There are many sections of the Great Wall in Beijing, far more than just the two you might be familiar with. Each section offers a unique experience. If this is your first time visiting China, you should definitely check out the popular sections. If you've been to Beijing multiple times and want to experience different parts of the Great Wall, the less popular sections also offer diverse experiences.
Therefore, this article is not written as a "tourist attraction list," but rather according to the character of the Great Wall. As long as you know what you want first, you can quickly choose the section that suits you.
1. Badaling Great Wall(八达岭长城)
Badaling is the most famous and "standard" section of the Great Wall near Beijing. It boasts the highest profile, the most advanced facilities, and the largest number of tourists, making it suitable for first-time visitors to China who want to see a classic section of the Great Wall.
Location: Yanqing District, Beijing, approximately 70–80 kilometers from the city center.
What to do
Walk along the most classic sections of the Great Wall, see the most representative walls and watchtowers, and experience the classic moment of "I've finally arrived at the Great Wall."
Who is it suitable for?
Foreign tourists visiting Beijing for the first time; tourists with limited budgets who want to get there by public transportation; tourists who just want to experience the "classic Great Wall".
Traffic Comparison
Chartering a car: Approximately 1.5 hours one way.Pick-up and drop-off service available, flexible hours.
Public transportation: There are multiple options available.You can take bus 877 from Deshengmen, which takes about 90 minutes and costs 6-12 yuan; there are also tourist buses departing from Qianmen or Beitucheng, costing about 80 yuan round trip. Public transportation is the most convenient for Badaling.
Badaling is one of the sections of the Great Wall near Beijing most easily accessible by public transportation. If you have enough time, you can choose to take public transport.
2. Mutianyu Great Wall（慕田峪长城）
Mutianyu is often the most popular section of the Great Wall among foreign tourists. It's quieter than Badaling, the facilities are still good, the wall lines are beautiful, the mountain terrain is distinct, and the overall experience is more balanced.
Location: Huairou District, approximately 70–73 kilometers from downtown Beijing.
What to do
Walk slowly along the Great Wall, enjoying the view of it undulating along the mountain ridge. Take a cable car or ropeway up the mountain, and on the way down, you can choose the toboggan run for cleaner photos with less crowds.
Who is this suitable for?
First-time visitors to Beijing who don't want to go to the crowded Great Wall; families; couples; tourists who want to take nice photos; and those who want a relaxed experience on the Great Wall.
Traffic Comparison
Chartering a car: Approximately 1.5 hours one way, directly to the cable car station, avoiding the need to transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus, making it the most convenient option.
Public transportation and taxis are not recommended. If you are unfamiliar with transportation and Chinese software, exploring the Great Wall in one day can be very complicated.
3. Jinshanling Great Wall（金山岭长城）
Jinshanling is suitable for those who enjoy photography, scenery, and a quieter atmosphere. The walls are longer, offering a wider view, and the rhythm between the watchtowers is very strong. The ridgeline scenery is also very beautiful, leading to the saying, "Of the Great Wall, Jinshanling stands out."
Location: Located at the border of Luanping County, Chengde City, Hebei Province and Miyun District, Beijing, approximately 130–140 kilometers from downtown Beijing.
What to do
Take pictures of the Great Wall stretching along the mountain ridge, see a wider and less crowded view of the Great Wall, take a short hiking trail, and watch the changing light in the morning or evening.
Who is this suitable for?
Photography enthusiasts; tourists who have already visited the Great Wall and want a change of pace; people who enjoy quiet and natural scenery; tourists who can tolerate long drive distances.
Traffic Comparison
Chartering a car: The journey takes about 2–2.5 hours one way. This is the most recommended option because public transportation is very inconvenient, and chartering a car allows you to stay when the light is best.
Public Transportation: Limited options. Dedicated bus lines only run from Dongzhimen on weekends and holidays.
Taxi/Ride-Hailing: 2-2.5 hours one way, expensive, and the distance is too far; return trips are almost impossible to book. Not recommended.
4. Simatai Great Wall（司马台长城）
Simatai is wilder and more dramatic. It's the only section of the Great Wall in Beijing that has retained its original appearance, with a more pronounced slope and a more rustic feel. It's perfect for an overnight stay when paired with Gubei Water Town.
Location: Gubeikou Town, Miyun District, about 135 kilometers from downtown Beijing.
What to do
See the Great Wall at a steeper, more majestic height; climb the Great Wall during the day and enjoy the night view of Gubei Water Town at night; stay overnight to experience the night view and the atmosphere of the mountain town; it's suitable to turn the Great Wall into a "slow trip" rather than a half-day visit.
Who is this suitable for?
