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The restored Ming fortification at Badaling is the closest section of the wall to Beijing. Although perpetually busy, it is possible to escape the crowds by walking along the wall; and the views are spectacular.

Housed in an imitation Qing dynasty building at Badaling, the museum presents the history of the region from neolithic times, as well as detailing the construction of the wall. Admission is covered in the cost of your wall ticket.

This pass is on the way to Badaling. With unscalable mountains on either side it is easy to see why the spot was chosen for defence. Early cannons remain on the ramparts. Also worth seeing are Buddhist carvings on a stone platform, or “cloud terrace,” in the middle of the pass.

Within sight of the wall at Badaling, the Commune consists of 12 stunning, contemporary villas, each designed by a different, celebrated Asian architect. The complex operates as a hotel (see Commune at the Great Wall), but non-guests can drop by the restaurant for lunch.

The appeal of Mutianyu lies in its dramatic hilly setting and less intrusive tourist industry. With a series of watchtowers along its restored length, the wall here dates from 1368.

On the same stretch of wall as Mutianyu, Huanghua Cheng is an exhilarating section of Ming fortifications that is far less developed than most other parts. The great barrier is split into two by a large reservoir. The crumbling masonry can be uneven and fairly treacherous, so you need to take care.

The wall at Simatai has only been partially repaired, and so affords a more genuine impression of the original wall. It is very steep and hazardous here in parts, and can even be quite risky to navigate.

The starting point for a 6-mile (10-km) trek to Simatai, which because of the steep and stony trail usually takes around four hours. The views as the wall winds over sharp peak after sharp peak are fantastic, but you have to work for them.

Lying farther west of Jingshanling, Gubeikou is a heavily fortified pass from where you can begin a 15-mile (25-km) walk to Simatai. It is, if you are really fit, possible to do it in one day.

This is where the wall ends (or begins), at the sea. East of town, the “First Pass Under Heaven” is a formidable section of wall attached to a gatehouse. It lies some 218 miles (350 km) east of Beijing but it does make for a worthwhile overnight trip.