Great Wall Hiking Guide - Best Sections Compared with Transport, Prices and Routes
The Great Wall near Beijing is not a single destination. Five major sections sit within a two-hour radius of the city, each offering a drastically different experience — from the postcard-perfect crowds of Badaling to the crumbling, crowd-free towers of Jiankou. This guide breaks down every section so you can pick the one that matches your fitness, interests and tolerance for tourists.
Quick Comparison
| Section | Difficulty | Crowds | Best For | Style | Distance from Beijing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badaling | Easy | Very high | First-timers, families, seniors | Classic photo op | ~43 mi (70 km) |
| Mutianyu | Moderate | Medium | Families, backpackers, foreign visitors | Scenic and well-maintained | ~43 mi (70 km) |
| Jinshanling | Moderate-hard | Low | Photographers, hikers | Dramatic and peaceful | ~81 mi (130 km) |
| Jiankou | Very hard | Very low | Experienced adventurers | Wild, unrepaired Wall | ~50 mi (80 km) |
| Simatai | Hard | Low | Original-architecture lovers, hikers | Steep and rugged | ~75 mi (120 km) |
1. Badaling Great Wall — The Classic Choice
Badaling is the most famous and most developed section. It includes the celebrated “Hero Slope” (Haohanpo) and is split into a northern route (busier, includes Hero Slope) and a quieter southern route. Since 2023, Badaling has offered regular night tours with illuminated walls.
Best for: First-time Beijing visitors, seniors, families with children.
Tickets
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Peak season (April–October) | ¥40 ($5.90) |
| Off-peak (November–March) | ¥35 ($5.20) |
| Student ticket | ¥20 ($2.95) |
| Free | Children under 18, disabled visitors |
Tickets are real-name and can be reserved up to 30 days in advance through the “长城内外旅游” WeChat mini-program. Each ID allows one ticket per day.
Opening Hours
- Day visit: Peak season 6:30 AM–7:00 PM; off-peak 7:30 AM–6:00 PM
- Night visit: 6:30 PM–10:00 PM, lights on 7:30 PM–9:30 PM
Getting There
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Bus 877 | Direct from Deshengmen (德胜门), cheap but slow |
| S2 commuter rail | From Beijing North Station / Huangtudian Station to Badaling Station |
| Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed rail | To Badaling Great Wall Station, short walk to entrance |
| Driving | Via G6 expressway, parking available on site |
Recommended Routes
- Easy half-day: Cable car to North Tower 7, walk to Tower 8 (Hero Slope summit), return or continue to Tower 11 and descend.
- Full experience: Walk from Tower 1 to Tower 12 on the northern ridge — about 2–3 hours.
Local Tip: Take the high-speed train from Beijing. It gets you there in under 30 minutes and drops you right at the entrance. Buy return tickets in advance because they sell out.
Avoid: Chinese national holidays (October 1–7, Lunar New Year). The Wall turns into a slow-moving crowd — you will spend more time queuing than walking.
2. Mutianyu Great Wall — Best All-Round Experience
Mutianyu is widely regarded as the finest stretch of the Wall for general visitors. Dense forests blanket the hillsides, and the section features 20 watchtowers packed into a short distance — including three towers standing side by side on a single platform, an extremely rare architectural feature. The crowd density is significantly lower than Badaling, and the toboggan slide (1.2 mi / 2 km downhill) is a highlight for younger travelers.
Best for: Backpackers, foreign tourists, families wanting fewer crowds.
Tickets
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Peak season (April–October) | ¥40 ($5.90) |
| Off-peak (November–March) | ¥35 ($5.20) |
| Cable car / chairlift | Sold separately |
| Toboggan | Sold separately |
| Full package (entry + shuttle + cable car or toboggan) | From ¥160 ($23.60) |
Opening Hours
Peak season 7:30 AM–6:00 PM; off-peak 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Getting There
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Public bus | Bus 916 from Dongzhimen (东直门) to Huairou Beidajie, transfer to H7/H23/H24/H35/H36. Total ~3 hours. |
| Driving | Airport Expressway to Beigao exit, follow signs to Huairou. About 1.5 hours. |
| Tour bus | Klook, Trip.com and similar platforms offer day trips with hotel pickup. |
| Shuttle | From Parking Lot 1, a free shuttle takes you to the trailhead — a 5-minute walk to the entrance. |
Three Ways Up
- Full hike — The most authentic option for fit walkers.
- Cable car up — Saves time and energy, ideal for families.
- Chairlift up + toboggan down — The most fun combination.
Local Tip: If you want the Wall almost to yourself, arrive before 8:00 AM on a weekday. The first hour of sunlight is also the best for photographs — golden light on the stone towers with mist in the valleys below.
