Beijing will always hold a special place in my heart especially walking The Great Wall of China. During my years flying there as a flight attendant, I found myself returning again and again. Sometimes three trips in a row. Each layover brought new adventures, but nothing compared to the moments I spent climbing the Great Wall of China with fellow crew members.
It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and yet for me it became more than just a famous site, it became personal. filled with memories of laughter, freezing cold mornings and even one unforgettable FaceTime call with my dad.
Climbing the Great Wall in –12°C
One of the coldest, and most memorable, days was when a group of us decided to head out in the middle of winter. The temperature had dropped to –12°C, and I think we were the only people crazy enough to attempt the climb that day.
Every step felt like walking into the wind’s icy grip. Taking my hands out of my gloves for just a few seconds to snap a photo actually hurt. I’d forgotten to pack proper gloves, and in true rookie style, I ended up buying a pair from one of the vendors at the bottom of the Wall. They saved me that day!
Despite the cold, the experience was magical. The mountains stretched out endlessly, the Wall snaked across the ridges, and the silence made it feel like we had this ancient wonder all to ourselves.
FaceTiming My Dad From the Great Wall
But the highlight of all my trips was the day I FaceTimed my late father from the Wall. He had always dreamed of visiting China and climbing the Great Wall himself, but due to his health, it wasn’t possible. So, I decided to bring the experience to him.
I walked along the stones with my phone in hand, showing him the sweeping views, the watchtowers and the endless steps. He laughed, asked questions, and for a few minutes, it felt like he was right there with me. That call is one of the most precious memories I hold close to my heart, sharing such a once-in-a-lifetime moment with someone I loved who couldn’t physically be there.
Visiting the Great Wall – What Travellers Should Know
The Great Wall of China isn’t just one wall—it’s a series of fortifications stretching over 21,000 kilometres. Built and rebuilt over centuries, it once served to protect China from invasions and control Silk Road trade routes.
From Beijing, the most accessible and popular sections to visit are:
- Badaling – The most famous and busiest section, about 70 km from Beijing. It’s well-restored and has plenty of facilities, but expect crowds.
- Mutianyu – A little further out (73 km), but less crowded and with beautiful views. You can even take a cable car up or toboggan ride down.
- Juyongguan – Just 55 km from Beijing, making it one of the easiest to reach. This section has historical significance and is a good choice for shorter visits.
How to Get There from Beijing
- By car or taxi: Around 1–1.5 hours depending on the section.
- By train or bus: Regular public transport runs to Badaling. Mutianyu and Juyongguan often require transfers or private tours.
- Tours: Many travellers book half-day or full-day tours, which include transport, tickets and sometimes meals.
What to Do at the Great Wall
- Climb the watchtowers and soak in panoramic views.
- Take a cable car at Mutianyu if you prefer a less strenuous climb.
- Walk at sunrise or sunset for incredible photos with softer light.
- Bring gloves and water—regardless of the season, you’ll need both.
- Pause often. The Wall is steep, uneven and challenging, but it’s as much about the journey as the destination.
Why the Great Wall Stays With Me
The Great Wall isn’t just about history or architecture, it’s about connection. For me, it’s tied to memories of friendships with crew, laughter in freezing winds and that precious FaceTime with my dad.
Even though I don’t fly into Beijing anymore, those trips remind me why I fell in love with travel in the first place: because it allows us to share experiences, create stories and sometimes even make the impossible possible.
When you stand on the Great Wall, you’re not just seeing a world wonder—you’re standing on centuries of history, culture and resilience. And if you’re lucky, like I was, you’ll carry home not just photos, but memories that stay with you forever.