Tourists who want to stay one night; tourists who like the combination of night view and ancient town; couples or photographers who want a more special experience; people who are not in a hurry.
Traffic Comparison
Chartered car: Approximately 2-2.5 hours one way, direct to the scenic area entrance, and flexible for arranging night tours and return trips the next day, ideal for overnight itineraries.
Taxi/Ride-hailing: Approximately 2 hours one way, higher cost, longer distance, and difficult return journey; not recommended for solo taxi rides.
Public transportation: Tourist buses depart from Beitucheng directly to Gubei Water Town, approximately 2 hours; alternatively, take the S5 suburban railway from Beijing North Railway Station to Gubeikou Station, approximately 1.5 hours, then transfer to a connecting bus (approximately 30 minutes).
5. Juyongguan Great Wall（居庸关长城）
Yongguan is suitable for tourists with limited time who only want to see a section of the Great Wall. It has a strong historical feel and is relatively close to the city center, making it an efficient choice.
Location: Nankou Town, Changping District, about 50–60 kilometers from downtown Beijing.
What to do?
See the historical scene combining the fortress and the Great Wall, experience the Great Wall in half a day, and combine it with other activities in the city.
Who is this suitable for?
Tourists with only half a day; business travelers who want to see the Great Wall on short notice; people with average physical fitness who want to experience the Great Wall; people who don't want to travel too far.
Traffic Comparison
Chartered car: Approximately 1.5 hours one way, pick-up and drop-off within the Fifth Ring Road, but time is tight.
Taxi/Ride-hailing: Approximately 1.5 hours one way, relatively inexpensive, short distance, and relatively easy to hail a ride back.
Public transportation: Requires multiple transfers, not suitable for tourists in a hurry.
6. Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall（黄花城水长城）
The most unique feature of the Huanghuacheng Great Wall is the combination of "Great Wall + water"—three sections of the Great Wall were cut off by the lake due to the construction of a reservoir, creating the spectacular scene of "the city embracing the rippling blue waves, the ancient city walls submerged in water." It's more relaxed and has a stronger sense of nature than many traditional sections of the Great Wall.
Location: Jiuduhe Town, Huairou District, approximately 65–80 kilometers from downtown Beijing.
What to do
See the Great Wall and the lake side by side, take a light hike, capture softer natural scenery, and enjoy a country lunch together.
Who is this suitable for?
Tourists who want to avoid crowds; families; people who love natural scenery; tourists looking for a different view of the Great Wall.
Traffic Comparison
Chartering a car: It takes about 2 hours one way. The cost depends on the type of car. Usually, it provides door-to-door pick-up and drop-off within the Fifth Ring Road and offers 10 hours of service. It is the most convenient option and is especially suitable for families.
Taxi/Ride-hailing: Approximately 1.5–2 hours one way, relatively expensive, long distance, and almost impossible to hail a ride back; not recommended.
Public Transportation: Relatively time-consuming. First, take the 916 express bus from Dongzhimen to Huairou (approximately 1 hour), then transfer to a special bus to the Great Wall at Shuichangcheng. The entire journey takes approximately 3 hours.
7. Xiangshui Lake Great Wall（响水湖长城）
The Xiangshui Lake Great Wall differs from the Huanghuacheng Great Wall mentioned earlier—Huanghuacheng's "water" refers to a large lake, while Xiangshui Lake's "water" consists of mountain springs, waterfalls, and streams. This is a natural scenic area combining the Great Wall with canyons, waterfalls, and springs.
Location：Dazhenyu Village, Bohai Town, Huairou District, approximately 17 kilometers from Mutianyu Great Wall and about 78 kilometers from downtown Beijing.
What to do
See the combined scenic views of the Great Wall, waterfalls, and canyons.
In April and May, witness the spectacular sight of plum blossoms reflected in the Great Wall.
Walk through the health-preserving Grand Canyon and see the nine pools and eight waterfalls.
Who is this suitable for?
Tourists who want to experience mountains, rivers, and waterfalls in addition to the Great Wall; families; tourists who have already visited the main sections of the Great Wall and want a change of pace.
Traffic Comparison
Chartered car: From downtown Beijing, approximately 2–2.5 hours one way. The route to Xiangshui Lake largely overlaps with popular scenic spots like Mutianyu and Huanghuacheng, and can be extremely congested on weekends and holidays.
Taxi/Ride-hailing: Approximately 2–2.5 hours one way, and relatively expensive. Like most remote sections of the Great Wall, it's difficult to hail a ride back, so not recommended.
Public transportation: Requires multiple transfers and takes a long time overall. Suitable for backpackers with ample time and who don't mind the hassle.
