The Great Wall of China is one of those attractions you read about during grade-school that one day you'll "check off" your bucket list; it's a surreal feeling when your 5th grade social studies textbook comes to life.   As one of the 7 wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China lives up to its grandiose dynasty.

I had to make it count if this was going to be my first and only visit to the Great Wall of China (which meant taking epic pictures with the least amount of crowds possible).  After extensive research, I opted out on visiting the easier entrances of the Great Wall to look for something more on the off-beaten path.  Fortunately I found this awesome tour on viator for "Great Wall Hiking from Simatai West to Jinshanling”.  It was more expensive and harder+longer to get to, but the route was practically empty.  It felt like we were on a private tour of the Great Wall.

The Great Wall of China was built between the 5th and 16th centuries BC to protect the borders of the Chinese Empire from invading Mongols.  It’s the world’s longest man-made structure spanning approximately 4,000 miles.  This hike was a great history refresher of the Chinese empire.  Our guide “Cheney” educated us the whole way and he went into great detail about the Great Wall’s history.  He knew his stuff and spoke very good english!

The hike was 3 miles long, but due to the incline it felt like 10.  On the tour description they rated the hike as “moderate” so I figured my 60 year old mom would manage just fine. 15 minutes into the hike she was already struggling, but thank God for a local farmer who helped her the ENTIRE way.  At first we were told to stay away from the farmers, but if it wasn't for that woman my mom wouldn't have made it.  In the end my mom technically paid for the help after buying 2 overpriced t-shirts from her.  Nonetheless she was a nice woman and a hard worker + she had a 2 hour walk home to her family (yikes).

After all the sweat and achy knees, we stuffed our faces in delicious chinese food and mediocre beer from a local restaurant.  We bonded with the 6 other travelers in the group and celebrated our completion with a diploma ceremony from Cheney.  

If you’re headed to Beijing and making a trip to the Great Wall, choose this tour if you’re up for an athletic adventure.  You’ll experience the untouched areas of the wall, feel like you’re on an expedition to fight Mongols, and snap the most amazing photos.

My 4th wonder of the world, "check"

$136/per person: "Full-Day Great Wall Hike: Simatai West to Jinshanling"