Top Great Wall Sections to Visit in Beijing: Badaling, Mutianyu & More

"You haven’t been to Beijing if you haven’t climbed the Great Wall!"

The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most astounding wonders, a testament to human ingenuity and determination. Stretching across thousands of miles, it took over 2,000 years to construct, making it a masterpiece of ancient engineering.

Beijing is home to eight sections of the Great Wall, with Badaling, Juyongguan, and Mutianyu being the most famous and accessible for visitors.

Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall(黄花城水长城) : A Blend of Mountains, History, and Water

If the standard Great Wall experience doesn’t quite spark your curiosity, Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall might just steal your heart. Nicknamed “The Great Wall on Water”, it’s the only section in Beijing where the Wall is seamlessly integrated with a picturesque lake.

Here, three segments of the Wall extend into the water, creating a rare and serene landscape that combines the rugged beauty of the Wall with the gentle charm of a lakeside retreat. While other sections like Juyongguan and Badaling might feel grand and mighty, Huanghuacheng has a quieter, more poetic allure, waiting for you to discover its tranquil magic.

Practical Info for Visiting Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall

Address: Xishuiyu Village, Jiuduhe Town, Huairou District, Beijing(怀柔区九渡河镇西水峪村)

Ticket Price : 60 RMB

Getting There :

• By Car : Route 1: Take Jingcheng Expressway, exit at Beitai Road （北台路）(Exit 13). Follow the road signs for “Jiuduhe,”（九渡河） and turn left at the fourth traffic light. Continue straight toward Jiuduhe, and you’ll find the scenic area.Route 2: Take Jingzang Expressway（京藏高速）, exit at Xiguan Roundabout (Exit 32)（西关环岛）. Head toward the Ming Tombs and turn right at Changling Intersection（长陵路口）. Drive straight toward Jiuduhe（九渡河） and follow the signs to the Water Great Wall.
• By Direct Shuttle Bus : Mutianyu Bus (慕巴士) or Zan Bus（赞巴士） offers direct transportation to the Water Great Wall.You’ll get five hours to explore the area, making it an easy, stress-free option.Beijing Tourism Hub Shuttle: Purchase tickets at Window 4 in Qianmen’s Tourist Center.Dongzhimen Shuttle: From Dongzhimen Transit Hub, head to Platform 418. Tickets can be purchased on board.
• By Public Bus : Take Bus 916 Express from Dongzhimen Transit Hub to Nanhuayuan Sanqu（南华园三区）. Walk 100 meters past the traffic light to transfer at Nanhuayuan Siqu（南华园四区） or Tax Station（地税站） to H21, the Water Great Wall Bus. The final stop is right at the scenic area.

Whether you're there to climb, marvel, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the lakeside scenery, Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall promises an unforgettable adventure. It’s a perfect spot for those who want to experience Beijing’s Great Wall in a fresh and peaceful way.

Badaling(八达岭长城): The Iconic Great Wall Experience

No trip to Beijing is complete without visiting the Great Wall, and for many, Badaling is the first stop. As the most famous and well-preserved section of the Great Wall, Badaling has hosted countless visitors, including world leaders, earning its reputation as the postcard-perfect face of this ancient wonder. The first time you step onto Badaling, you’ll feel its grandeur. The Wall snakes over the rolling mountains, stretching endlessly into the horizon, an awe-inspiring reminder of China’s ancient ingenuity.

The Scenic Charm of Badaling

Beyond its historical significance, Badaling offers some of the most stunning natural views in Beijing.

• Springtime Splendor: Visit during April for a vibrant display of mountain peach and wild apricot blossoms. The hills burst into a sea of pinks and whites, creating a magical backdrop.
• Autumn Colors: October is equally breathtaking, with frost-covered red leaves painting the landscape in vivid shades of gold, orange, and crimson.

These two seasons are undoubtedly the best times to visit, but prepare for crowds as everyone else knows this too!

Choosing Your Route: North or South?

