I’ve always been fascinated by the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the world, places that defy time and are landmarks that are so breathtaking in person. And while we’re in Europe this week, I realized that we’re actually marking off a whole list of UNESCO sites on this trip so while we’re gone, I thought it’d be the perfect time to point out some of my favorites that we’ve already seen and explored! So all this week, we’ll be exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites from Asia to South America to Europe. Prepare for major wanderlust to head to these monuments!
Today we’re covering everything you need to visit the amazing monument of the Great Wall of China!
Location:
Near Beijing, China
How to Get there:
Drive from Beijing either by private driver hired through your hotel (which I’d recommend) or through tour bus companies.
Why to visit:
Standing on top of the Great Wall will make you as a witness of history right at your finger tips!
Best time(s) of day to visit:
First thing in the morning before the tour buses arrive. Try to be at the site before 9am.
Tips for visiting:
-Pick the section of the Great Wall you want to visit prior to going. We visited the Mutianyu section due to its ease and proximity to Beijing but there are lots of different options, each with a slightly different look and feel.
-Dress appropriately, particularly in Winter. The wall gets really icy in cold weather so rubber soled shoes are a must!
-Be on the first bus up the hill and you’ll get the Great Wall to yourself for 15-20 minutes.
-Go in the Winter! It will be way less crowded and if you can catch it in the snow, it’s magical!
Traveling to China?
See all of my posts on the country!
Emily of Em Busy Living says
Such incredible photos! How amazing to have seen this!
Casey says
It was one of those pinch me moments for sure!
Kristin says
Gorgeous photos! I wish we’d seen it in the winter. You had a much clearer view of the surrounding mountains than we did in summer, with all the smog and sandstorms blowing in!
Casey says
Oh interesting! Yea it was pretty magical in the winter and especially in the snow!
Sara Rose says
This is absolutely stunning!
Casey says
It was seriously one of the best travel moments I’ve ever had!
Tam says
Great post! My favorite place on the Great Wall was Jiankou, a rather difficult (and technically illegal) part of the Great Wall of China… few visitors come to this part of the wall. We hiked for 5 hours along the wall to Mutianyu. Jiankou was still close enough to Beijing and all we needed to do was hire a private driver to take us out and pick us up on the other side. Really recommend it!
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Casey says
Interesting! I’d love to go back and try other areas of the wall to see the differences!
northierthanthou.com says
Must have been pretty frigid, but I must say the traces of snow do add a bit to the images. Very cool scenes!
Casey says
It was freeeeezing! But so magical with the snow!