Eighth Tower
The high point.
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The most visited section of the Great Wall, about 80 km north-west of central Beijing; the present section was built in 1504 under the Ming, together with a military outpost guarding a strategic mountain pass on the road to the capital. Its highest point, the North Eighth Tower, stands about 1,015 m above sea level, with a wide view of the wall snaking over the ridges to the horizon; the section has been heavily restored, so its walkways are broad and fairly easy. Many world leaders have visited, and it's easy to reach by fast train from Beijing, with a cable car, a small mountain railway and a museum on the history of the wall, but it gets very crowded on holidays and weekends. Entry is about CNY 40 from April to October and is booked ahead with your passport, per visitor guides. To beat the crowds, come early on a weekday or choose quieter Mutianyu. Avoid the National Day holiday week, 1–7 October, when crowds are extreme.
The high point.
Fairly easy.
Its history.
Yanqing District, about 80 km north-west of Beijing
By fast train from Beijing, then a walk or bus to the entrance; entry is booked ahead with your passport, per visitor guides.