Alex Sher, a long-term Beijing resident, has extensively traveled China, visiting over 100 cities and countless towns and villages. His fascination with different sections of the Great Wall outside the capital inspired him to explore further. Spanning over 21,000 kilometers, with 15 regions, 97 governorates, and 404 districts, the Great Wall of China is an ancient wonder with numerous obscure and forgotten sites waiting to be explored.
One such site is the Turtle City, built in 1608 as part of the “Yellow River Defense Line” in north-central Gansu Province. The Mutianyu and Jiankou sections, together measuring 25 kilometers and considered classic examples of the Ming Dynasty, offer a breathtaking experience for hikers. Pataysi, home to the ruins of a Gothic church built in 1876, provides visitors a fascinating look at the village’s long association with Catholicism.
The great Yellow River and the Great Wall of China come together at Linyuan Castle, a late summer or early fall destination, and the Fairy Tower in Simatai, renowned for its difficulty in reaching, rewards visitors with a fantastic view when seen from Wangjing Tower nearby. The unique stacked stone wall of Doshiko in Zhicheng, Hebei Province, is best viewed during the summer months when the green hills provide a perfect outdoor grilling setting.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) — Having lived in Beijing for about 12 years, Alex Sher has had plenty of time to travel around China and explore its mysteries.
In turn, he visited more than 100 cities, not to mention the countless towns and villages across the mainland’s 31 provinces.
Scheer realized that his frequent visits to different parts of the Great Wall in Beijing were the reason he wanted to explore the rest of the country, and with it, the many sections of the wall that lay outside the borders of the capital.
Works on the Great Wall of China began more than 2,500 years ago. Various sections were added in later eras, as rival dynasties sought to assert their dominance.
And construction work stopped at the end of the seventeenth century.
The wall extends for more than 21 thousand kilometers, and crosses 15 regions, 97 governorates, and 404 districts.
And while certain sections have been incredibly popular with tourists, there are many sites that remain obscure and forgotten.
Whether you are planning to visit the Great Wall of China for the first time or the fiftieth time, the following destinations are sure to make your trip to China more interesting.
Yongtae Turtle City
Turtle City was built in the Ming Dynasty, as part of the “Yellow River Defense Line” of the Great Wall, in 1608. It was home to about 2,000 infantry and 500 units of cavalry.
Today, this fortified city is located in the town of Sitan, in north-central Gansu Province.
The southern gate serves as a head and the western and eastern gates as fins. The oval city wall is the body, while the northern gate serves as its tail.
It is considered one of the most well preserved cities. So, it is definitely worth your time.
Mutianyu and Jiankou
Mutianyu and Jiankou are part of the same stone dragon, two adjacent sections of the Great Wall of China, which together stretch for about 25 kilometers, along the peaks of the Beijing Mountains.
It can be said that these two sections are the two most classic examples of the Ming Dynasty to this day. And the experience of climbing either of them is wonderful in and of itself.
The best part of the “tourist wall” is Mutianyu, which was restored in the 1980s and is considered very commercial. But it’s also wonderfully beautiful.
Visitors unable to hike can take the cable car to the top.
Jiankou is colloquially known as the “Wild Wall”. But, there are safety concerns when hiking in Jiankou.
Mutianyu and Jiankou are less than 90 minutes’ drive from downtown Beijing. However, a night in the country is recommended if your time permits.
Patayzi
The village of Pataysi is home to the ruins of a Gothic church built in 1876.
The church has been destroyed and repaired several times in its nearly 150-year history. The bell tower is the only part still standing.
After you have finished hiking along the wall and visiting the church ruins, you can visit the ‘new’ church in the village to say hello to Father Ban.
And if you speak Chinese, he can answer any question about the village’s long association with Catholicism.
Late summer is an ideal time to visit Pataysi, when you will see a wonderful contrast between the Great Wall of China and the lush green hills.
Credit: Alex Sherr
Linyuan
Local people say that Linyuan is the place where the Great Wall of China and the Great Yellow River shake hands.
Linyuan Castle was built in 1467, while the Wangye Tower, which literally means river watchtower, was built in 1544.
Late summer or early fall is a great time to visit, as you’ll avoid potentially dangerous mountain roads due to spring rainstorms, or getting too cold in a place that doesn’t have great infrastructure.
A boat ride along the river is highly recommended, as you will be able to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Yellow River Gorge, while marveling at the timeless design of these ancient architects.
Credit: Alex Sherr
Ferry Tower
Construction on the Great Wall of Simatai began in 1373. It was expanded and strengthened periodically during the Ming Dynasty.
The Fairy Tower is one of the most famous towers in Simatai, but it is also one of the least visited due to how difficult it is to reach.
Alternatively, enjoy fantastic views of the Fairy Tower from Wangjing Tower, which is only a few hundred meters away.
You can reach Fairy Tower and Wangjing via Tangjiazhai Village, located in Miyun District, Beijing.
Depending on your route, Tangjiazhai Village is 140 kilometers from downtown Beijing. Perhaps booking a private car from the city is the most convenient way to get there.
Credit: Alex Sherr
doshiko
This single-wall section was built during the reign of Emperor Jiajing. It is located across the road from the town of Duchikou, in Zhicheng, Hebei Province.
The stacked stone wall at Dōshiku is unique, as many other sections of the Great Wall near Beijing were constructed using kiln-fired bricks.
Doshiko is best visited in summer, in July and August, when the rolling hills are green. And during the cooler evenings, the weather is perfect for grilling outdoors.
And you will be able to find clean and comfortable farmhouses in Dushiko Township. There are also a range of hotels to choose from in Zhicheng, 45 minutes away.
In conclusion, the Great Wall of China is a must-see destination for any traveler visiting China, whether it’s a first-time visit or a repeat trip. While certain sections like Badaling and Mutianyu are quite popular with tourists, there are still many hidden and forgotten gems waiting to be explored. From the fortified city of Yongtai Turtle and the classic examples of the Mutianyu and Jiankou sections, to the ruins of a Gothic church in Pataysi, the meeting point of the Great Wall and the Yellow River in Linyuan, and the difficult-to-reach Fairy Tower in Simatai, the Great Wall offers an incredible variety of experiences. So, pack your bags, put on your hiking boots, and explore the wonders of the Great Wall of China.