8. Shuiguan Great Wall（水关长城）
Shuiguan Great Wall is the eastern section of the Badaling Great Wall, built under the supervision of the famous anti-Japanese general Qi Jiguang. It is the best-preserved section of the Badaling Great Wall. Its name comes from its unique terrain—the Great Wall is built at the mouth of a steep valley, extending in a "V" shape from the Shuiguan Arrow Tower. The arrow tower serves the dual function of a watchtower and a water gate, a construction method that is extremely rare along the Great Wall.
The scenic area is divided into two sections of the Great Wall:
The western section is relatively gentle and shorter, suitable for a leisurely stroll.
The eastern section is very steep and longer. It features near-vertical stairs, with steps reaching up to 50 centimeters in height, making it an excellent place to experience the Great Wall's perilous nature. Fortunately, all sections have been repaired and equipped with iron handrails, making it relatively safe.
Location：Located in Shifosi Village, Badaling Town, Yanqing District, Beijing, it is approximately 70 kilometers from the city center. It is adjacent to the Badaling Great Wall scenic area, and there is a dedicated "Shuiguan Great Wall" exit on the Beijing-Tibet Expressway (G6).
What to Do:
Challenge the "Sky Ladder": Climb the nearly vertical, steep steps and experience the exhilarating feeling of "He who has not climbed the Great Wall is no true hero."
Explore the "Human"-Shaped Great Wall: At the eastern end of the section, you can see the spectacular sight of the Great Wall extending in two different directions like two giant dragons.
Take a Photo at the "Moon Gate": On the eastern section of the Great Wall, there is a unique "Moon Gate" archway, a perfect spot for taking pictures.
Visit Zhan Tianyou's Former Residence: Located at the entrance of the scenic area, this is where Zhan Tianyou, the "Father of Chinese Railways," lived during the construction of the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway.
Photograph the "Train to Spring": In spring, when the mountains are ablaze with wildflowers, you can watch the Beijing Suburban Railway S2 line trains travel through a sea of flowers.
Who is it suitable for?
Tourists seeking niche, tranquil experiences; young people looking for challenges; photography enthusiasts.
Traffic Comparison
Chartered car: Approximately 1.5 hours one way from downtown Beijing. Flexible schedule, direct access to the scenic area parking lot. This is the most convenient and recommended option.
Taxi/Ride-hailing service: Approximately 1.5 hours one way. Easy to get there, but there's a risk of not being able to hail a ride back; not recommended as a primary mode of transportation.
Public transportation: Pay attention to return travel time.
9.Panlong Mountain Great Wall（蟠龙山长城）
The terrain is gentle, the altitude is not high, the views are wide, and it retains its original charm. Panlong Mountain is one of the few open, safe, low-climbing sections of the Great Wall near Beijing that still retains a sense of wildness.
Location：Gubeikou Town, Miyun District, approximately 140–150 kilometers from downtown Beijing.
What to do
Walk along the Panlongshan Great Wall (approximately 5 kilometers, 19 watchtowers, gentle slope, suitable for leisurely hiking)
See the historical bullet holes on the wall
Climb the Twenty-Four-Eyed Tower for panoramic views of Jinshanling and Wohushan.
Who is it suitable for?
Tourists who want to experience the original Great Wall but don't want it to be too dangerous; people who have already been to Badaling and Mutianyu and want to see a different side of the Great Wall; people who like history and military relics.
Traffic Comparison
Chartering a car: From downtown Beijing, the journey takes approximately 2–2.5 hours one way. If you carpool with others, the cost per person is acceptable. This is the most recommended option.
Taxi/Ride-hailing service: The journey takes approximately 2–2.5 hours one way, but it is expensive, involves long distances, and makes returning difficult. Not recommended.
Public transportation: Requires familiarity with Beijing transportation software and routes; not recommended.
Charter a car or use public transportation? The real difference isn't just the price.
Suitable for public transportation use:
Just visiting Badaling (direct high-speed rail available, fastest journey 20-30 minutes)
Budget is a priority, transfers are not a concern
Flexible itinerary, not worried about catching the last train/train
Experienced travelers, familiar with Chinese-speaking environments
Suitable situations for hiring a car:
Visiting the Great Wall, which is relatively far away
Traveling with elderly people or children
Want to see the sunrise or sunset but don't want to be bound by shuttle bus schedules
Want to avoid complicated transfers and language barriers
Want to combine the Great Wall with other attractions, visiting multiple places in one day
Great Wall Tour Options
If you're interested in the Great Wall, or other attractions and cuisine in Beijing, and would like to experience the comfort of a private car tour, please tell us your interests and schedule. We can arrange a customized tour for you based on your preferences.
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