The Great Wall is not merely a simple wall; it is one of the world's greatest man-made wonders, an epic written in brick and stone, bearing the memories of over two thousand years of warfare and witnessing the echoes of camel bells along the Silk Road.
For family travelers with parents, children, and loved ones, exploring this "backbone of China" in a relaxed, comfortable, and ceremonial way is something worth careful planning. While group tours are convenient, they often require accommodating the pace of strangers; public transportation is economical, but transfers inevitably wear down physical strength and patience. This time, we choose a "private car" approach—a private vehicle exclusively for you and your family, a Great Wall pilgrimage entirely at your own pace. This is not just a trip, but the beginning of a cherished Beijing memory for your family.
Route Summary
Total duration: One day, approximately 10 hours (departs at 7:00 AM and returns to the city at 5-6:00 PM).
Distance: Approximately 140–180 kilometers round trip
Suitable duration: 1 day
Suitable for: Families traveling with elderly or young children, travelers seeking a comfortable experience, photography enthusiasts, and independent travelers looking to avoid crowds.
Why choose this route?
For foreign tourists, there are essentially three transportation options from Beijing to the Great Wall: public transportation, tour buses, and private cars. And by 2025, private cars will be becoming an increasingly popular choice. The reason is simple:
The distribution of Great Wall attractions makes hiring a car a better solution. Both Badaling and Mutianyu sections are located in suburban areas more than 70 kilometers from Beijing. Public transportation usually requires multiple transfers on the subway and long-distance buses, resulting in long travel times. Hiring a car, on the other hand, provides door-to-door pick-up and drop-off service, departing directly from your hotel to the entrance of the scenic area.
Freedom is the core value of chartered vehicles. In a bus tour, you have to get up at a set time, rush to the city within a limited time, and be forced to stop at shopping points. Chartered vehicles can flexibly adapt to your pace.
Which section of the Great Wall should I choose: Mutianyu vs. Badaling?
Before planning your trip, you first need to decide which section of the Great Wall to visit.
Badaling Great Wall
This is the most classic and famous section of the Great Wall in Beijing, and it has the highest profile. If it's your first time visiting Beijing and you want to experience the most "standard" image of the Great Wall, Badaling is the best choice. However, its downside is that the tourist density is extremely high, especially during holidays when it's packed with people.
Mutianyu Great Wall
If you prefer a quieter, more natural experience, Mutianyu is a better choice. It has a higher vegetation coverage and fewer tourists. The downside is its slightly longer distance (about 1.5 hours by car), but Mutianyu's unique "cable car up - toboggan down" experience is enjoyed by many families.
Recommended chartered bus route for the Great Wall:Great Wall Full-Day Private Excursion
Detailed itinerary (taking Mutianyu Great Wall as an example)
Preparations before departure
The Great Wall implements a real-name reservation ticketing system. Reservations can be made up to 15 days in advance through the official platform. Each ID (passport) is limited to one ticket per day. Advance reservations are essential to avoid waiting for tickets at the scenic area.
Morning | Departure and Climbing the City
We recommend departing from the hotel around 7:30 AM. We usually confirm the departure time, weather conditions, and pick-up location with you the day before via WeChat or phone.
Arrive at Mutianyu Scenic Area around 8:30-9:00. You can take the scenic area shuttle bus (round trip about 15 yuan/person) to enter the core area.
Regarding the selection of cable cars, ropeways, and toboggan runs：
Cable Car: Enclosed cabins, direct access to Watchtower No. 14, round trip 140 yuan/person, suitable for the elderly and those with a fear of heights.
Ropeway: Open seating, direct access to Watchtower No. 6, round trip 140 yuan/person, thrilling but requires a certain amount of courage.
Toboggan Run: Only for descent, a 1000-meter slide from Watchtower No. 6, very popular with children, but not suitable for people over 60 years old.
Noon | Lunchtime
After a 3-4 hour tour of the Great Wall, at 1:00 PM, the driver can take you to a local country restaurant near the Great Wall for authentic farm-style cuisine.
Afternoon | Return Trip
After lunch, return at 2:30 PM, with optional stops at attractions such as the Ming Tombs or the Olympic Park along the way.
Badaling Great Wall Itinerary (Alternative)
If you choose the Badaling Great Wall, we recommend a similar pace: depart at 7:00 AM and arrive around 8:30 AM. The most classic tour route at Badaling is to take the cable car directly to the North Eighth Tower (the highest watchtower in Badaling), enjoy panoramic views, and then descend along the northern trail.
