The Wall at it's Greatest - Mutianyu Day Excursion

Excellent drive out of Beijing through the orchards and the little stalls selling their fruity offerings. Shuttle Bus over to the chair lift, which is a far better ascent than the glitzy glass cable car cabins which you have to scale even further up to (be sure to book the shuttle/entry fee and chair climb before arriving). Hardly anyone was around for the afternoon having arrived around 3pm, so we had the wall to ourselves. We decided on the steep clamber up to Tower two, but there is the option for the more gradual (still steep) climb towards Tower 15. The view over to the mountains and the wall snaking its way over the craggy ridges is formidable. So many photo opportunities without a soul in sight, and the sun was blissfully setting behind the silhouette of the pointed mountain peaks. 1.5hrs is enough time to push the fitness, really enjoy the view from the top and get down for a 5pm toboggan down the hill (it looks far more thrill-seeking than it is, if you opt to lock the brakes down it the whole way at snail speed). Plenty of souvenir bazaars down the bottom if you are up for touristy purchases.