A few days prior to my departure for Beijing, I was on my way to work and I tripped on an uneven footpath.  I was fine, no injuries – except my pride from the school kids behind me laughing – but upon picking myself up I suddenly had this huge grin on my face and was awash with excitement because I realised in a few days time I was going to be standing on one of the Seven Wonders of The World – The Great Wall Of China!

Located around 60 kilometres north west of Beijing, Jyongguan Pass has less tourists than the often more visited Badaling section closer to the capital. With it being built across a valley from one mountain side to the other, it makes this section a very picturesque place to visit the Great Wall, without those hordes of tourists.

O.k, so I’m not going to tell you everything about The Great Wall, who built it, when it was constructed and the reasons behind it as the details are complex but most of it was built in parts as protection from invaders over several dynasties . The Great Wall is around 8,8oo kilometres in total length, this section, Juyongguan, meanders for around 18 kilometres down the mountainsides into a valley which is where I start my climb up onto the wall.

This group above were filming what looked like a T.V commercial, take after take was shot as they sung..something….

Each step is high and the climb quite steep (and puff-making) but I made it to the first tower and the views below were spectacular

If you’re planning a visit to Beijing and The Great Wall is on your list (as it should be!) I highly recommend Juyongguan Pass, although steep, its much more beautiful than…well… tripping on the footpath at home!