Badaling is divided into North and South sections by the central gate. Here’s how to choose your adventure:

• North Section: The highlight of Badaling, featuring 12 watchtowers, including the famous North Tower 8. At the highest elevation, North Tower 8 offers unparalleled views of the Wall weaving across the mountains. This section is steeper and more challenging, perfect for those looking for a rewarding climb.
• South Section: With 7 watchtowers, the South Section is less steep and less crowded, making it a more relaxing choice for visitors who prefer a quieter experience.

Don 't Miss These Highlights

1. Hero Slope (Hao Han Po 好汉坡) Located on the North Section, this famous spot dares visitors to climb to the top and earn the title of "hero," as the inscription says, “He who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true hero.（不到长城非好汉）”
2. Signal Towers (Beacon Towers) On the hills flanking Badaling, you’ll find ancient beacon towers used to signal invasions in the past. Though they lack modern stairways, you can still admire their robust design and imagine how they once lit up to warn the empire.
3. Cannon Display Near the entrance, you’ll find five Ming Dynasty-era iron cannons. These weapons, positioned strategically near the Wall, were among the most advanced military technologies of their time.
4. China Great Wall Museum Take a break from climbing to explore this museum, which features rare artifacts unearthed along the Great Wall, offering a fascinating glimpse into its history and construction.

Tips for Your Visit

• Bring Supplies: Once you’re on the Wall, there are no shops or food stalls, so pack water and snacks for the climb.
• Timing: Visiting early morning or late afternoon avoids peak crowds, especially during peak seasons.

Practical Information

Address : North Entrance of Guancheng Ancient Road, Jundu Mountain, Yanqing District, Beijing（延庆区军都山关沟古道北口）

Getting There :

1. By Train : From Huangtudian(黄土店)Station (near Line 13 Huoying(霍营)Subway Station), take the S2 train to Badaling. A 10–15 minute walk from the station will bring you to the Wall entrance.
2. By Bus : From Deshengmen(德胜门) Bus Station (near Line 2 Jishuitan(积水潭) Subway Station), take Bus 877 or 919 directly to Badaling.
3. By Tourist Shuttle : Board the Great Wall shuttle bus from Qianmen’s Tourist Center, operated by Beijing Public Transport.
4. By Car : Drive directly to the site for the most flexibility.

Opening Hours :

• High Season (April–October) : 6:30 AM–7:00 PM
• Low Season (November–March) : 7:00 AM–6:00 PM

Tickets :

• High Season : 40 RMB
• Low Season : 35 RMB

Night Access : Badaling also offers night tours during summer weekends and holidays, complete with performances such as magic shows, acrobatics, and traditional Chinese music. Only four watchtowers (about 3 km) are open for night visits.

• Ticket Prices : Weekday tickets start at 198 RMB; Friday and Saturday tickets cost 298 RMB (discounts available via third-party platforms).
• Hours : Entry from 6:30 PM; illumination ends at 10:00 PM.

How to Explore Badaling

1. Walking Route If you’re ready to conquer the Wall on foot, expect the full trail to take about 3–4 hours. For a shorter adventure, choose either the North or South Section based on your stamina and preference.
2. Cable Car Option Save energy by taking a cable car to the top. The cable car station is near the train station and provides quick access to the Wall, reducing your total visit time to around 2 hours. However, be prepared for long queues, especially during peak times.

Whether you're scaling Hero Slope, soaking in panoramic views from North Tower 8, or enjoying the autumn leaves, Badaling promises a quintessential Great Wall experience. Just remember to book your tickets in advance through the official Badaling Great Wall WeChat account or website to ensure a smooth trip.

Mutianyu(慕田峪长城):The Serene Stretch of the Great Wall

If the crowds at Badaling feel overwhelming, Mutianyu offers a much calmer and more peaceful experience. Even on holidays, you might find yourself enjoying a near-private visit! Stretching over 5,400 meters , Mutianyu is the longest section of the Great Wall in China. Surrounded by lush greenery, the Wall snakes gracefully across the mountains, creating an awe-inspiring scene of grandeur framed by pine and cypress trees.

Must-See Highlights at Mutianyu

Zhengguan Terrace(正关台) This unique structure is one of Mutianyu’s most remarkable features. Made up of three interconnected hollow watchtowers, each topped with a pavilion, the terrace is unlike anything else along the Great Wall. Its side-facing gate is an architectural rarity that adds to its charm.

