1 . Walking the Great Wall of China can be as ambitious as tackling the entire 1，800 miles from the Gobi Desert to the Yellow Sea or spending a morning or afternoon climbing a section with a tour group.       1     Read about the history of the Great Wall's construction so you can appreciate those many uneven steps.

Book a half-day tour right from your Beijing hotel. Bring a bottle of water and a light bag， a hat，sunglasses and sunscreen   and，of course， your camera. Obtain necessary government permits for a more ambitious independent hike.       2     Pack your equipment for a walk along all or a large section of the Great Wall and then try to reduce its weight.       3     Get good maps and study recent trip diaries and guides. Break in your climbing shoes and don't forget to put lots of bandages and sun cream in the first-aid kit.

Decide whether you will begin in the Gobi Desert or at the Yellow Sea.   Desert travel is tiring and slow-going.            4     Create a plan and file it with a friend you will contact at regular intervals. This is an essential safety step for an isolated， dangerous trip.

    5     The trip is as much about absorbing cultures as walking the Great Wall.   Villagers may offer you meals and lodging.   In remote areas this can be a time saver. Travel with a friend if possible;learn some basic Chinese before you go and engage pleasantly but carefully with local people in the less-developed regions.