2024 Special Edition: Hiking the Great Wall of China for $2.50

Introducing one of the seven wonders of the world: the magnificent, the delicious, braised beef noodle soup!!

Greetings everyone! I have returned after finishing two degrees, learning another language, and getting into graduate school (twice!). On this episode of pretending to be an influencer: How to get from Beijing (the capital city of China) to the Great Wall of China for $2.50.

After my third year in college, I decided I was due another trip to Asia after landing in the hospital on the last one. Right after school ended, I packed my bags and jumped on a red-eye flight to Asia. After a few days in Istanbul, Manila, and a week of high-speed trains across mainland China, I arrived in Beijing. I must say this city has all the character you'd expect from a Chinese metropolis: a rich historic district filled with palaces, mind-blowing architecture (seriously 10x anything back home), and delicious Chinese cuisine.

After a few days in my hostel, I decided it was time to visit the Great Wall of China. I remember Googling something along the lines of "Great Wall near me" and being inundated with pricey tour group packages, sketchy advertisements, and directions to a hotel called "The Great Wall." So helpful.

"Hmmmm...", I said pensively while opening the state-sponsored version of Maps, "I wonder if I could catch a bus." Eventually, I found a route costing only 20 RMB or $2.50. Here it is in all of its glory (only hypothetically, of course):

Step 1- Board the 916 Bus outside Dongzhimen Bus Station

This can be easily found on Baidu or Amap as it is one of the larger bus stations in the north of the city. Step 1a: Inspect the curious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) signs.

Step 2- Get off at the Yujiayuan stop (about 30 minutes)

This is a scenic ride that cuts straight through the the north of the city and into the countryside. You're still technically within city limits but the skyscrapers have long since become specks on the horizon. Step 2a: Stock up on 7-11 snacks for the climb (optional). I have no photos of this, unfortunately, as I may have been indulging in the snacks.

Step 3- Take the H25 bus from Yujiayuan to the end of the line

If you see this building, keep following the road behind it; if not, go back to Beijing and start from Step 1.

Step 4- Walk 1 hour (hard) or learn basic Chinese and hitchhike (easy) to Xihazi

This was the most difficult part of this entire adventure. I ended up catching a ride all the way to Jiankou village and having to backtrack 30 minutes to Xihazi. If you get lost just find one of the residents and ask for "西栅子."

Step 5- Ask for permission and begin the hike

I cannot stress this enough, climbing this section is often not permitted due to ongoing restoration efforts. I ran into a few locals and an official, each time asking if it was ok to be there. If someone tells you no, uniform or not, just take some photos and go home. PSA: Do not litter, it ruins it for everyone. My backpack was overflowing with plastic bottles when I made it back down.

Step 6- Hell Yeah

When you get to the top there will be a ladder (see below) going up to the main watchtower. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Step 7- Walk WEST (away from the town)

From the watchtower, you want to follow the wall west. It is not as steep, and you should be able to see it go on for quite some time. The WRONG way plunges you back into the forest down some steep steps. Keep going for a few hours, and the way back down—well, that's a story for another day. So the next time you're in Beijing, I encourage you to put those two hard earned dollars to work and check out this stunning part of Chinese history.

Thanks for reading! - Winter