15 Great Wall Hiking Tips

1. Be aware of your own limitations - acrophobia, heart diseases, and diabetes do not fit for the long-distance or wild Great Wall hiking. Take your health case history with you in case of any emergency.

2.  Health and accident insurance is necessary before taking any hiking tour and take the insurance and contact information with you.

3.  Make sure you wear sensible footwear. 

4. Take a pair of glove with you since sometimes you need your hands to help you climb up.

5. It is important to have a big breakfast on your hiking day, and take enough water with you. 

6. If you plan to hike more than one day, you may consider to take some first-aid medicines with you, such as medication against diarrhea, oral re-hydration powder or tablets, or some others you think are necessary according to the weather, the season and your own physical condition.

7. It is very hot to hike under the sun in summer, and sunglasses and some other protection measures are necessary. 

8. Rain storms are also quite common in summer. Take your raincoat and be sure your mobile phone is power-off if thunderstorms happen.

9. Never run or walk fast when you are hiking on the Great Wall since many parts of the Wall are broken and loose. They are not only difficult and strenuous to hike but also very dangerous. Take your full attention on this.

10. Keep a safe distance from the person in front of you when you are walking up to avoid been hit by falling stones or bricks.
 

Stand in a Safe Place before Taking Photos.

11. Make sure to obey any warnings that are posted on the wall. At any time, never walk close to the edge of the wall since they are the first part to become loose and broken.

12. During hiking, if you need to use a pontlevis, do not run, jump, shake, or do some other actions which may cause danger.

13. Remember that never lean against the wall to rest before you make sure it is really firm and safe.

14. Stay with the team all the time, and do not wander off by yourself to make sure you will not get lost or helpless.

15. Protect the Wall! Leave nothing except your footprints, take nothing except photographs and garbage, and maintain the plain charm of the wall.

 Further Reading:
Great Wall Hiking Checklist: 15 Things that Expert Hikers Always Take 
10 Insider Tips for Great Wall Travel - Dos and Don’ts