Beijing Great Wall of China - Contributed by GC Teo 30Sep2013

Beijing - To Stay
Beijing - To Do
Beijing - To Eat

Beijing - To Do 
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Day trip to Great Wall of China
*Text and Pictures Contributed by GC Teo*

Getting There, Quick and dirty via Hotel
(Option1)

Hotel Concierge charges RMB800 (SGD160) for a private car to the Great Wall for an entire day.

If you can get a company of 3 or 4, its quite worth it.

Getting there the local way
(Option2)

1. Start the day early 0515 or 0700, depending on which train you want to catch. (see image below)

2. Take a cab to 北京北站 (Beijing North Railway), Cost about RMB30 (SGD6). Traveling time 20mins from the hotel.

3. Head to the middle of the station building, they have a dedicated booth selling tickets for the S2 train which you will be buying. Tix cost RMB6 (SGD1.20)

4. Enter the station and join the queue for the train.

5. When the gate for the train opens, don't be shock to see the locals squeezing and rushing to be the first to get onto the train, you are doing the local way in China after all. The locals will run for the train, so be prepared.

6. Try to get the window seat on the left as you enter the train for a better view. Travelling time 1.5hrs.

7. Tickets for the Great Wall cost RMB45 (SGD9). You can choose to purchase this at the entrance of the wall or if you want to skip the queue, the tickets are also available with the train conductors for RMB80 (SGD16) which includes another ticket to a theatre which cost RMB40 (SGD5) separately. Not much of a premium to skip the queue in my opinion.

Alight at 八达岭站 (Badaling Station) and walk about 800m to the left and you will reach the great wall.

8. You may want to spend about 2-4hrs at the wall.

9. To return, set aside sufficient time to descend the wall and reach the train station preferably 30mins before the train departs (See train schedule). Else you may find yourself standing for the entire 1.5hr ride back, though seats are still not guaranteed.

10. Take a cab back to the hotel and get some rest!

Total cost of the trip, RMB152 (SGD30.40)!

Have fun.
*Text and Pictures Contributed by GC Teo*