13. The Great Wall
Hiking along unrestored sections of this monumental barrier, which once protected China from the outside world is one of the best things to do in China for the great views. Today, the line of the wall can be followed from Shanhaiguan, by the Yellow Sea to Jiayuguan in the northwestern deserts, a distance of around three thousand kilometres – an astonishing feat of engineering.
As a symbol of national pride, the wall’s restored sections are now besieged daily by rampaging hordes of tourists, while its image adorns all manner of products, from wine to cigarettes. Yet even the most over-visited section at Badaling is still easily one of China’s most spectacular attractions.
Mutianyu is somewhat less crowded, distant Simatai much less so, and far more beautiful; you’ll get more out of these sections by walking away from the arrivals area. To see the wall in its crumbly glory, head out to Jinshanling, Jiankou or Huanghua, as yet largely untouched by development.