GREAT WALL
 

Hello, I am planning a trip to China and the Yangtze River, ending up in Hong Kong and then to Bangkok. Has anyone traveled with SmarTours and what was your experience with them? Also, about climbing the Great Wall, is it steep and are there hand rails to hold onto? I am going in May and any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Especially on the Great Wall. Anything special I should know about climbing it? Thanks!

Hi Lizz <BR>My husband and I climbed the great wall in June last year, no handrails, quite a steep climb in parts, you will probably climb at Bedaling, very tacky with loads of people trying to sell you cheap souvenirs, once you get on the wall the scenery is spectacular, well worth the visit. I am not exceptionally fit and I found the climb ok, you can stop and take a breather whenever you want, so you should have a great time.

Parts of the Wall are quite steep but there are handrails to hold on to. The steps themselves can be rather uneven, which is a little disconcerting. However, you only have to climb as far as you want to go, take a look around, and then walk back down. Don't be suckered into one of those "Let's see who can go furthest, fastest!" type of contests! Just enjoy yourself at a reasonable pace to a reasonable height.

I was unsure of what "climbing the wall" meant. We went to Mutanyu (sp?), and rode a cable car up to the base of the wall. At that point, there were only a dozen or so steps to go up - which were quite steep, but I didn't really consider it a "climb". Enjoy!

We went in early 80's and took off to the left when you enter the Great Wall tourist area. We went past the normal area that you climb on the wall and actually trekked a few hills and valleys where the wall was not in great shape. Ended up in a Red Army camp that looked like a mine. Took a few pictures with the guards and had a great time trying to communicate. <BR> <BR>Neil

If you stick to the restored section of the Great Wall, you should have no problems. Apparently there is a cable car that you can ride to the top and won't be faced with excessive climbing. <BR> <BR>Last year I was staying with friends who took me to a section (know recommended in the Lonely Planet guide). It was totally unrestored and we had to do some sheer rockclimbing to just get up to the wall. Once up there, it was absoultely gorgeous, but quite trechorous on our 6 hour hike. The best part though was that we only came across 5 other hikers the entire time and we felt like we were in the middle of nowhere and had the best view. Needless to say, the Chinese farmer in this little village was quite shocked to see 3 Americans walking down through his orchard at the base of the wall. It was one of my most amazing life experiences, but it's not for everyone. I fell on a few occasions, came back completely bruised, and was wiped out physically, but had the time of my life.

I'm trying to decide between Jinshanling and Simatai to see the wall. Anyone have comments on either? <BR>

Have seen the Wall from several places. Simatai is the best. I think the gentleman who posted previously probably went to Simatai. Once above a couple hundred feet of restored wall, one is hiking up sheer ridges. And, the view is beautiful. Kids from a local village will typically hike up with you carrying baskets of bottled water. Believe me, if you don't have your own, you will be glad they are there!

Lizz - <BR> <BR>I was at the Great Wall last November - both at Badaling (the most popular stop from Beijing) and Simatai. The wall at Badaling was crowded and there was a steep side and a "not so steep" side. The steep side was less crowded. There will be very steep spots, but it is basically managable. The wall at Simatai is spectacular - not crowded like Badaling. The views at Simatai and the wall itself is much more natural and remote - so you can visualize the history much more. Have a great time. <BR>Martha <BR> <BR>