Beijing’s surrounding areas are home to the most iconic and accessible sections of the Great Wall. Stretching across the mountains north and east of the city, these sections vary wildly in character—some are well – maintained and family – friendly, others are rugged and perfect for hiking enthusiasts, and a few offer a mix of history and natural beauty. With so many options, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the major Great Wall sections around Beijing, highlighting their pros, cons, and ideal visitor types to help you plan a seamless trip.

1. Badaling Great Wall: The Most Famous, Most Accessible

Character & Highlights

Badaling is the most well – known Great Wall section globally, and for good reason—it was the first section open to tourists (since 1957) and has been visited by countless world leaders. It’s fully restored, with wide paths, handrails, and clear signage, making it incredibly easy to navigate. The section features 13 watchtowers, and on clear days, you can see the wall snaking across the mountains for miles.

Pros

• Ultra – accessible: Just 60 kilometers from downtown Beijing, it’s reachable by direct bus (Bus 919 from Deshengmen), subway – bus transfers, or even high – speed train (from Beijing North Station, 20 minutes).
• Family – friendly: Flat paths and handrails make it safe for kids, seniors, and travelers with mobility issues. There are also plenty of rest areas, snack stalls, and souvenir shops.
• Facility – rich: It has a large visitor center, museums (like the Great Wall Museum), and even cable cars and a scenic train for those who don’t want to hike up.

Cons

• Extremely crowded: Especially on weekends, public holidays (like National Day), and summer mornings, the paths can be packed with tourists, making it hard to take photos or enjoy the scenery in peace.
• Over – commercialized: The area around the entrance is filled with tourist traps—overpriced restaurants, pushy souvenir sellers, and fake “guide” services.
• Less “authentic” feel: Full restoration means it lacks the raw, ancient charm of more wild sections.

Ideal Visitors

First – time Great Wall travelers, families with young kids or seniors, those short on time (day trips are easy), and anyone who wants to check “visit the Great Wall” off their bucket list with minimal hassle.

2. Mutianyu Great Wall: Scenic, Less Crowded Than Badaling

Character & Highlights

Located 70 kilometers from Beijing, Mutianyu is a favorite among both international and domestic tourists. It’s restored but retains more natural beauty than Badaling—surrounded by lush forests (green in summer, golden in autumn, and snowy in winter). The section has 22 watchtowers, including the iconic “General Tower,” and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Pros

• Beautiful scenery: The forested backdrop makes it photogenic year – round—cherry blossoms in spring, fall foliage in October, and snow – covered trees in winter.
• Less crowded than Badaling: Even on busy days, it feels more spacious, thanks to its longer length (2.2 kilometers open to visitors) and multiple access points.
• Great for all ages: It has cable cars (up and down) and a toboggan run (down only)—a hit with kids and adults alike. The paths are well – maintained but not as wide as Badaling, striking a balance between accessibility and charm.

Cons

• Slightly harder to reach: No direct train; you’ll need to take a bus (Bus 936 from Dongzhimen to Huairou, then transfer to Bus H23/H24) or a taxi (1.5 hours, around 300 yuan one – way).
• Toboggan lines: The popular toboggan run can have long queues in summer and autumn—arrive early (before 9 AM) to skip the wait.

Ideal Visitors

Nature lovers, families (especially those with kids who love the toboggan), photographers, and travelers who want a scenic experience without the chaos of Badaling.

3. Simatai Great Wall: Ancient Charm + Night Views

Character & Highlights

Simatai, 120 kilometers from Beijing, is a gem for those who want to experience the Great Wall’s ancient character. Unlike Badaling and Mutianyu, only part of Simatai is restored—the rest remains in its original, weathered state, with narrow paths and steep stairs. It’s also famous for its night tours: from May to October, the wall is lit up with warm yellow lights, creating a magical, almost fairy – tale atmosphere.

Pros

• Authentic feel: The unrestored sections (like the “Sky Ladder,” a steep, narrow stretch) let you experience the Great Wall as it was centuries ago—raw and rugged.
• Stunning night views: The night tour is a unique experience—walking the lit – up wall under the stars, with no crowds and quiet mountain air.
• Less commercialized: Fewer souvenir shops and tourist traps than Badaling; the area feels more peaceful and focused on heritage.

Cons

• Challenging hiking: The steep, uneven paths (especially the unrestored parts) are not suitable for kids, seniors, or travelers with mobility issues. Hiking shoes are a must.
• Farther from Beijing: It takes 2–2.5 hours by car or bus (Bus 980 from Dongzhimen to Miyun, then transfer to Bus Mi 25). The night tour requires planning for return transportation (most tour groups include round – trip buses).

Ideal Visitors

Adventure seekers, hiking enthusiasts, history buffs who love authentic heritage, and couples looking for a romantic night experience.

