Well it didn't disappoint. This is one of the World Heritage Sites that I always reel off when people ask me what places are included on this list I am so obsessed with. Now after my first visit I can fully understand why this is one of the most famous places in the world. I really enjoyed the 3 or 4 hours I had getting my first stroll along the Great Wall and would love to come back and visit some more stretches of it, especially the remoter parts out west. It is pretty amazing seeing how the wall winds over the top of hills for mile after mile. The topography of the landscape really highlights what an astounding undertaking it was to build such a significant structure, it is impressive just seeing this short stretch and become almost baffling when you take into account just how long it is.

I visited as part of a day trip from Beijing, and despite the numerous factory stops and the distinctly underwhelming Ming Tombs I have a really good memory of this visit. I visited the stretch at Mutianyu, which is restored and a little touristy at the base, however the number of people on the Wall proper was very manageable and I even got a few stretches between towers where we were the only visitors. (NB it seems that Mutianyu is not actually listed in the UNESCO documents as part of the inscription, however there are several WHS symbols around the site and on the tickets so I feel I have properly visited this site).

Sometimes the context of a visit really adds to it, and here was no exception. The crowds were light, the weather fantastic and my tour also enabled me to have the company of a lovely couple from Madrid, who were happy to pace around the wall with me chatting and handing out some Spanish biscuits making the visit much more enjoyable.

I really did enjoy my time here and would happily return to walk some more parts of the wall; the day tours from Beijing can provide a decent chance to get a first taste of it, and also set off thoughts of returning to see a lot more of this huge site.

[Site 8: Experience 8]