China’s Great Wall offers the most scenic opportunities for capturing a unique slice of East Asian splendour to take home. Visitors to Beijing looking for quality serviced apartments Beijing offers will be delighted with the Ascott Raffles City Beijing. This fine example of serviced apartments in Beijing offers spacious, comfortable accommodation with stylish amenities that cater to both leisure travellers and business professionals. When you want a welcome break from the concrete jungle, take a hike on the Great Wall, from Jinshanling to Simatai, which is one of the most popular wall walks one can embark on. Be treated to gorgeous scenery and the walking workout of your life as you navigate steps that both wind up and down, so a workout is certainly guaranteed! Visitors can walk from Jinshangling to Simatai or vice versa, although Jingshanling-Simatai is the most popular way to go, since once in Simatai, you can decide if you want to tackle the Simatai ridge, depending on your fitness levels. The hike will take four-six hours one way, as well as some extra time if you want to spend exploring both areas once you get to them. No matter which direction you hike, make sure to stop at Xiwuyanlou, which is located just past Jinshanling, for a world-famous photo-op when you look east towards Simatai. Hikers should bring food and plenty water, in addition to appropriate shoes, and dress to handle the weather. Also bring a hat and wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Don’t forget your camera and some extra money for tickets and some other minor expenses. To avoid the crowds, try and go during the week and earlier during the day, if possible. It is truly a unique experience to hike the wall, and this is one of the most popular trails avid hikers can take, so get walking today!
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.