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The wall was built essentially by millions of workers who had no choice in the matter. As such, the people of China generally hated the wall and the dynasties that built it. The wall was built several times, and fell into disrepair several times.
The communists used it as a propaganda tool to suit their needs. Originally, they pointed to it as a monument to the oppression of working people (which it is). Later, they pointed to it as an example of China's greatness.
We went to two sections of the wall, Juyongguan and Badaling, both of which are near one another. We ended up going to the Badaling section twice. The first time we took the number 1 tour bus from Tiananmen, which took us to Juyongguan (which had recently opened), Badaling, and two of the Ming tombs. We took this tour on a Saturday, the worst time to go. The wall was packed with people, which is especially problematic at Juyongguan, with its steep, narrow stair cases.
At both places (but more so at Badaling), you have to run the tourist trap gauntlet. To get to the wall, you must walk up a narrow street, lined with vendors, all selling similar souvenirs.
The next day, we returned to Badaling on our way back from Longqingxia, arriving around 7 PM on Sunday evening. This time the wall was nearly deserted. Even the vendors were mostly gone. This section is lit at night, and we stayed to see it.
A view of the wall from the bus.
A section of Juyongguan.