🚗 Transportation Guide: Given the distance of over an hour from the hotel to the Great Wall, we opted for a chartered car 🚗 to save time and energy. We departed from the hotel at 8:30 AM, and by around 9:30 AM, we reached the parking lot. Along the way, there's time for a quick touch-up of makeup! 💄

🙋 Our Route (with stops, duration approximately 4.5 hours):

1. South Great Wall to Monument of Heroism (好汉碑) for a quick photo op and back.
2. North Great Wall from North One to North Twelve.

🎫 Ticket Information: Purchase tickets through the "Great Wall In & Out" mini-program. Adult tickets cost 40 CNY (approximately $6 USD) during peak season and 35 CNY (approximately $5 USD) during the off-season. Student tickets are priced at 20 CNY (approximately $3 USD) during peak season and 17.5 CNY (approximately $2.50 USD) during the off-season. Admission is free for minors under 18. There's a complimentary luggage storage facility at the main entrance; simply register your information.

‼️ Tips:

 1️⃣ Upon reaching the parking lot, take the shuttle bus to the Great Wall entrance; the shuttle is free 🆓.

 2️⃣ The "Monument of Heroism" is located on the South Great Wall. You can take the cable car 🚠 up for photos. With the cable car ticket, you can also receive a complimentary          2-inch photo. Cable car tickets cost 100 CNY (approximately $14 USD) for a one-way trip and 140 CNY (approximately $20 USD) for a round trip.

 3️⃣ For the North Great Wall, it's advisable to assess your physical capabilities. If you're not up for a steep climb, you can take the slide down from North Four.

 4️⃣ Typically, there's a cable car available. However, on windy days like when we visited, it might not be operational. If available, taking the cable car up and then hiking down can        save time and energy.

 5️⃣ After North Eight, the difficulty level increases significantly, with steep sections. Gauge your abilities accordingly.

 6️⃣ Don't overdress just because of the low temperatures. Layering up excessively can be burdensome, leading to sweating. Covering exposed skin is sufficient.

👸🏻 What to Wear: Top: Thermal wear, wool sweater, down jacket Bottom: Thermal pants, jeans Footwear: Snow boots Accessories: Hat, scarf 🧣

Estimated Costs for the Trip:

• Tickets: 40 CNY (approximately $6 USD) per person
• Chartered car: 600 CNY (approximately $85 USD)
• Food and drinks: 150 CNY (approximately $21 USD) for the day

Total Estimated Cost: 790 CNY (approximately $112 USD)

Note: Costs may vary depending on meals, transportation, and other expenses.