Great Wall of China: Which Section Should You Visit?
The Great Wall isn't one wall. It's thousands of kilometers of walls, built over centuries, in various states of repair.
From Beijing, you can visit at least six different sections. Each offers a completely different experience.
I've seen tourists regret their choice. "We went to Badaling and it was just... crowds." Or: "We hiked Jiankou and almost died."
Here's how to pick the right section for you.
Quick Comparison
| Section | Crowds | Difficulty | Restoration | Distance from Beijing | Best For | |---------|--------|------------|-------------|----------------------|----------| | Badaling | Very High | Easy | Fully restored | 70 km / 1.5 hr | First-timers, families | | Mutianyu | Moderate | Easy-Medium | Fully restored | 73 km / 1.5 hr | Best overall balance | | Jinshanling | Low | Medium | Partially restored | 130 km / 2.5 hr | Photography, hiking | | Simatai | Low | Medium-Hard | Partially restored | 120 km / 2.5 hr | Night views, unique experience | | Huanghuacheng | Low | Medium | Partially restored | 80 km / 2 hr | Water views, fewer tourists | | Jiankou | Very Low | Hard | Unrestored (wild) | 90 km / 2 hr | Adventurers only |
Badaling: The Famous One
Best for: First-time visitors who want easy access and don't mind crowds.
The Reality
Badaling is the most famous and most visited section. It's also the most crowded.
Pros:
- Easiest to reach (direct bus, train, or tour)
- Fully restored and accessible
- Cable car available
- Best facilities (restaurants, bathrooms)
- Obama, Nixon, and Queen Elizabeth visited here
Cons:
- Extremely crowded (especially weekends/holidays)
- Feels commercialized
- Less "authentic" wall experience
- Tour group central
Getting There
- S2 Train: Beijing North Station → Badaling Station (1 hour, ¥6)
- Bus 877: Deshengmen → Badaling (1.5 hours, ¥12)
- DiDi/Tour: ~¥300-400 round trip
Tickets
- ¥40 (April-October), ¥35 (November-March)
- Book online through official WeChat mini-program
Verdict
If you just want to say you walked on the Great Wall with minimal effort, Badaling works. But if you want a better experience, keep reading.
Mutianyu: The Best Balance
Best for: Most travelers. Good balance of access, restoration, and manageable crowds.
Why Mutianyu Wins
This is my recommendation for most visitors.
Pros:
- Well-restored but less crowded than Badaling
- Gorgeous scenery with dense watchtowers
- Cable car AND toboggan ride down
- Good facilities
- Popular with international tourists (more English signage)
Cons:
- Still gets busy on weekends
- Requires organized transport (no direct train)
- Slightly more expensive than Badaling
Getting There
- Tour bus: From Dongzhimen (2 hours, ~¥30)
- DiDi/Private car: ~¥400-500 round trip
- Organized tour: Many available through Trip.com
Tickets
- ¥40 entrance
- Cable car: ¥120 round trip
- Toboggan down: ¥100
The Toboggan
Yes, there's a toboggan (luge) that takes you down the mountain. It's fun, fast, and a unique experience. Definitely do it.
Verdict
This is where I'd send most people. Less chaotic than Badaling, still accessible, beautiful views, and the toboggan is genuinely fun.
Jinshanling: The Photographer's Choice
Best for: Photographers, hikers, and those seeking fewer crowds.
The Experience
Jinshanling is partially restored—some sections are polished, others are crumbling. This gives it character.
Pros:
- Significantly fewer tourists
- Mix of restored and "wild" wall
- Best sunrise/sunset photography
- Can hike to Simatai (10 km, 4-5 hours)
- Feels more authentic
Cons:
- Farther from Beijing (2.5 hours)
- Requires more planning
- Less infrastructure
- Some sections require real hiking fitness
Getting There
- Tour bus: From Wangjing West (3 hours, ~¥50)
- Private car/tour: Recommended for flexibility
Tickets
- ¥65 entrance
- Cable car: ¥40 one-way
Best Strategy
Arrive for sunrise (camp nearby or hire car at 4 AM). Morning light on the wall is spectacular.
