This day trip heads out of the capital to Mutianyu, one of the best-restored and least-crowded stretches of the Great Wall of China. Set amid forested hills about 70 kilometres north-east of Beijing, this section is famed for its watchtowers and sweeping ridge-top views. A cable car or chairlift eases the ascent, and there is even a toboggan run down. With round-trip transport included, it makes the wall an easy and rewarding day out from the city.