10 Insider Tips for Great Wall Travel - Dos and Don’ts
5 Dos during Great Wall Travel
1. Select a proper section.
Badaling and Mutianyu are the first choice for visiting the Great Wall of China for the first time. If you have visited before, Simatai or Jinshanling is recommended. If you would like to take part in Great Wall day tour, do select a reliable travel agency. Plus, Top 5 Great Wall Sections to Hike are advised for experienced hiking enthusiasts. 
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Which Section of Great Wall to Visit
Which one to choose, Badaling or Mutianyu?
6 Best Places to See Great Wall of China
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2. Check the bus timetable and download a Beijing map.
Self-guided tourists should check the bus route in advance and download an online map. Bus 877 runs from Deshengmen to Badaling. Bus 916 Express runs from Dongzhimen to Huairou; after you can take a taxi or private car to Mutianyu. Don’t miss the last bus back to downtown area. See How to get to the Great Wall of China from Beijing
It is necessary to download an online map. Google map isn’t available in China. You can use Iphone map or Bing map instead. Their navigation can help you find the bus stops.
3. Pack some food and water because they are are expensive on the Great Wall.
It is greatly energy-consuming to climb the Great Wall, therefore you are recommended to have a full breakfast. Besides, take some food to replenish your energy during the climbing, as well as some bottled water. One piece of bottled water can be priced as high as CNY10 up there.
4. Spend a night at the Great Wall would be a special experience.
Simatai Great Wall is the only section with night tour. Travellers can go through the Gubei Water Town to arrive in Simatai and have a fantastic Great Wall night tour.
5. Do wear a pair of suitable shoes.
Great Wall hiking may last around 2-3 hours or even longer and you need to go over many steps, thus it is necessary to wear a pair of comfortable shoes.
5 Don’ts during Great Wall Travel
1. Don’t climb wild Great Wall.
Do not be bold to climb the wild sections where the areas are insecure or damaged and there are no clear direction signs, otherwise you may get injured by the breakage of the wall or even get lost. Select the well-developed sections and look at the safety signs when climbing.
2. Don’t take pictures while hiking.
This is also for safety’s sake. Some Great Wall sections are steep, so keep in mind that you should walk without photographing and photograph without walking.
3. Don’t take unofficial car.
There are illegal buses touting travelers for business around bus 877 stop at Deshengfmen and bus 916 stop at Dongzhimen. Don’ take any of them to avoid being over charged, taken to other scenic spots or dumped half way. If you need to hire a private car from Huairou North Avenue to Mutianyu Great Wall, confirm the price with the driver before getting on the car.
4. Little kids should not take slides.
It is quite exciting and enjoyable to take slides down the Great Wall, so many people would like to experience it. Considering the safety, children under the age of 6 should not have a try. Children aged 6-14 years old can take it accompanied by an adult. The adult should well control the speed of the slide and protect the young child.
5. Don’t camp on the Great Wall randomly.
Camping is forbidden on the Badaling and Mutianyu Great Wall. Around some sections like Jinshanling, there are specialized areas for camp. Don’t camp on the wild Great Wall as you may be in terrible danger. If you want to stay overnight there, there are always hotels or farmyards available.
Further Reading:
Why should I visit the Great Wall of China? - Top 10 Reasons
How to Visit the Great Wall of China
How much does it cost to visit the Great Wall of China?
10 Guidelines for Travel to Great Wall of China in Winter
How to Camp on the Great Wall of China
Best Time to Visit Great Wall of China
9 Unusual Things to Do at the Great Wall of China
Recommended Tours
More Great Wall of China Tours