The Big Corner Tower (Da Jiao Lou 大角楼)Offering panoramic views, this watchtower is surrounded by Wall on three sides, making it a perfect spot to soak in the sweeping vistas of Mutianyu’s rugged beauty. Climbing to the beacon tower here is well worth the effort for the breathtaking perspective.

Four Seasons of Beauty

Mutianyu is a year-round destination, with each season painting the Wall in unique hues:

• Spring and Summer: The mountains are alive with vibrant greenery, casting a serene, refreshing vibe.
• Autumn: The foliage bursts into fiery colors, with shades of red, orange, and gold sweeping across the landscape.
• Winter: Mutianyu transforms into a winter wonderland, with snow-dusted bricks and white-capped peaks creating a fairytale-like atmosphere.

For photography enthusiasts, Beacon Tower 14 is the go-to spot. You can reach it easily via cable car and capture some postcard-perfect shots of the Wall snaking over the mountains.

Recommended Routes

While hiking the entire Wall is an option for the most adventurous, most visitors prefer the convenience of cable cars.

Cable Car Route: The double-way cable car ride is the most efficient and scenic way to explore Mutianyu. It takes you directly to Beacon Tower 14, from where you can walk west to reach the highest point of the Mutianyu Wall at Beacon Tower 20. This journey offers a great balance of stunning views and manageable exertion, taking about 1 hour to complete.

Chairlift and Toboggan Option: Another fun way to explore is to take the chairlift to Beacon Tower 6. From here, you can hike up to Beacon Tower 20 (a more strenuous route). The reward? You can take the thrilling toboggan ride back down the mountain! Glide down the winding track surrounded by nature for an unforgettable experience, but be sure to follow safety instructions while riding.

Practical Information

Address : Mutianyu Roundabout, Bohai Town, Huairou District, Beijing(怀柔区渤海镇慕田峪环岛)

Getting There :

• By Public Transport : From Dongzhimen Transport Hub(东直门交通枢纽), take the 916 bus to Huairou Beidajie(怀柔北大街), then transfer to bus H23, H24, or H36 to Mutianyu Roundabout(慕田峪环岛). Note: that bus intervals could be long.
• By Car : Driving offers more flexibility, especially if you’re visiting during less busy hours.

Opening Hours :

• Daytime: 7:30 AM–5:00 PM
• Summer Night Tours (July 1–August 31): 5:00 PM–9:00 PM (last entry at 8:30 PM).

Tickets :

• Entrance Fee: 45 RMB (includes a special postcard ticket).
• Shuttle Bus: 15 RMB for a round trip.
• Cable Car: 100 RMB one-way; 140 RMB round trip.

Tips for Visiting Mutianyu

• Night Tours: Mutianyu opens for evening exploration during the summer, providing a magical experience under the stars. However, only Beacon Towers 10–15 are accessible, and neither the cable car nor the toboggan operates at night.
• Bring Essentials: Like most Wall sections, there are no food or water vendors on the Wall itself, so pack supplies before heading up.
• Time Your Visit: Visiting during early morning or late afternoon will help you avoid crowds and capture the best lighting for photos.

Whether you’re enjoying the peaceful trails, marveling at the architectural wonders of Zhengguan Terrace, or gliding down the mountain on a toboggan, Mutianyu offers a unique and tranquil way to experience the Great Wall. It’s perfect for families, photographers, and anyone seeking a less crowded adventure.

Hefangkou Great Wall(河防口长城) : A Hidden Gem Restored

Located over 20 kilometers north of Huairou District(怀柔区) in Huabei Town,(怀北镇) Hefangkou Great Wall offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience compared to its popular counterparts. Originally built during the Southern and Northern Dynasties and later reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty, this Wall section fell into disrepair until a significant restoration in 2011. True to tradition, the restoration used ancient construction techniques, preserving the Wall’s original form as much as possible.Hefangkou gained additional fame during the 2014 APEC Summit, held at the nearby Yanqi Lake(雁栖湖), where it provided a stunning backdrop for the international event.

