By Mark Orwoll, International Editor, Travel + Leisure <\/p>\n
updated 11:03 AM EDT, Fri June 8, 2012 <\/p>\n
Explore the Great Wall of China <\/p>\n
STORY HIGHLIGHTS <\/p>\n
(CNN) -- One of the oldest existing man-made structures, more than 2,000 years old and a world-travel icon that ranks alongside the pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge -- the Great Wall of China should be on every traveler's bucket list. <\/p>\n
To make the most of your visit, take some advice from these dos and don'ts. <\/p>\n
DO choose a section of the wall that's right for you. <\/p>\n
Most travelers visit one of these sections from their hotel base in Beijing: Juyongguan (closest to Beijing but less interesting than most other sections); Badaling (close but crowded); Mutianyu (farther away but less crowded and set among gorgeous mountains); and Jinshanling and Simatai (farther away still, but perfect for adventurers). Note: Simatai is currently closed for site improvements. <\/p>\n
Travel + Leisure: World's most-visited ancient ruins <\/p>\n
DON'T spend less than two or three hours exploring the wall. You'll need at least that much time to get the true flavor of the centuries-old structure. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Read more here: <\/p>\n
Great Wall of China dos and don'ts<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Mark Orwoll, International Editor, Travel + Leisure updated 11:03 AM EDT, Fri June 8, 2012 Explore the Great Wall of China STORY HIGHLIGHTS (CNN) -- One of the oldest existing man-made structures, more than 2,000 years old and a world-travel icon that ranks alongside the pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge -- the Great Wall of China should be on every traveler's bucket list. To make the most of your visit, take some advice from these dos and don'ts. Continue reading