A Last-Minute Trip to the Great Wall of China

China wasn’t originally in our travel plans. Not because we didn’t want to go—far from it—but with only a year to explore as much of the world as possible, we had to be strategic. Since I had already been to both Shanghai and Hong Kong before, and Ash had been to Hong Kong, we prioritized visiting new places instead. But the closer we got to that part of the world, the more I found myself thinking about the Great Wall of China. Who knew when we’d get another chance? So, we got to work trying to fit it in.

Navigating China’s Visa Rules

The biggest hurdle? China’s visa rules. Normally, you need to apply from your home country, and while that would have been fine for the rest of the family, who held Australian passports and were heading to Melbourne, I was the exception. Then, we discovered a game-changer: the transit visa. This visa allowed us to stay in China for up to three days (since changed to ten) as long as we remained within a designated area. The catch? It was granted on arrival, meaning we wouldn’t know for sure if we were approved until we landed in Beijing. A little nerve-wracking, but we decided to take the risk.

Fortunately, the process was straightforward. We followed the signs at the airport, answered a few questions, and made sure to meet the key requirements: staying in a hotel (which helped verify our location rather than an Airbnb), arriving from a qualified country, and having an onward flight booked (in our case, to Seoul). Just like that, we were released into Beijing.

Beijing: A City of Contrasts

Beijing was incredible—full of culture, color, and history. But it was also the most challenging city we visited. Google Maps and Google Translate, which we had come to rely on throughout our travels, didn’t work. Ride-sharing via Didi was possible, but only if linked to a Chinese bank account, so we had to rely on cash—something we weren’t used to outside of food markets. Many places operated as cash-only, adding an extra layer of logistical challenge.

Despite these obstacles, we loved Beijing. The food alone made the trip worth it—Peking duck was everything we hoped for and more. We wandered the Forbidden City, marveling at its size and beauty, before finally making our way to the Great Wall.

Our Family Trip to the Great Wall of China: Choosing the Best Section to Visit

Our family trip to the Great Wall of China started with an early morning departure from Beijing. We hired a driver and headed to the Mutianyu section, about 40 miles from the city. We chose this spot because it was known to be less crowded than Badaling and, most importantly for our kids, it had a toboggan ride to get down after hiking.

It was a cold but clear day, and the views were breathtaking. The Wall stretched as far as the eye could see, an awe-inspiring sight that photos simply can’t do justice. The crowds were light—perhaps thanks to the cold—and we spent hours climbing up and down the steep stairs, exploring as much as our legs could handle.

Sliding Down History

The toboggan ride down was a fun touch, though the kids were a little underwhelmed (they had expected something faster). But for me, the sheer novelty of sliding down the Great Wall of China made the experience unforgettable. We wrapped up the day with a well-earned meal of noodles and dumplings, still in awe of everything we had seen.

The Unexpected Magic of a Last-Minute Detour

We couldn’t help but appreciate how lucky we were to have made this detour. Seeing the Great Wall in person was an overwhelming reminder of history, human ingenuity, and perseverance. The wall itself is a testament to the dedication of those who built it centuries ago, and standing on its ancient stones was nothing short of surreal.

Our family trip to the Great Wall of China had been completely unplanned, yet it became one of the most unforgettable stops of our journey.

Travel isn’t always about careful planning or checking off a list—it’s about leaving room for spontaneity, for the unexpected detours that end up shaping the best stories. The Great Wall wasn’t on our original itinerary, but now, when I think back to our year of travel, I can’t imagine it without that cold winter day, those endless steps, and the moment we stood together on a piece of history, taking it all in.