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If you look on the “bucket list” of any traveler, there is a good chance that “Visit the Great Wall of China” will be included. This comes as no surprise, as the Great Wall is a truly remarkable structure and a one-in-a-lifetime travel experience. With direct flights to China, within a few short hours you can be standing within the shadow of this iconic structure.

As the Great Wall of China is easily one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, and actually consists of many different sections of wall which have been built from the 5^th century BC to the 16^th century. The majority of the existing wall was built during the Ming Dynasty. These stone and earth fortifications were built to protect the Chinese Empire from the attacks of nomadic hordes. This amazing wall reaches all the way from Shanhaiguan in the east, to Lop Lake in the west of China, and creates a massive arc which traces the edges of Inner Mongolia. It is several thousand kilometers long, and it can be visited at many places along its length. Some sections of the wall are completely ruined, and others are well preserved. If you are planning on visiting the Great Wall of China, there are a few things to watch out for, so here are some pointers on what NOT to do at this iconic site:

• Don’t forget to bring water. Especially in the summer, you will become hot and thirsty while walking along the wall and the price of a bottle of water at a vendor are not very budget conscious.
• Do not add your name to the carvings in the wall. If you are spotted by the authorities, you can be fined and punished for any damage to the wall.
• Do not walk outside of maintained area, as some sections of the Wall are only made of mud and a few loose stones and can be dangerous.
• Don’t fail to have a backup plan when hiking, as there are no wilderness rescue personnel in China and so no one will come to save you.
• Don’t fall for a bus scam. If someone offers you a ride for 150 Yuan, say no thank you. The real bus to the Great Wall should only cost around 20 Yuan.
• Don’t hike the Great Wall in the middle of the afternoon. In the heat of the day you will find the journey will turn you into a hot and sweaty miserable mess. It is better to wake up early and explore the Wall in the morning before the weather gets too warm. You will also avoid the crowds as well.
• Don’t make eye contact with the souvenir hawkers. They will annoyingly persist that you buy their cheesy goods, which you can buy in any major city for much cheaper.
• Don’t wear flip-flops. Hiking the Great Wall of China requires shoes, as you will be climbing steep stone steps and sometimes walking through mud and grime.

These are just a few things not to do which will make your Great Wall of China experience safer and more enjoyable.

Leigh is a former industrial town on the outskirts of Greater Manchester; it has made great strides to recreate itself after the demise of the local cotton, mining and foundry industries. A combination of gentrification of the industrial landscape and creation of a sports village with a 10,000-seat stadium, along with excellent shopping facilities has given the town a reversal in its fortunes.

The Bridgewater canal reached Leigh in 1795 and though no longer in use, like many of the old redbrick mills that line its course; it now makes a pleasant trail to walk along and takes you to nearby Worsley.  The areas industrial past is also remembered in the Ashley Green Colliery Museum, the mine itself closed in 1970 but it now houses the largest collection of pit locomotives in the country and has a 98’ head gear and winding house on site.

Countryside reclaimed

The planting of a 130-hectare of woodland on the colliery site has created a wonderful environment and spectacular views. The Pennington Flash Country Park is another lovely outdoor venue to savour the picturesque countryside around Leigh. The nature reserve and lake were created by subsidence from local mining and now provide a home to many birds. Along with hides for birdwatchers, the local sailing club, windsurfers and fishermen who use the lake. Lilford Park, the grounds of the former Atherton Hall, since demolished, was donated to the town in 1914 and is another lovely outdoor spot to explore.

Other natural wonders in the area can be found at the Knowsley Safari Park, the main attraction is the 5-mile drive through trail. Here visitors can experience an African drive, watch lions, rhino, oryx, blackbuck, eland, elephants and over a 100 baboons wandering the Lancashire countryside. The amusement park also includes a bughouse, sea lion shows and picnic site.

Those with a taste for art and culture can pay a visit to the little Turnpike Gallery, based in the old Civic square in the centre of the town. The purpose built venue has been in existence since 1971 and holds regular exhibitions of contemporary art from local artists to international masters.

Accommodation

The Park Inn Leigh Hotel is in a rural setting but has great access to Manchester, Liverpool and the towns of Wigan and Warrington.  It is also a good place to discover the gorgeous Lancashire countryside.

The hotel has 135 spacious and modern rooms, stylishly fitted out and including high-speed Internet connections. The hotel also has a popular RBG Bar & Grill serving up tasty meals for its customers, there is plenty of parking and an excellent fitness and health centre.

Leigh makes a great base, situated as it is between Liverpool and Manchester, with easy access to the M6 but also surrounded by the fabulous rolling hills and vales of the Lancashire countryside that are well worth exploring.