Verdict
If you're serious about photography or want a more rugged experience, Jinshanling is worth the extra effort.
Simatai: The Night Wall
Best for: Unique experience, night viewing, combining with Gubei Water Town.
What Makes Simatai Special
Simatai is the only Great Wall section open for night visits. It's also connected to Gubei Water Town, a reconstructed ancient water village.
Pros:
- Night visits available (wall lit up)
- Less crowded than Badaling/Mutianyu
- Gubei Water Town is charming
- Good for photography
- Partially wild/unrestored sections
Cons:
- Limited daily visitors (reservation required)
- Farther from Beijing
- Night visit requires staying in Gubei area
- Steep and challenging in places
Getting There
- Tour bus: From Dongzhimen (2.5 hours)
- Private car: ~¥500-600 round trip
Tickets
- ¥40 (day) or ¥80 (night, includes cable car)
- Gubei Water Town: ¥140
Night Visit Strategy
Book a hotel in Gubei Water Town. Visit the wall at sunset, watch it light up at night, then explore the town.
Verdict
A completely different experience. If you have two nights to spare and want something unique, the Simatai + Gubei combo is memorable.
Wild Wall: Jiankou and Beyond
Best for: Experienced hikers and adventurers only.
The Reality
"Wild wall" sections like Jiankou are unrestored. Crumbling steps. Loose stones. No railings. Real danger.
What to expect:
- Genuine ancient wall experience
- No tourists
- Incredible photography opportunities
- Serious risk of injury
- No facilities whatsoever
Sections:
- Jiankou: Most famous wild section, extremely steep
- Zhuangdaokou: Less vertical, still challenging
- Huanghuacheng: Partially wild, near a reservoir
Should You Go?
Only if:
- You're an experienced hiker
- You're comfortable with exposure and heights
- You go with a local guide
- You have proper footwear and equipment
Do not go if:
- You're a casual tourist
- You have mobility issues
- You're traveling alone
- It's raining or snowing
People have died on wild wall sections. This isn't exaggeration.
Verdict
Beautiful but dangerous. Most tourists should stick to restored sections.
My Recommendation by Traveler Type
First-time visitor, limited time
→ Mutianyu (best balance)
Families with kids
→ Mutianyu (cable car + toboggan) or Badaling (easiest)
Photography enthusiast
→ Jinshanling (sunrise) or Simatai (night)
Avoiding all crowds
→ Jinshanling or Huanghuacheng
Unique experience seeker
→ Simatai + Gubei Water Town
Hardcore adventurer
→ Jiankou (with guide)
Practical Tips
When to Visit
- Best months: April-May, September-October (weather and visibility)
- Avoid: Golden Week (Oct 1-7), Chinese New Year, summer weekends
- Winter: Cold but stunning snow views, very few tourists
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (not sandals)
- Water and snacks
- Sunscreen and hat (summer)
- Warm layers (winter, surprisingly cold)
- Cash for vendors (some don't accept mobile pay)
- Charged phone for photos and DiDi home
Time Needed
| Section | Minimum Time | Recommended | |---------|--------------|-------------| | Badaling | 2 hours | 3-4 hours | | Mutianyu | 3 hours | 4-5 hours | | Jinshanling | 3 hours | 5-6 hours | | Simatai + Gubei | Half day | Full day/overnight |
Booking and Transport
For most sections, the easiest approach is:
- Book a day tour through Trip.com or your hotel
- Or hire a private car through DiDi (set return time)
- Book tickets in advance through official WeChat mini-programs
Need Help Planning?
If you'd rather have someone recommend the best section for your trip and handle logistics, our Guardian package includes trip planning support for $19.
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Need More Help?
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