[quitecontrary]

Has anybody done Beijing cheap? Can you suggest any packages safe hotels for 1 woman traveling alone?

Somebody mentioned to me that airfare from Shenzhen is much cheaper. Is that true?

[Sazzy]

I think that you can get a ferry to Shenzhen and then check out this website for cheap flights with CTS.
http://www.chinatravel1.com/english/plane/sz8-book.htm
Most hotels arrange organised tours to Great Wall + others. I normally find that you get the best hotel deals if you book direct.
Have fun