There are over 20 sections of the Great Wall accessible from Beijing, but only a handful are worth visiting. The section you choose will determine your entire experience — from how many tourists you're sharing the wall with to whether you're climbing gentle restored steps or scrambling over wild, crumbling stones.
This guide compares the 5 best sections, so you can pick the one that matches your fitness level, interests, and schedule.
💡 Quick answer: For first-time visitors, Mutianyu (慕田峪) is the best choice. Beautiful, restored, fewer crowds than Badaling, and it has a toboggan slide down the mountain.
Comparison Table: Great Wall Sections at a Glance
| Section | Distance from Beijing | Crowds | Condition | Hiking Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutianyu | 73 km (1.5 hrs) | 😊 Moderate | Fully restored | Easy-Moderate | First-timers, families |
| Badaling | 70 km (1.5 hrs) | 😱 Very crowded | Fully restored | Easy | Accessible, bus tours |
| Jinshanling | 130 km (2.5 hrs) | 😌 Quiet | Partially restored | Moderate-Hard | Hikers, photographers |
| Jiankou | 80 km (2 hrs) | 😌 Very quiet | Wild/unrestored | Hard-Dangerous | Experienced hikers only |
| Simatai | 120 km (2.5 hrs) | 😌 Quiet | Restored (night tours) | Easy-Moderate | Night visits, Gubei Water Town |
1. Mutianyu (慕田峪) — Best for First-Timers ⭐
Why it's the best: Mutianyu hits the sweet spot. It's beautifully restored (so it looks like the postcard Great Wall), has fewer tourists than Badaling, and the setting — surrounded by lush mountains — is stunning.
The Experience
- Cable car up (100 RMB roundtrip) — starts you at Watchtower 14
- Walk east to Watchtower 20 (the highest point, ~1.5 hours) — best views
- Walk west toward Watchtower 6 — quieter, equally beautiful
- Toboggan down (100 RMB one way) — a slide down the mountain. This is one of the most fun things you'll do in China, period.
Practical Details
| Entry fee | 40 RMB |
| Cable car | 100 RMB roundtrip |
| Toboggan | 100 RMB one way |
| Hours | 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM (summer), 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (winter) |
| Best time | April-May, September-October |
| Time needed | 3-4 hours on the wall |
Getting There
| Option | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Private tour | 500-800 RMB | 1.5 hours each way |
| Mutianyu Shuttle Bus | 80 RMB roundtrip | 2 hours from Dongzhimen |
| Didi/taxi | ~300 RMB one way | 1.5 hours |
💡 Pro tips:
- Arrive by 8:30 AM — tour buses arrive at 10 AM
- The toboggan is worth it — don't skip it
- Best photo spot — Watchtower 14 looking east
- Bring water and snacks — vendors on the wall charge 3x normal prices
Who Should Visit Mutianyu
- ✅ First-time visitors to the Great Wall
- ✅ Families with kids
- ✅ Anyone who wants the iconic "wall stretching into mountains" photo
- ✅ People who want a good mix of views and convenience
2. Badaling (八达岭) — Most Accessible
Why visit: It's the most famous section, and for good reason — it's the most accessible. Wheelchair-friendly, closest to Beijing, and the most restored.
The Experience
- Cable car or chairlift to the top
- Well-paved paths — wheelchair accessible
- Very crowded — this is where tour buses drop hundreds of visitors daily
- Great views — if you don't mind the crowds
Practical Details
| Entry fee | 40 RMB |
| Cable car | 100 RMB roundtrip |
| Chairlift | 100 RMB roundtrip |
| Hours | 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM (summer), 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM (winter) |
| Time needed | 2-3 hours |
Getting There
| Option | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| High-speed train | 10 RMB | 30 minutes from Qinghe Station |
| Bus 877 | 12 RMB | 1.5 hours from Deshengmen |
| Tour bus | 100-200 RMB | Included in tour price |
Who Should Visit Badaling
- ✅ Visitors with mobility issues (wheelchair accessible)
- ✅ People on a very tight schedule (closest section)
- ✅ Those who don't mind crowds
Who Should Skip Badaling
- ❌ Anyone who wants a peaceful, uncrowded experience
- ❌ Photographers (too many people in every shot)
- ❌ Hikers looking for adventure
3. Jinshanling (金山岭) — Best for Hikers & Photographers
Why visit: If you want the Great Wall without the crowds, Jinshanling is your answer. It's partially restored, which means you get both the iconic restored sections and the raw, ancient feel of the wild wall.
