Great Wall From Beijing: Mutianyu vs Badaling vs Jinshanling (Which Section and How to Get There)

Last checked: 2026-11-05. Rules change; always confirm with the official source before you travel.

The Great Wall runs for thousands of kilometres, but most visitors from Beijing choose one of a handful of sections. They are very different experiences: one is a short high-speed train ride with big crowds, another is a quiet hike with views that look like postcards. Here is how to choose.

Quick comparison

Travel times depend heavily on traffic; leave early, especially at weekends.

Mutianyu: the best all-rounder

Mutianyu is restored, well managed and surrounded by forested hills, so it is beautiful in every season. You can walk up, or take a cable car or chairlift to the wall, then return by the toboggan slide, which children love. It has English signs and Western-style cafés near the entrance. Most visitors go by DiDi, private driver or small-group tour; public buses involve a change in Huairou and take much longer.

Badaling: the easiest by train

Badaling is the most visited section and gets extremely crowded on weekends and holidays, but it is the simplest to reach without a car. High-speed trains on the Beijing–Zhangjiakou line stop at Badaling Great Wall Station, deep underground beneath the scenic area. Book the train on 12306 or a travel app with your passport; see our train guide. Badaling uses real-name, timed ticketing and has a daily visitor limit, so book your entry in advance with your passport number. Go early on a weekday for the best experience.

Jinshanling: for hikers

Jinshanling sits just across the border in Hebei province. Its mix of restored and crumbling watchtowers makes it the favourite of photographers, especially at sunrise and in autumn. The walk along the ridge is steep in places, so wear good shoes and bring water. It is far enough that most people go by car or on a hiking tour, often as a full day.

Simatai and Gubei Water Town

Simatai is attached to Gubei Water Town, a resort built in the style of an old northern town. The wall is lit in the evening and night visits are possible, which makes it a good overnight trip. Tickets are usually booked through the Gubei Water Town system, often a day or more ahead.

A word on "wild" Great Wall

Unrestored sections such as Jiankou look spectacular online, but they are crumbling, steep and often not officially open to visitors. Accidents happen every year. If you want a wilder feel, Jinshanling gives you much of the view with far less risk.

Booking and passports

• Carry your passport: it is used for tickets, trains and sometimes entry checks.
• Many sections sell tickets through official WeChat mini-programs or travel apps; English platforms like Trip.com also sell tickets. Pay with Alipay or WeChat Pay.
• Avoid China's public holidays if you can, especially the National Day week in early October and the days around Chinese New Year.

When to go

• Spring (April and May) and autumn (September to early November): the best weather and colours.
• Summer: hot and sometimes stormy; start early and bring plenty of water.
• Winter: cold and windy on the ridges, but quiet, with occasional snow that makes beautiful photos. Some cable cars or slides may close in bad weather.

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes with grip: the steps are uneven and can be very steep.
• Water and snacks, especially at quieter sections.
• Sunscreen and a hat, or warm layers and gloves in winter.
• A charged phone with mobile data for DiDi on the way back; see our eSIM guide.

Planning the rest of your stay? Our Beijing guide covers the Forbidden City, hutongs and getting around the city.

FAQ

Which Great Wall section is best for first-time visitors?

Mutianyu for most people: restored, scenic and less crowded than Badaling, with a cable car and a toboggan ride down. Choose Badaling if you want the easiest public transport, and Jinshanling for hiking.

Can I get to the Great Wall by train from Beijing?

Yes. High-speed trains stop at Badaling Great Wall Station. Other sections are easiest by car, DiDi or tour.

Do I need to book Great Wall tickets in advance?

For Badaling, yes: it uses real-name timed tickets with a daily limit, so book with your passport. Booking ahead is also wise for other sections at weekends and holidays.

How long do I need at the Great Wall?

Allow half a day for Mutianyu or Badaling including travel, and a full day for Jinshanling.

Official sources

• China Railway 12306 (official)