke. It’s the perfect spot for those seeking both an adventure and a genuine connection to history.
For those interested in an extended experience, you might consider walking from this section to others—though it’s important to balance your energy and pacing, especially if you’re with older family members or less steady hikers. The Beijing Great Wall day trip guide on Chinawink offers great advice for tailoring your visit.
Riding the Beijing Great Wall cable car was a thrill. As the cable car ascended, I was treated to expansive views of lush mountains folded under the ancient stones. The fresh air mixed with the scent of pine and the distant calls of hikers gave me a deep sense of connection to this historic landmark.
Walking down was a different kind of experience altogether. The steps were tough underfoot and reminded me of the Wall’s original defensive purpose — rugged and built for resilience. I felt a real sense of challenge as well as authenticity from the trail. But I also realized how important it was for those with mobility issues to consider alternative routes or just enjoy the cable car both ways. Some parts were so steep it felt unsafe for elders to attempt walking down, confirming my earlier research.
The path wound past watchtowers and stunning crenellations, where other visitors happily stopped to rest and take photos. I also learned a vital piece of advice: visit the restroom before boarding the cable car. Facilities on the Wall itself were scarce and hard to find.
Travel forums and travel guide sites also emphasize the importance of layering your clothing since the Wall’s temperature varies significantly from base to summit. The National Geographic’s feature on the Great Wall gave me useful insights about the Wall’s climatic conditions, which came in handy that chilly morning.
This Great Wall travel guide shares how deeply moving the experience was. By the end of the day, I felt that perfect mix of challenge and genuine history. The steepness of the steps made the journey a test of endurance, but it only made the views more rewarding. The feeling of standing on this mosaic of ancient stone, spanning mountains and centuries, was humbling.
On the way down, chatting with fellow travelers, I learned that many chose to take the cable car both ways, particularly older visitors. It’s worth mentioning again the advice on this, both from my personal experience and many Xiaohongshu posts, highlighting how some parts really test even the fittest legs.
For anyone looking to create their own perfect beijing great wall day trip guide, the key is balancing adventure and comfort. This meant pacing our hike carefully, enjoying the landscape, and respecting the Wall’s history as I climbed. The entire day felt like walking through a living museum that demanded respect and rewarded perseverance.
If you want to explore more within Beijing, chinawink.com offers other captivating day trip ideas such as the Beijing Hutong Walking Tour that pairs well with this trip.
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