As one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a proud member of the “Seven Wonders of the World,” the Great Wall of China stands as a testament to ancient Chinese ingenuity and perseverance. Stretching over 21,000 kilometers (13,000 miles) across northern China, it draws millions of visitors annually—many of whom base their trip in Beijing. The good news? Several of the most spectacular sections are easily accessible as day trips from downtown Beijing. This guide breaks down everything you need to know: choosing the right section for your travel style, and the best ways to get there from Beijing.

First: Choose the Right Great Wall Section for You

The Great Wall is not a single, continuous structure—instead, it’s a network of sections built and restored across different dynasties. Near Beijing, several sections are open to tourists, each with its own unique character. To help you pick, here’s a comparison of the most popular options, along with who they’re best suited for:

Section	Distance from Beijing Downtown	Key Features	Best For
Badaling	~70 km (43 miles)	Most famous section; fully restored; wheelchair accessible; cable car available	First-time visitors, families with young kids, travelers seeking convenience
Mutianyu	~75 km (47 miles)	Lush forest surroundings; fewer crowds than Badaling; cable car + downhill slide option	Families, photographers, those wanting a balance of comfort and scenery
Jinshanling	~130 km (81 miles)	Partially restored; dramatic mountain views; ideal for long hikes; quiet atmosphere	Nature lovers, serious hikers, travelers avoiding crowds
Simatai	~120 km (75 miles)	Night tours available (lit up with lanterns); mix of restored and wild sections; scenic	Couples, adventurers, photographers chasing unique views
Jiankou	~100 km (62 miles)	“Wild” (unrestored) section; rugged terrain; steep climbs; authentic ancient feel	Experienced hikers only (no beginners or families)

For most first-time visitors to China, Mutianyu and Badaling are the top picks—they’re the most accessible, well-equipped, and offer stunning views without the extreme challenge of wild sections like Jiankou.

3 Main Ways to Get to the Great Wall from Beijing

Your choice of transport will depend on your budget, group size, and how much flexibility you want. Below are the three most common options, ranked by convenience (with pros and cons for each).

A. Group or Private Tour (Highly Recommended for First-Timers)

Booking a guided tour is the easiest and most stress-free way to visit the Great Wall, especially if you’re new to Beijing or don’t speak Chinese. Tour operators handle everything: round-trip transportation, entrance tickets, optional cable car rides, and even meals. Many also include hotel pickup and drop-off, saving you the hassle of navigating public transport.

Why we recommend it:

• No language barriers: All instructions, signs, and communication are in English (or your preferred language).
• Time-efficient: Drivers know the best routes to avoid traffic jams, and guides help you skip long ticket lines.
• Informative: English-speaking guides share fascinating stories about the Great Wall’s history, architecture, and significance—turning a sightseeing trip into a cultural experience.
• Flexible options: Private tours (for couples or small groups) let you set your own pace, while group tours are more budget-friendly.

👉 Tip: Book with reputable agencies like JiangMi Travel for well-reviewed, reliable service. Most tours range from £50–£150 per person, depending on the section and inclusions.

B. Hire a Taxi or Private Driver (Flexible for Groups/Families)

If you prefer to travel independently but want comfort, hiring a private driver or taxi is an excellent choice—especially for families or groups of 3–4 people (the cost becomes affordable when split). You can negotiate a round-trip fare with a driver, who will wait for you while you explore the Wall.

Key details:

• Cost: £60–£110 round-trip (varies by distance: Badaling is cheaper than Jinshanling, and waiting time may add £10–£20 per hour).
• Duration: 1–2.5 hours each way (depending on traffic and the section).
• How to book: Use ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing (available in English) or ask your hotel concierge to arrange a trusted driver (safer than hailing a random taxi).
• Pro tip: Confirm the fare upfront (including waiting time) to avoid surprises. Also, ask the driver to help with ticket purchases if you’re unsure.

C. Public Transportation (Budget-Friendly for Independent Travelers)

Public transport is the cheapest option, but it requires more planning—especially for sections other than Badaling. It’s best for solo travelers or budget-conscious visitors who don’t mind a bit of extra effort. Below is a step-by-step guide to the most popular sections via public transport.

Step-by-Step: Get to Specific Great Wall Sections

1. Badaling Great Wall (Easiest to Reach by Public Transport)

As the most famous section, Badaling has the most public transport options. Here are the three best ways:

Option 1: S2 Suburban Train (Fast & Scenic)

This is the most popular public transport choice—it’s affordable, fast, and offers views of the countryside along the way.

• Departure point: Huangtudian Station (a 10-minute walk from Beijing North Station, accessible via Subway Line 2/4/13 at Xizhimen Station).
• Schedule: Trains run every 1–2 hours, with the first departure around 7:00 AM (check the latest timetable via the China Railway 12306 app).
• Duration: ~1 hour (no traffic delays).
• Cost: ~£1 (¥7) one-way (pay with cash or a Yikatong transit card).
• Arrival: Badaling Station is a 10-minute walk to the Great Wall entrance.

Option 2: Tourist Bus 877 (Direct & Affordable)

A direct bus that drops you right at the ticket office—perfect if you’re near Deshengmen.

• Departure point: Deshengmen Bus Terminal (near Jishuitan Subway Station, Line 2).
• Schedule: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM (return buses run until 5:00 PM).
• Duration: ~1 hour (if no traffic).
• Cost: ~£1.50 (¥12) one-way.