4. Jiankou Great Wall: Wild, Rugged, for Advanced Hikers

Character & Highlights

Jiankou, 80 kilometers from Beijing, is the ultimate choice for experienced hikers. It’s completely unrestored—no handrails, no paved paths, just ancient stone steps, overgrown vegetation, and steep cliffs. The section is famous for its dramatic landscapes, including the “Eagle Flies Facing Upward” (a narrow, jagged stretch of wall) and “Arrow Nock” (a watchtower with a unique arch shape).

Pros

• Unmatched wilderness: This is the Great Wall in its most natural state—quiet, raw, and breathtaking. You’ll likely only encounter a handful of other hikers, making it perfect for solitude.
• Photography paradise: The rugged terrain and sweeping mountain views make it a favorite for landscape photographers, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Cons

• Very dangerous: Steep drops, loose stones, and narrow paths mean it’s not for beginners. Accidents are common—never hike alone, and bring water, snacks, and a first – aid kit.
• No facilities: No restrooms, no snack stalls, no cable cars—you’re on your own.
• Hard to access: No public buses; you’ll need to hire a taxi or join a hiking tour (recommended for safety).

Ideal Visitors

Advanced hikers, experienced outdoor enthusiasts, and photographers willing to trade comfort for adventure and authenticity.

5. Huanghuacheng Great Wall: The “Water Great Wall”

Character & Highlights

Huanghuacheng, 70 kilometers from Beijing, is one of the most unique Great Wall sections—it’s nicknamed the “Water Great Wall” because part of the wall dips into a man – made reservoir (Huanghuacheng Reservoir). The combination of stone walls, blue water, and surrounding forests makes it a peaceful, scenic spot.

Pros

• Unique scenery: The wall reflecting in the reservoir is a one – of – a – kind view—especially beautiful in summer when the water is clear and the trees are green.
• Quiet & relaxed: It’s less crowded than Badaling and Mutianyu, making it great for travelers who want to take their time and enjoy the scenery.
• Combines hiking and water activities: You can hike the wall and then rent a boat on the reservoir for a different perspective.

Cons

• Limited hiking length: Only about 1.5 kilometers of the wall is open to visitors—shorter than other sections.
• Some steep parts: While most of the path is manageable, there are a few steep stretches that might be tough for young kids or seniors.

Ideal Visitors

Nature lovers, couples, and families who want a mix of Great Wall hiking and water – based relaxation.

6. Juyongguan Great Wall: History + Ease for Beginners

Character & Highlights

Juyongguan, 50 kilometers from Beijing, is a historically significant section—it was a strategic pass in ancient times, mentioned in records dating back to the Qin Dynasty. It’s restored but has a more “fortress – like” feel, with thick walls and large watchtowers. The section is surrounded by mountains and a small valley, creating a cozy, enclosed atmosphere.

Pros

• Rich history: It has a museum (Juyongguan Pass Museum) that tells the story of the wall’s role in defending Beijing. The pass itself is a well – preserved example of ancient military architecture.
• Easy for beginners: The paths are flat and short (about 1 kilometer open to visitors), making it great for first – time hikers, kids, or those who don’t want a long hike.
• Less crowded: It’s often overlooked in favor of Badaling and Mutianyu, so you’ll have more space to explore.

Cons

• Less scenic: The valley location means the views are more limited than at Mutianyu or Simatai.
• Fewer facilities: No cable cars or toboggan runs—just basic restrooms and a small souvenir shop.

Ideal Visitors

History buffs, beginner hikers, families with young kids, and travelers who want a quick, low – key Great Wall experience.

Summary Table: Major Great Wall Sections Around Beijing

Section	Key Character	Pros	Cons	Ideal Visitors
Badaling	Most famous, fully restored	Ultra – accessible, family – friendly, rich facilities	Extremely crowded, over – commercialized, less authentic	First – timers, families with kids/seniors, time – short travelers
Mutianyu	Scenic, forest – surrounded	Beautiful year – round, less crowded than Badaling, toboggan/cable cars	Slightly hard to reach, long toboggan lines	Nature lovers, families, photographers
Simatai	Ancient, with night tours	Authentic feel, stunning night views, less commercialized	Challenging hiking, far from Beijing	Adventure seekers, history buffs, couples
Jiankou	Wild, unrestored	Wilderness experience, solitude, great for photos	Very dangerous, no facilities, hard to access	Advanced hikers, outdoor enthusiasts
Huanghuacheng	“Water Great Wall”	Unique water views, quiet, mix of hiking/boating	Short hiking length, some steep parts	Nature lovers, couples, relaxed families
Juyongguan	Historically significant, beginner – friendly	Rich history, easy for beginners, less crowded	Limited views, fewer facilities	History buffs, beginners, families with young kids

With this guide and table, you can match your travel style, group type, and interests to the perfect Great Wall section. Whether you’re chasing famous views, seeking adventure, or looking for a quiet family day out, Beijing’s surrounding Great Wall has something for everyone—just plan ahead, wear comfortable shoes, and get ready to be amazed by one of the world’s greatest wonders!