Expert: Tom Carter ~ Travel China Expert - 12/8/2010

Question
we want to see the great wall of china in the cheapest way possible. we are visiting relatives in shenzhen. we have a double entry visa. we want to stay for 1 night and return to shenzhen the next day. we can't speak chinese nor japenese. can you please give us info regarding the price as well. thank you.

helpless south African students

Answer
Suhanri, I do not have specific price information for you, but if you want to visit the Great Wall of China on a day visit, the cheapest way would be to catch a public bus to the part of the Wall you wish to see (there are many sections; you must do your research first to decide which you prefer). The bus station at Dongzhimen has many small busses that go out to the Wall. However since you do not speak Chinese this might pose some challenges for you. Therefore, your next option is to sign your names up for a tour through a youth hostel. Most hostels run daily Great Wall tours that you can join. It will be a little more expensive than doing it yourself, but still affordable. I think this is your best option. Please be aware, however, that it will take you at least a day by train to get from Shenzhen to Beijing, and a day back. You will need to give yourselves an entire day just to see the Wall.  Hope this helps...
Tom Carter