For most first-time visitors to Beijing seeing the Great Wall is, understandably, a must. But need this be at the expense of birding? The simple answer is no. There are multiple options for experiencing this most impressive of tourist attractions, ranging from the close-by but extremely busy, and restored, Badaling section to the wilder, more authentic sections at Jinshanling or Gubeikou and seeing some of the area’s special birds.
Click here for a PDF guide to birding the Great Wall, including a recommendation for a day out that combines the best of both.