Option 3: Public Bus 919 Express (Cheap but Slower)

A budget option, but be sure to take the “express” version to avoid frequent stops.

• Departure point: Deshengmen Bus Terminal (same as Bus 877).
• Schedule: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM, runs every 15–20 minutes.
• Duration: ~1.5 hours (varies by traffic).
• Cost: ~£1.50 (¥12) one-way.

2. Mutianyu Great Wall (Scenic & Less Crowded)

Mutianyu is trickier to reach via public transport than Badaling, but still manageable with a transfer or a direct tourist bus.

Option 1: Mutianyu Direct Tourist Bus (Most Convenient)

• Departure point: Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub (near Dongzhimen Subway Station, Lines 2/13).
• Schedule: Departs at 8:00 AM sharp; return bus departs Mutianyu at 2:00 PM (confirm the latest times online or via your hotel).
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.
• Cost: £4–£6 (¥30–¥50) one-way; round-trip tickets are available for a discount.
• Drop-off: Directly at Mutianyu’s parking lot (a 5-minute walk to the ticket office).

Option 2: Public Bus + Taxi (Budget Transfer)

This option is cheaper but requires a transfer in Huairou District.

1. Take Bus 916 Express from Dongzhimen Bus Station to Huairou North Avenue (Huairou Beidajie). Buses run every 10–15 minutes from 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM, taking ~1 hour and costing £2 (¥15).
2. From Huairou, take a local taxi or minibus (routes H23/H36/H50) to Mutianyu. The taxi ride takes ~30 minutes and costs £6–£10 (¥50–¥80).

3. Simatai Great Wall (Perfect for Night Tours)

Simatai is often paired with Gubei Water Town (a nearby ancient town), and many visitors combine both in one trip. Here’s how to get there:

Option 1: Direct Tourist Bus to Simatai/Gubei Water Town

• Departure point: Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub (Lines 2/13).
• Schedule: Departs at 8:00 AM; return bus departs at 3:00 PM (confirm times in advance).
• Duration: 2–2.5 hours.
• Cost: ~£6 (¥48) one-way; £10 (¥80) round-trip.
• Drop-off: Gubei Water Town parking lot—Simatai’s entrance is inside the town (you’ll need a town ticket to access the Wall).

Option 2: Public Bus + Taxi

1. Take Bus 980 Express from Dongzhimen Bus Station to Miyun Bus Station. Buses run every 10–15 minutes (6:00 AM–7:30 PM), taking ~1.5 hours and costing £2 (¥17).
2. From Miyun, take a taxi to Simatai (~45 minutes, £12–£18/¥100–¥150).

4. Jinshanling Great Wall (Hiker’s Paradise)

Jinshanling is beloved by hikers for its unspoiled scenery and lack of crowds. It’s farther from Beijing, but worth the trip for nature enthusiasts.

Option 1: Direct Tourist Bus to Jinshanling

• Departure point: Wangjing West Subway Station (Lines 13/15), Exit B.
• Schedule: Departs at 7:40 AM; return bus departs Jinshanling at 3:00 PM.
• Duration: ~2.5 hours.
• Cost: £6–£8 (¥50–¥60) one-way (book via WeChat or online platforms).
• Drop-off: Directly at Jinshanling’s main entrance.

Option 2: Public Bus + Taxi (Budget Choice)

1. Take Bus 980 Express from Dongzhimen Bus Station to Miyun Bus Station (same as Simatai: ~1.5 hours, £2/¥17).
2. From Miyun, take a taxi to Jinshanling (~1.5 hours, £24–£36/¥200–¥300). For a cheaper option, share a taxi with other travelers at the bus station.

Best Time to Visit the Great Wall

To make the most of your visit, timing is key. The ideal seasons are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). During these months, the weather is cool and comfortable (15–25°C/59–77°F), the skies are clear, and the landscapes are stunning—spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn paints the mountains in fiery red and gold.

Pro tip: Arrive between 7:00–9:00 AM on a weekday. This lets you avoid the worst of the crowds (most tour groups arrive around 10:00 AM) and enjoy the Wall in relative peace.

When to avoid:

• Public holidays: National Day (October 1–7) and Labor Day (May 1–5) draw massive crowds—expect long lines and packed walkways.
• Summer (July–August): Sweltering heat (30–35°C/86–95°F), strong sun, and peak tourist season make hiking uncomfortable. Heatstroke is a risk, so if you visit, bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
• Winter (December–February): Bitter cold (-5–5°C/23–41°F) and windy conditions. Some sections close due to snow and icy paths, which are dangerous for hiking. If you visit in winter, dress in layers and wear non-slip shoes.

Final Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking on uneven stone paths for hours—sturdy sneakers or hiking boots are a must.
• Bring essentials: Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle (there are water stations at most sections, but prices are high).
• Buy tickets in advance: For popular sections like Badaling and Mutianyu, book tickets online via the official Great Wall website or app to skip long lines.
• Respect the site: Do not carve on the stones or leave litter—this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and preservation efforts are vital.

Visiting the Great Wall is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and with the right planning, getting there from Beijing is simple. Whether you choose a hassle-free tour, a private driver, or budget-friendly public transport, the stunning views and rich history of the Great Wall will make every bit of effort worth it. Enjoy your trip!