The Great Wall of China is definitely a travel destination that won't disappoint you. Covering such a huge amount of history and offering so many stories, it's certainly worth reading up before embarking on your journey.

Great Wall Sections
The Great Wall runs up and down along the mountain ridges and valleys from east to west, traversing Liaoning, Hebei, Tianjin, Beijing, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, Ningxia and Gansu cities and provinces. 
                                                                   
 Great Wall in Liaoning: Hushan, Jiumenkou
 Great Wall in Hebei: Shanhaiguan Pass, Xifengkou Gateway, Zijingguan Pass
 Great Wall in Tianjin: Huangyaguan Pass, Taipingzhai
 Great Wall in Beijing: Simatai Great Wall, Jinshanling Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall,
                                     Gubeikou, Juyongguan Pass, Badaling Great Wall, Shuiguan,
                                     Huanghuacheng, Jiankou
 Great Wall in Shanxi: Niangziguan, Yanmenguan, Pianguan
 Great Wall in Inner Mongolia
 Great Wall in Shaanxi: Yulin Great Wall, Zhenbeitai Tower of the Great Wall
 Great Wall in Ningxia
 Great Wall in Gansu: Dunhuang Great Wall, Yumenguan, Yangguan, Jiayuguan,
                                    Overhanging Great Wall

Great Wall History
It's believed that the Great Wall originated as a military fortification against intrusion by tribes on the borders during the earlier Zhou Dynasty. Then in the Qin Dynasty, the separate walls, constructed by the states of Qin, Yan and Zhao kingdoms, were connected to form a defensive system on the northern border of the country. The Wall was further extended and strengthened in the succeeding dynasties, especially during the Han and Ming Dynasties. 

Qin Great Wall          Han Great Wall         Ming Great Wall        Great Wall Chronology

Great Wall Legend
Beautiful legends are centered on the construction of the Great Wall. Among them the most noted is the story about the collapse of a section of the Great Wall caused by Meng Jiangnu's tears and "the sovereign rulers are fooled by the beacon fire".

Meng Jiangnu's Bitter Weeping about the Great Wall
A Legend about Beacon Tower on the Great Wall

Great Wall Construction
The construction of the Great Wall began between the 7th and 8th centuries B.C. Till the Qin Dynasty, the separate walls were joint together and consequently it stretched from east to west for about 5000 thousand kilometers and served to keep nomadic tribes out. The Wall was further extended and strengthened in the succeeding dynasties.

Great Wall Terrain and Structure       Signal Towers of the Great Wall
Great Wall Passes                             Walls of the Great Wall

Great Wall Protection
The forces of nature and destruction at the hand of mankind are bringing about the gradual reduction of its extent with the result that less than 30% remains in good condition. The Academy has called for greater protection of this important relic.

 Guidelines for Climbling the Great Wall

To gain the maximum potential from the Great Wall of China, and to appreciate it's 'greatness' it's best to get up close and personal and take a walk along it. This can be treacherous and difficult if you are not properly prepared. By following these simple guidelines, you will get the most from your adventure.

Clothing
Since it was a military facility, the Great Wall was mainly built along the ridges of steep mountains. Your clothes should therefore be light, loose outdoor sportswear suitable for mountaineering. Your sportswear should be waterproof and wind-resistant suitable for mountaineering. It is also recommended that the fabric is air-permeable to keep your body dry and comfortable.

Foot protection
Different routes require different shoes. Your feet will swell with the altitude and heat, so be careful with new shoes. New shoes may be uncomfortable; 'wear them in' by going on a couple of hikes prior to your journey. Hiking boots or Tough waterproof trainers with good traction and ankle support are recommended. Shoelaces shouldn't be too loose or too tight; otherwise your feet will easily get tired and even hurt.Socks should be of moderate thickness, cotton socks although soft and are sweat absorbent, may cause blisters. Vaseline and grease can be daubed on feet to ease the rubbing and prevent blisters. If you do get a blister, place antiseptic and an expandable band-aid over the area - do not prick it!

Sunburn protection
It is very easy to get sun burnt in mountaineering due to the altitude and strong ultraviolet radiation. The following measures must be applied to avoid that, or you will suffer for a few days. First, DO NOT expose yourself to the sun, wear a hat and long loose clothing. Secondly, about half an hour before you start your journey, please use a strong sun protection cream on all exposed areas - don't forget the back of your neck. Re-apply the protection cream every couple of hours.

Water supply
Water us essential for your trip. You should drink plenty of fluids to replace the fluids your body uses during exercise. You should drink at least 100 ml every 30-40 minutes, so pack half a liter for every hour you intend to walk. Alkaline drinks are preferred to quickly restore physical strength.

Safety
Traveling on the Great Wall can be exhausting if you are not fit. Seniors and weaklings are recommended to take it slowly and get enough rest to appreciate the charming scenery of the Great Wall. When touring to undeveloped sites, do not climb onto insecure or damaged sections as you may injure yourself and damage the wall.

Whilst taking pictures, pay attention to barriers underfoot - many people have come 'unstuck' during a lapse of concentration.

Just a reminder, always pack a medical aid kit and extra camera films! 

Happy Great Wall Hiking!

Recommended Itineraries including visit to Great Wall:
Capital Beijing Focus: 4 Days to Forbidden City, Badaling Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven
Beijing Extension Tours: 5 Days to Badaling Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace, Lama Temple&Hutongs
China Tibet Tours: 12 Days Beijing (Badaling Great Wall included)-Xian-Lhasa-Shanghai