Short answer: for most students, Mutianyu is the best choice — restored, beautiful, less crowded than Badaling, with a cable car and a toboggan ride down. Pick Badaling if you want the easiest train trip, or Jinshanling for a longer, more photogenic hike.
Compare the Sections
| Section | Entry (approx.) | Extras (approx.) | From central Beijing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutianyu (慕田峪) | ¥40–45 | Cable car / toboggan about ¥120 return; shuttle bus about ¥20 | About 1.5–2 hours | First-timers, groups, the best balance |
| Badaling (八达岭) | About ¥40 | Cable car about ¥140 return | About 1 hour by train | Easiest public transport — but the busiest |
| Jinshanling (金山岭) | About ¥65 | Cable car about ¥80 | About 2.5–3 hours | Hikers and photographers |
| Wild / unrestored sections (e.g. Jiankou) | — | — | — | Not recommended: crumbling, dangerous and often officially closed |
Most sections need a real-name booking with your passport, and prices change — check the official channels before you go.
The Sections in Detail
Mutianyu (慕田峪)
- Why go: A long restored stretch with watchtowers on forested ridges — dramatic but manageable
- Getting there: Direct tourist buses, a shared Didi or car with friends, or cheaper public buses via Huairou
- Time needed: A full day including travel
- Tip: Take the cable car up and the toboggan down
Badaling (八达岭)
- Why go: The most famous and accessible section, with a train station right at the wall
- Getting there: High-speed or suburban trains from Beijing North / Qinghe to Badaling Great Wall station in about 40–60 minutes
- Time needed: Half to a full day
- Watch out: Extremely crowded at weekends and holidays — go early on a weekday
Jinshanling (金山岭)
- Why go: A long, partly restored ridge walk with sweeping views — many say the most beautiful accessible section
- Getting there: Tourist bus or private car, about 2.5–3 hours each way
- Time needed: A full day
- Best for: Fit hikers — bring plenty of water
Plan Your Day
| Time | Mutianyu plan |
|---|---|
| 7:00 | Leave central Beijing by tourist bus or shared car |
| 9:00 | Arrive and ride the cable car up |
| 9:30–12:30 | Walk between watchtowers; go west towards the steeper, quieter towers |
| 13:00 | Toboggan down, lunch in the village below |
| 15:00 | Head back to Beijing |
Great Wall tips (tap to expand)
- Go on a weekday; avoid 1–7 October and May holidays completely.
- Wear proper shoes — steps are steep and uneven.
- Bring water, snacks and sun protection; there is little shade.
- Autumn (September–October) has the best weather and colours; winter is quiet but icy.
- Bring the passport you booked with — it is checked at entry.
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More Beijing Guides
Last updated: September 2026. Prices and transport options change — check before you go. Prices, opening hours and rules in China change often — treat costs as estimates and confirm anything important with the official source before you go.
Photos: Velatrix / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