The Experience
- Hike from Jinshanling to Simatai (~10 km, 4-5 hours) — one of the best day hikes near Beijing
- Watchtowers every 100-200 meters — perfect for photography
- Sunrise and sunset views are spectacular
- Very few tourists — you might have entire sections to yourself
Practical Details
| Entry fee | 65 RMB |
| Hours | 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (year-round) |
| Time needed | 4-6 hours (full hike) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Hard — steep climbs, uneven steps |
Getting There
| Option | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Private car | 600-800 RMB | 2.5 hours each way |
| Tour | 300-500 RMB | Full day |
Who Should Visit Jinshanling
- ✅ Hikers who want a real challenge
- ✅ Photographers (best light at sunrise/sunset)
- ✅ Anyone who hates crowds
- ✅ Repeat visitors who've already seen the tourist sections
Who Should Skip Jinshanling
- ❌ First-time visitors (go to Mutianyu first)
- ❌ People with mobility issues
- ❌ Anyone on a tight schedule (it's far)
4. Jiankou (箭扣) — For Experienced Hikers Only
Why visit: Jiankou is the wildest, most dramatic section of the Great Wall. It's unrestored, crumbling in places, and features steep drops that will make your palms sweat. The views are absolutely breathtaking.
The Experience
- Wild, unrestored wall — original stones, overgrown vegetation, crumbling sections
- Dramatic scenery — the wall clings to steep ridges and mountain peaks
- No facilities — no toilets, no vendors, no cable cars
- Dangerous in places — some sections require scrambling
⚠️ Safety Warning
Jiankou is not for casual visitors. Several hikers have been injured or killed here. Only go if:
- You're an experienced hiker
- You have a local guide who knows the route
- You're in good physical condition
- The weather is clear (no rain, no ice)
Practical Details
| Entry fee | Free (but guides cost 500-800 RMB) |
| Time needed | 5-7 hours |
| Difficulty | Hard to Dangerous |
Who Should Visit Jiankou
- ✅ Experienced hikers and mountaineers
- ✅ Adventure seekers with a local guide
- ✅ Photographers willing to take risks for epic shots
Who Should Skip Jiankou
- ❌ First-time visitors
- ❌ Anyone with a fear of heights
- ❌ Families with children
- ❌ Anyone hiking alone
5. Simatai (司马台) — Best for Night Visits
Why visit: Simatai is the only section of the Great Wall open for night visits. Combined with the nearby Gubei Water Town (a reconstructed ancient village), it makes for a unique and romantic experience.
The Experience
- Night Great Wall tours — the wall is lit up, creating a magical atmosphere
- Gubei Water Town — a beautiful reconstructed Ming/Qing-style village at the base
- Cable car to the top
- Less crowded than Mutianyu or Badaling
Practical Details
| Entry fee | 40 RMB (wall) + 140 RMB (Gubei Water Town) |
| Cable car | 160 RMB roundtrip |
| Night tour | 180 RMB (includes entry + cable car) |
| Hours | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (day), 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (night, seasonal) |
| Time needed | 2-3 hours (day) or 2 hours (night) |
Getting There
| Option | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Private car | 600-800 RMB | 2.5 hours each way |
| Tour | 300-500 RMB | Full day |
Who Should Visit Simatai
- ✅ Couples looking for a romantic experience
- ✅ Anyone who wants to see the Great Wall at night
- ✅ Visitors who want to combine the Wall with Gubei Water Town
Who Should Skip Simatai
- ❌ Budget travelers (it's expensive)
- ❌ People who want a hiking experience (it's more of a sightseeing visit)
Great Wall Section Comparison: Which One Wins?
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best overall | 🏆 Mutianyu — perfect balance of views, crowds, and convenience |
| Best for hiking | 🏆 Jinshanling — best day hike near Beijing |
| Best for photography | 🏆 Jinshanling — uncrowded, dramatic light |
| Best for families | 🏆 Mutianyu — toboggan, cable car, easy walking |
| Best for adventure | 🏆 Jiankou — wild wall experience |
| Best for romance | 🏆 Simatai — night visits + Gubei Water Town |
| Most accessible | 🏆 Badaling — closest, wheelchair-friendly |
| Best value | 🏆 Mutianyu — great experience for the price |
FAQ
How many Great Wall sections should I visit?
One is enough for most people. If you love hiking and have time, do Mutianyu + Jinshanling on different days.
Can I visit the Great Wall in winter?
Yes. Mutianyu and Badaling are open year-round. Snow on the Great Wall is stunning. Jinshanling and Jiankou may be closed in icy conditions.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. The steps are uneven and some are over 30cm high. Dress in layers — it's windy on the wall.
Is the Great Wall crowded?
It depends on the section and time. Badaling is always crowded. Mutianyu is moderate. Jinshanling and Jiankou are quiet. Visit early (before 9 AM) to avoid crowds.
How long should I spend at the Great Wall?
3-4 hours at Mutianyu or Badaling. 4-6 hours at Jinshanling for the full hike.
Do I need a guide?
Not required, but recommended for Mutianyu and Jinshanling. Essential for Jiankou.
Want a Great Wall Tour with a Local Guide?
We organize private Great Wall trips with:
- ✅ English-speaking local guides who know the best photo spots
- ✅ Private transport — no waiting for tour buses
- ✅ Flexible schedule — start when you want, stay as long as you want
- ✅ Toboggan, cable car, lunch — all included
Real Guide Travel — Experience China Like a Local.
Last updated: May 2026. Entry fees, hours, and policies may change. Always verify before your visit.