For a country that counts for almost a fifth of the world population, China’s tourism industry is doing well. And if Beijing tour operators have anything to do with it, it will only get better.

After France, United States, and Spain, China was the most popular tourist destination in the world in 2014, a rank it has held for the past few years.

Considering that great wall of china tours have been lending a helping hand to the country, the country has managed to maintain its world ranking in the number of tourists it attracts.

China’s tourism industry is maturing fast. Whereas it once catered primarily to internal tourists, and then attracted solely from Asian countries, Beijing tours are now staffed with employees who can speak English and majority of European languages.

Europe now counts for 20 percent of all foreign tourists to China, and the United States is contributing another 12 percent.

A beijing tour package has universally become a must-do for tourists, whether local, Asian, or Western.

And for a good reason, too. While a guidebook can give you basic facts and figures, only a Great Wall tour operated by a licensed and professional Chinese tour guide can bring out the historical and cultural significance of the wall.

The Great Wide is China’s pride. The 5,500-mile long (8,800 Kilometers) wall is one of the world’s most enduring construction projects. If the Pyramids of Giza took 10 years to build, the Great Wall of China took 2,000 years, from 7th Century BC to 17h Century AD.

There are nearly as many facts as myths associated with the wall. How long was the “real” construction –after all the damage, destruction, and rebuilding? Who built it and why? Can it be seen from space?

Best months to visit the Great Wall are between May and October. After that, chances are it would be too cold. Bring moisturizer, sunglass, umbrella, and water. It can be pretty dry in spring or autumn. And decide which part of the wall you want to see. Since it spans several provinces, consult a tour operator which parts you are most interested in visiting and how to get there.