I visited this portion of the Great Wall shortly after the China National Day vacation, and was delighted to find it very uncrowded. There are two different directions you could take, and I took the less steep side based on my guide's recommendations. I enjoyed beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains and valley, and was amazed to be able to see modern Beijing in the distance through the pass. It was a fantastic opportunity to get a bird's eye view of the shape of this portion of the wall and its construction. There was actually a restroom along the way and I can now say I used the restroom at the Great Wall of China!! Thank goodness for modern conveniences. I fully enjoyed my two hour visit. It took me an hour and a half to climb up to nearly the highest point and then a half hour to walk back down. The upward climb was definitely challenging, even on the less steep side, and coming down the extremely narrow and steep steps at the end on tired legs was also challenging. I really felt it in my legs for a few days. But it was worth the views and the history! The carving on the ancient gate down at the base was also incredible. Thank you to China International Travel Service , Mr. Xue as guide and Mr. Liu as driver for a great day!
