Starting our adventure to the Great Wall of China was a breeze, thanks to our awesome driver who picked us up from our hotel right on time. The ride there was smooth and peaceful, getting us all hyped up for the day ahead.
Let me tell you, this isn't just a leisurely stroll—it's a serious climb. The tour covers about 6 kilometers of the Wall, and it’s mostly just steps, going up and down. They don’t kid around when they say it’s for fit folks. I work out pretty regularly, but I was definitely feeling the burn with all those steps. We were on our feet climbing for nearly three hours straight, with hardly any time to catch our breath.
The Wall is well-equipped, though. There are trash bins and toilets every kilometer, which is super handy. Just make sure to bring your own toilet paper because you won't find any there.
Also, there are small vendors selling drinks right on the Wall, but the prices are pretty steep. My advice? Pack at least two liters of water per person and some snacks to keep you going.
Shoe-wise, ditch the trainers and go for some solid mountain shoes. The steps are all over the place in terms of size—some are tiny, but others are massive, up to 45 cm high. And let me tell you, some of those steps are seriously steep.
If you're thinking there might be some flat parts to catch a break, think again. It's just endless steps up and down. By the end, my legs and calves were totally mush.
One heads-up: there aren’t any handrails, and some spots are pretty tricky to maneuver through. Each tower along the Wall does have a shelter, which is great if you get caught in the rain. We lucked out with just cloudy skies, but I bet those steps get super slippery when wet.
All in all, climbing the Great Wall is an epic experience, but it’s no walk in the park. It’s tough, but totally worth it for the views and the bragging rights. Just make sure you're ready for a workout and pack smart!