What to Expect

• Entry via the Village : The trailhead begins behind Hefangkou Village(河防口村), where visitors pay a small “path fee” (10 RMB) to the locals. Before the climb, you can enjoy a hearty meal at a local farmhouse restaurant. For those visiting in early October, the red-skinned pears(红肖梨) from the area are a must-try treat!
• For Hikers : Hefangkou is also a favorite starting point for trekking enthusiasts, who head westward on a challenging 10-kilometer trail to Shentangyu (神堂峪). This stretch, while short, is known for its steep inclines and rugged terrain.

Juyongguan(居庸关) Great Wall: A Fortress of Steep Beauty

Compared to the likes of Badaling and Mutianyu, Juyongguan Great Wall(居庸关长城) is best known for its steep, dramatic terrain. As a key strategic pass along the Wall, Juyongguan has historically been one of the most heavily guarded sections, protecting Beijing’s northwest flank. Its perilous cliffs and natural barriers earned it the reputation of being almost impenetrable, famously described as a place where “a single soldier could fend off ten thousand enemies(一夫当关，万夫莫开).”

Juyongguan isn’t just about military might—it’s also rich in scenic and cultural significance. Since the Yuan Dynasty, it has been celebrated as one of the “Eight Great Sights of Yanjing (燕京八景).”

Must-See Highlights：

The Fortress (Guan Cheng 关城)The fortress at Juyongguan is an architectural marvel, towering with a commanding presence. It evokes the grandeur and strength of ancient military defenses.

Cloud Platform (Yuntai 云台)The Cloud Platform, made of exquisite white marble, is a showstopper. It features intricate carvings of mythical beasts, birds, and floral motifs, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of the Yuan Dynasty. Its detailed reliefs and archways have survived centuries, offering a glimpse into the artistry of ancient China.

Seasons of Beauty

Summer to Early Fall: This is the best time to visit, as the surrounding mountains are lush and vibrant. The “Juyong Layers of Green” is a natural masterpiece.

Late Autumn: When red maple leaves blanket the hillsides, the Wall appears like a fiery ribbon stretching through the mountains—a breathtaking sight.

Visit Tips

Juyongguan is located just 11 kilometers from Badaling, making it easy to combine visits to both sections in a single day. The full tour of Juyongguan typically takes about 2 hours.

Practical Information

Juyongguan Address: Juyongguan Town, Changping District, Beijing(昌平区南口镇居庸关长城)

Opening Hours: Juyongguan: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM

Tickets: Juyongguan: 45 RMB in peak season (April–October), 40 RMB in low season (November–March).

Getting There: For Juyongguan: Drive along the Badaling Expressway and take the Juyongguan exit.

S2 Line : A Train Ride Through a Sea of Blossoms

For a magical journey through history and nature, hop aboard the S2 Line, Beijing’s iconic “flower train.” Originally part of China’s first mainline railway (the Jing-Zhang Railway, built by the legendary Zhan Tianyou), the S2 Line is now famed for its breathtaking springtime views.

The Journey

In late March to early April, the train passes through the Juyongguan Tunnel and emerges into a vibrant world of blooming flowers. With the Great Wall as a backdrop, the scene feels like stepping into a painting.

Stations and Pricing

The S2 Line starts at Huangtudian Station(黄土店站) in Changping District (near Huo Ying Subway Station(霍营站)) and ends in Zhangjiakou’s Shacheng Station(张家口市沙城站). Key stops include:

• Nankou Station(南口站)
• Badaling Station(八达岭站)
• Yanqing Station(延庆站)

Ticket Prices: 5 RMB for the first stop, 6 RMB to Badaling, and 16 RMB to the final destination.

Tips for the S2 Line

• No Reserved Seats: During peak bloom season (late March–early April), the train gets crowded, so try to board as early as possible to secure a good spot.
• Best Time to Visit: Early mornings are ideal to avoid the rush and enjoy the clearest views of the flower-filled valleys.

Whether you're exploring the restored charm of Hefangkou, the dramatic heights of Juyongguan, or enjoying the seasonal beauty of the S2 Line, these experiences offer a deeper appreciation of the Great Wall’s historical, cultural, and natural splendor.