When visiting Beijing, a trip to the Great Wall is a must-do experience. With several sections to explore, each offering unique views and features, it can be difficult to choose the best one to visit. The most popular options are Badaling, Mutianyu, and Juyongguan, each offering different experiences for various preferences. Whether you’re seeking convenience, stunning views, or fewer crowds, this guide breaks down the best sections of the Great Wall to help you plan your trip.
1. Badaling Great Wall (八达岭长城)
Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Ticket Price: 40 RMB (free for seniors over 60), one-way cable car 100 RMB, round-trip cable car 140 RMB
Suitable For: All ages
Recommended Routes:
- Cable Car Up + Hike Down: Take the cable car to the North Cable Car Station, then hike to the highest point (North Tower 8). Walk past North Towers 9 and 10 before descending at North Tower 11.
- Pure Hike: Hike from North Tower 1 to North Towers 8-11.
- Round-Trip Cable Car: Take the cable car up to the North Cable Car Station, then ride the cable car down from North Tower 7.
Summary: Badaling is the most famous and well-preserved section of the Great Wall, attracting large crowds, especially on holidays. It has well-developed facilities, making it the most accessible section, but it can get quite crowded. If you’re looking for a tourist-friendly experience with all the amenities, this is the place for you.
2. Mutianyu Great Wall (慕田峪长城)
Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Ticket Price: 45 RMB, shuttle bus 15 RMB, round-trip cable car 140 RMB
Suitable For: All ages
Recommended Routes:
- East Route (Less Walking): Take the cable car up, visit Enemy Tower 6, then walk to Enemy Tower 3 (a unique three-tower structure with a hollow middle), and proceed to Enemy Tower 1 (a grand corner tower). You can either take the cable car or slide down the mountain using the toboggan.
- Grand Tour Route: Ride the cable car from the North Entrance, visit Enemy Towers 14 and 20, then return to Enemy Tower 1 and finish at Enemy Tower 6 (take the cable car or toboggan down).
- Full Hiking Route: Start from the North Entrance, walk to Enemy Tower 12, continue west to Enemy Tower 20, and return via Enemy Tower 1, then descend at Enemy Tower 6.
Summary: Mutianyu is less crowded and boasts stunning scenery, making it a photographer’s paradise. The unique structure of Enemy Tower 3 is the only one of its kind on the entire Great Wall. Visitors can experience a combination of cable car rides, toboggan rides, and hiking, making it a fun and family-friendly destination. However, it is located about 70 kilometers from the city center in Huairou, so it takes a bit more time to get there.
3. Juyongguan Great Wall (居庸关长城)
Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Ticket Price: 40 RMB
Suitable For: Young people and those in good physical condition
Recommended Routes:
- East Route: This route is relatively flat, but part of it is under maintenance. Visitors can only climb 3-4 of the city gates.
- West Route: The west route is steeper, with most of it consisting of stairs. It’s more challenging but offers a more adventurous experience.
Summary: Juyongguan is the closest section of the Great Wall to Beijing city center, with taxis from the final stop of the Changping Line subway taking only 20 minutes. It’s a great option for those seeking a quieter experience with fewer tourists. However, there is no cable car here, so visitors must be prepared for a more strenuous hike. It’s a great choice for those looking for a physical challenge, but not ideal for those afraid of heights or those with mobility issues. In spring, the East Route offers beautiful views of the surrounding flower fields.
Which Great Wall Should You Visit?
For Convenience and Facilities: Badaling is the best choice. With its easy access and well-developed infrastructure, it’s the most visitor-friendly, especially for families with children or elderly travelers.
For Scenic Beauty and Less Crowds: Mutianyu is perfect if you want to enjoy breathtaking views with fewer people. The toboggan ride adds an element of fun, and the unique enemy tower designs are a photographer’s dream.
For a Quiet Experience and Challenge: Juyongguan is the place to go for those who prefer a quieter, more physically challenging hike. It’s also the closest to the city, making it ideal for a quick trip.