I was in China a couple of years ago & I am NOT a hiker. I don't even go to the gym.
I went to the Great Wall @ Badaling & loved it. The tourist stuff etc. did not undermine the visit all for me--I actually thought it was kind of funny. Even though that was supposed to be the sissy part of the wall, I was way out of breath & dragging my ... climbing so i can't imagine what the other parts are like. As far as being restored--you can't tell..it's not like they put up formica. My friends brought along a little split of champagne to open & have a toast on the wall which was a great idia. Have fun!