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The Great Wall at Jinshanling

Cited by astronauts as one of the two man-made features on Earth visible from the moon, the wall is also a magnificent piece of architecture built over the course of two thousand years to defend against the ‘barbarians’ of the north and west.

Stretching for over 6,000 km to the Gobi Desert in the far west, the Great Wall remains one of the world’s true must-see sights.

There are several sections of the Great Wall open to the public. Our recommendation is for a visit to the quieter section at Jinshanling, which though further from Beijing, approximately three hours' drive, offers the visitor a far more atmospheric and impressive experience.

The main section at Badaling is situated approximately 45 minutes from Beijing. This is the most popular section to visit and, as a result, hordes of tourists ascend the wall making it difficult for individuals to appreciate the true scale and beauty of the structure itself.

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Audley Travel specialist Adam

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Other experiences in Beijing

These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.

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    Beijing City Tour

    Beijing City Tour

    To really experience Beijing you need to get out onto the streets. The Forbidden City is one of the most fascinating places in Beijing and is well worth a visit.

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  • Beijing's Hutongs
    Quiet Hutong, Beijing

    Beijing's Hutongs

    Beijing's Hutongs

    Take a tricycle tour of Beijing’s unique and famous Hutongs, a maze of old narrow backstreets found in the Changiao area of the Western District.

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  • Summer Palace
    The Summer Palace, Beijing

    Summer Palace

    Summer Palace

    Located in the Haidian district in the north of Beijing, the Palace is a classical imperial garden embracing beautiful landscaped hills and lakes.

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  • Temple of Heaven
    Temple of Heaven, Beijing

    Temple of Heaven

    Temple of Heaven

    For a different insight into Chinese religion and history, a popular place to visit is the Temple of Heaven.

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  • The Legend of Kung Fu Performance
    Young monks practising their moves, Shaolin

    The Legend of Kung Fu Performance

    The Legend of Kung Fu Performance

    This exciting piece of theater comprises a number of spectacular and highly skilled Kung Fu demonstrations, following the story of a young Shaolin Monk as he trains in the discipline.

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  • Visit the Forbidden City
    Forbidden City, Beijing

    Visit the Forbidden City

    Visit the Forbidden City

    Closed to the world for over 500 years, and home to emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Forbidden City is a truly fascinating place.

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Experience it for yourself

You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.