There are lots of ways to experience the Great Wall, but some are better than others. The basic idea is: the further away from Beijing, the better. There are basically three locations where you can visit the wall: two are relatively close (Badaling), and one is further away. The two closest therefore attract most tourists, and during the top season, you're actually walking in line.

Not so on the third location, Mutianyu. we've visited that spot, and were literally the only ones there! Nothing beats watching the sun go down on an empty Great Wall...

That's the second advice: The Wall doesn't close. You can visit it any time 24/7, and can even sleep there! That's really an amazing experience.

If you cannot do any of the above, you might want to consider this: Walk the wall! Yes, really! there is a 10 km stretch from Jinshanling to Simatai, that has been restored well enough to allow you to hike it. We've done this too, and it is truely a thrilling experience.

I found this site that offers most of the possibilities I just mentioned. I don't know about their prices though. We were lucky to have our own private guide + driver (a luxury, but actually not expensive!)

(Oh, and yes, that's me and the missus on the first pic!)
Source(s):
http://www.chinatourbuilder.com and my own experience.

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