Great Wall

BBC picked in 2002

National Geographic picked in 2009

Country : China

Currency : Chinese Yuan

Big Mac Index : 3.55

Travel Safety : Moderate Risk

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made of brick, tamped earth, stone, and wood, generally built along an east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China to protect the Chinese states and empires against the raids and invasions of the various nomadic groups of the Eurasian Steppe. It is the longest wall in the world, stretching over 13,000 miles. The Great Wall is not a single continuous wall, but is made up of many walls and fortifications built by different Chinese dynasties over the centuries. Getting There: The Great Wall is located in northern China and can be easily reached by train, bus, or car from Beijing. From Beijing, the most popular section of the wall to visit is Badaling which is approximately 1 hour's drive from the city. Alternatively, there are several other sections of the wall that are more remote and less crowded offering a more authentic experience. I recommend a guided tour. Things to See and Do: You probably arrived in Beijing so don't miss it. Beijing is one of the great places to tour as itself. When to Visit: The Great Wall can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is from April to November when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best. Winter can be very cold and snow may make some sections of the wall inaccessible. Summer can be crowded, but the clear skies and warm weather make it a popular time to visit. Tips: - Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water especially if you plan to hike along the wall. - Avoid visiting on weekends and holidays, as the wall can get very crowded. - If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting one of the less-crowded sections of the wall, such as Jiankou or Jinshanling. - Hire a guide from a reliable agency. - Consider taking a cable car or chairlift to the top of the wall for a unique perspective and to save time and energy.

Photo - Unsplash: Joel Danielson