Rediscovering the Great Wall: Sidecar Rides

In the August cover feature of the Beijinger, we went back to the Great Wall and explored it anew: alongside, underneath, overhead... Here are some of the activities we thought you'd enjoy most:

Sidecar Rides

Feel the wind in your face and live dangerous biker fantasies as you zip along the wild Great Wall in a Beijing Sideways motorcycle sidecar. Travelling from the north of the city, you’ll get a quick stop at the Silver Pagodas, then weave through small villages before you arrive at the remote locations of either Huanghuacheng or Shengtengyu.

From there, stretch your cramped legs with a hike along untouched ruins, and tame the adrenaline rush with a quiet French picnic on the highest tower before you suit up for the ride back. A two-day option continues with a stay in a guesthouse followed by a thrilling ride back through Beijing.

Beijing Sideways’ tours are all taken with an expat insider who is well informed on local history and geography. You will be driving with your guide in the Changjiang 750 motorcycle, a Chinese copy of the Russian M72, developed during WWII. Prices range from RMB 2000-4200 depending on which tour package you choose. And for an extra RMB 600, you can enjoy a bottle of champagne with your picnic.

A version of this article appeared in the August 2013 edition of the Beijinger.

Photo: Mitchell PE Masilun