One quote constantly attributed to Mao Zedong goes as follows: “You're not a hero if you haven't climbed the Great Wall.” I suppose that makes me a hero, then. As part of package tour deal, we were taken to a particularly popular area on the wall where a fairly steep, steadily uphill trek to one of the Wall’s high points begins.

Not everyone can make this journey, but, if you pace yourself, most can. Like the reckless young fool I am, I did not pace myself. If you travel with friends, you may find yourself unconsciously in competition to get to the top first, as is human nature, but whether you take it fast or slow, be prepared for some of the most majestic, epic views you have ever seen. And the higher you go, the better it gets.

This is indeed a somewhat popular part of the Wall to visit for tourists, but, the higher you get, the fewer you will see. This is yet another piece of motivation to get up there. The altitude and winds make it a bit chilly any season outside of summer, but that strenghtened the experience for me. And if you find yourself parched, hungry, or cold rest assured that there is no shortage of vendors of t-shirts, sweatshirts, popsicles, bottled water, recreations of soldier’s armor from the 10th century, etc. for all of your mid-hike shopping needs. Whenever I think about how bad my commute is to work every day, I imagine them climbing up a mile of steep stairs in the dead of winter to open up shop.

Obviously, this is the sort of thing that most people couldn’t possibly miss, especially if they haven’t been to China before. If you can make the hike, make it. The view is more than worth it.