3 hours from Beijing, Huanghua is definitely worth a visit (although LP recently mentioned it may become off limits to hikers, so check before you go - I visited in Jan 2006). We went in winter, and the only way we could get there was by hiring a minivan to take us. Perhaps buses go there in summer (as mentioned in LP). Unlike the renovated sections of the Great Wall, such as Badaling, which are over-run with tourists, Huanghua has been left to go into ruin, and as such, we were the only ones there. The place was just full of natural overwhelming beauty. The Wall was overgrown with prickly bushes and plants which made it all the more charming. We even had to climb over crumbling old watch towers. Looking down at the frozen rivers below nestled between the towering mountains, was simply stunning and an amazing experience. You can walk along the Wall (or what's left of it) for quite a while before it simply just drops off into nothing into a deep gorge. A must see place in China.

When the bus stopped, we looked up and we saw the great wall suspended in the air amid the wilderness. A teleferique took us up in the mountain. Badaling Great Wall is the most preserved and visited section of the wall. It is located 60 km to the northeast of Beijing . It’s over 1000 m above the sea level. The height of the wall averages 7.8 and you’ll be surprised by its width; its 5.8 m!!! It was first built in 290BC. It was the outpost resistant line of Juyang Pass , and the important defending construction of the Great Wall. When you stand at the top and you look down, you wonder how people were able to build such a long wall (7,300 km) in this harsh nature. It’s really a Wonder of the World!!! You can buy souvenirs where it’s written “ You will not be a true hero until you climb up the Great Wall .” you can also carve your name and the date of your visit on them.

Its Awesome... Walking on it makes you feel alive.. the rope rail ride is beautiful too..

One of our most magnificent experiences.