Beijing: Which section of the Great Walls should I visit?
- anywherechina020
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 14
The Great Wall, one of the Eight Wonders of the World, is a must-visit attraction in Beijing. However, the Great Wall in Beijing stretches over 600 km and is spread across various locations around the city, with eight sections developed into mature tourist areas. Which section of great wall to visit and for different visitors? This article provides the answer.
Among the eight sections of the Great Wall, four are well-developed and highly enjoyable.
Badaling: Best for people who have limited time
Although it is the most famous and most crowded one, it only takes you 1 hour bus ride to get there from Beijing city center while the others at least take 2-3 hours.
Ticket Price: 180RMB pp
Open time: 6:30 - 18:30
Transportation: 1 hour bus ride
Mutianyu: Best for family tour
Mutianyu Great Wall is the longest section with less visitors than Badaling and offers many family-friendly entertainment facilities, such as a cable car, gondola, and slide. For example, older adults can take the cable car up to the wall, while children and young people can enjoy the exciting slide down, making it both fun and thrilling.
Moreover, the Mutianyu Great Wall is stunning during both the Spring Festival and autumn. In spring, it is adorned with blooming peach blossoms, while in autumn, the foliage is a vibrant display of colors.
Ticket Price: 200RMB pp
Open time: 7:30 - 18:00
Transportation: 2.5 hour bus ride
Best view: Spring with peach blossom and Fall with Maple
Jinshanling: Best for photography enthusiasts
Jinshanling Great Wall is certified by National Geographic as the most beautiful section of the Great Wall. It features stunning scenery and preserves the most original architecture. However, some sections have steep drops and are better suited for physically fit young people and photography enthusiasts.
Additionally, Jinshanling is quite far from downtown Beijing, and there are no direct buses available. Therefore, it is suitable for visitors who drive themselves or hire a guide to travel there, which takes about three hours.
Ticket Price: 125RMB pp
Open time: 8:30 - 17:00
Transportation: 3 hour drive
Best view: Spring and Fall, Morning and Dusk
Simatai Great Wall: Best for people who plan to stay 1-night in W town
Simatai is the first section of the Great Wall developed for night tours. At the foot of Simatai Great Wall is Beijing Water Town. Visitors planning to stay overnight in the water town can choose to hike up Simatai at dusk to enjoy a breathtaking view of the town, which is both beautiful and stunning.
Ticket Price: 280RMB pp
Open time: Night View 18:00-21:40 during May to October
Transportation: 2.5 hour drive
The above is a brief introduction to the four Great Walls. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via Instagram or send messages to anywherechina020@gmail.com
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