Recommended vehicles and prices for visiting the Great Wall
The cost of chartering a car to tour the Great Wall varies depending on the type of vehicle. The daily rental prices for different vehicle types are as follows:
For small families of 2-3 people: Choose a 5-seater economy car, priced at approximately 800-1200 yuan per day, suitable for carrying 2 medium-sized suitcases.
For families of 4-5 people: Choose a 7-seater business vehicle (such as a Buick GL8), priced at approxi
mately 1000-1400 yuan per day, suitable for families with three generations living together or carrying a lot of luggage.
For large families (6 or more people) or those with a lot of luggage: choose a 9-14 seat minibus, priced at approximately 1500-2000 yuan per day.
When booking, be sure to confirm that the price is a "fixed price" that includes fuel, highway tolls, and parking fees to avoid being charged extra after the trip. Most reputable platforms do not include highway tolls in their base price, so it is recommended to confirm this with the driver before booking.
Budget Reference for a Day Trip to the Great Wall of Beijing
Chartering fee (5-7 seats): 1200-1400 yuan/day (including driver, fuel, and highway tolls)
Mutianyu entrance ticket: ¥40
Mutianyu shuttle bus: ¥15
Mutianyu cable car round trip: ¥140
Mutianyu Slide/Open Cableway Round Trip: ¥140
Lunch: Approximately ¥50–¥80
Best seasons to visit the Great Wall
Spring (April–May): Wildflowers bloom in abundance, and the temperature is comfortable, making it ideal for hiking. Avoid the peak tourist season during the May Day holiday.
Autumn (September–October): This is widely recognized as the best season to view the Great Wall. The vibrant red leaves contrast beautifully with the grey-brown walls, and Mutianyu boasts a 96% vegetation coverage, making its autumn colors particularly stunning. The National Day holiday is also a peak tourist season; it is recommended to visit on a weekday.
Summer (June–August): Hot and rainy, but temperatures on the mountain are 3–5 degrees Celsius lower than in the city. It is recommended to climb the wall early in the morning to avoid the midday sun, and bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Winter (November–March): Fewer tourists, offering a solemn view of the Great Wall covered in snow. Off-season tickets are cheaper (Badaling 35 yuan), but be sure to wear non-slip shoes and bring a thick coat. Some cable cars may be temporarily closed due to weather conditions.
Starting in June 2025, the Mutianyu Great Wall will be open for night tours from 17:30 to 21:00.
Multiple route options are recommended.
Is it possible to go in the opposite direction? If you choose Badaling, you can visit the southern section of the Great Wall in the afternoon. There are very few tourists here, and the slope is gentle, making it suitable for families who prefer a quiet environment.
Can this be extended to 2-3 days? Absolutely. If you have more time, consider the following extension:
Add Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall. Simatai is one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall, with some sections being rugged and unrepaired, suitable for adventurous travelers. Gubei Water Town offers a unique nighttime experience of exploring the Simatai Great Wall.
More car rental guide articles
If you would like to learn more about chartered car routes in Beijing, we recommend:
Beijing Full-Day City Highlights
Beijing Half-Day Hutong & Temple Tour
Want to learn more about city car rental guides? Please check out:
2026 Beijing Airport Private Car Charter Guide
Shanghai Private Car Service Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does the car rental service include an English-speaking driver?
Yes, most reputable car rental platforms in Beijing currently offer drivers who speak basic English. Some platforms also offer the option of an English-speaking tour guide (but not all drivers speak English). Please be sure to select the "English" option when booking and confirm the communication method with the driver before departure.
Q2: Can I push a stroller on the Great Wall?
It's not recommended. The steps on the Great Wall are uneven with significant slope changes, making it almost impossible to push a stroller.
Q3: Do I need to tip the driver when hiring a car?
Tipping is not mandatory in China, but if the driver provides good service and waits patiently, you can give them 50-100 RMB as a token of your appreciation, or invite them to dinner. This is a way to express your gratitude.
Q4: Are there restrooms on the Great Wall?
Yes. Public restrooms are located near each major watchtower at Badaling and Mutianyu, as well as at the entrance to the scenic area. It is recommended to use the restrooms before climbing the wall, as they are spaced far apart.
More to Read
Plan Your Trip
Let us design your perfect China journey
Our trip designers respond within 24 hours with a personalized itinerary and quote.