Avoid: The combination ticket sold by aggressive vendors near the parking lot. Buy your tickets at the official entrance or online through the WeChat mini-program to avoid overpaying.
3. Jinshanling Great Wall — Photographer’s Paradise
Jinshanling is a largely unrestored section where the Wall retains its original character. Visitor density is roughly 30% of Mutianyu’s, and the scenery — wildflowers in spring, crimson foliage in autumn — is spectacular. The eastern end connects to Simatai, and many experienced hikers complete the full traverse between the two.
Best for: Photographers, serious hikers, anyone who values solitude.
Tickets
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Peak season (April 1–October 31) | ¥65 ($9.60) |
| Off-peak (November 1–March 31) | ¥55 ($8.10) |
| Cable car one way | ¥40 ($5.90) |
| Cable car round trip | ¥80 ($11.80) |
| Full package (entry + shuttle + cable car + bus from Beijing) | ~¥120 ($17.70) |
Getting There
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Public transport | Bus 980 Express from Dongzhimen to Miyun Shaoniangong Station, transfer to Bus Mi-25. Total ~3 hours. |
| Direct tourist bus | Departs 45 Waixiejie, Dongzhimen (东直门外斜街45号), returns at 3:00 PM. ~¥120 ($17.70) including entry and one-way cable car. |
| Organized hike | Klook, GetYourGuide and similar platforms run day hikes with pickup at Guomao or Shaoyaoju metro stations. Duration 6–9 hours. |
Recommended Hiking Routes
- Jinshanling Classic: Enter at the main gate, walk to Zhuanduokou, follow the Wall east to East Five-Eye Tower, then return. About 5–6 hours.
- Jinshanling to Simatai Traverse: Full crossing of the eastern Jinshanling section into western Simatai. Distance about 6.2 mi (10 km), duration 6–8 hours. Confirm Simatai section is open before attempting.
Local Tip: The best months are mid-September through late October. The autumn colors here rival New England, but with Ming-dynasty watchtowers instead of barns. Bring a DSLR or at least a phone with a good zoom — the panoramas from the higher towers are extraordinary.
4. Jiankou Great Wall — The Wild Frontier
Jiankou is unrepaired, partially collapsed and considered one of Beijing’s ten most dangerous outdoor routes. Sections like Beijing Knot, Eagle Flies Upside Down, the Heavenly Ladder and General Guarding the Pass are genuinely treacherous. The scenery, however, is otherworldly — crumbling brickwork threading through dense forest with zero tourist infrastructure.
Best for: Experienced mountaineers only. Not suitable for children, seniors or anyone without substantial outdoor experience.
Warning: Jiankou is an unregulated wild section. Access policies change frequently. Always go with companions, carry professional equipment and check current regulations before departure.
Tickets and Access
Jiankou is a wild Wall — there is generally no entrance fee, though parking at Xizhazi Village (西栅子村) may incur a small charge.
Getting There
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Public transport + taxi | Bus from Dongzhimen or hire a car to Xizhazi Village (the trailhead). |
| Driving | About 1 hour from the North Fifth Ring Road to Xizhazi Village, less than 62 mi (100 km) from central Beijing. |
| Organized tour | Klook and similar platforms offer guided day hikes with meals and local guides. |
Classic Routes
| Route | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Full Jiankou traverse | ~9–11 mi (15–18 km), max elevation 3,305 ft (1,008 m) | 8–10 hours |
| Jiankou to Mutianyu traverse | From Xizhazi Village to Zhengbeilou, along the ridge to Mutianyu | 4–6 hours |
| One-day loop | Xizhazi → West Great Wall → Beijing Knot → Eagle Flies Upside Down → Heavenly Ladder → General Guarding the Pass → back to village | Full day |
| East or West section only | Each under 6.2 mi (10 km), can be done as a loop | Half to full day |
- Recommended direction: West to east. The steep dangerous sections become uphill climbs rather than downhills, which is safer.
- Escape routes: Beijing Knot, General Guarding the Pass, Jiankou and Zhengbeilou all have paths down to the valley — about 30 minutes to descend.
Local Tip: Hire a local guide from Xizhazi Village. They cost ¥200–300 ($29–44) for a day and know every escape route. The Wall here has no signs, no railings and no mobile signal in many sections.
Avoid: Going alone, going after rain (the brickwork becomes extremely slippery), and wearing anything other than proper hiking boots with aggressive tread.
5. Simatai Great Wall — Rugged and Original
Simatai is the only section that retains its full Ming-dynasty original appearance. It is known for being steep, dense with watchtowers of varying designs, and architecturally unique. At night, you can see the lights of Gubei Water Town below, and many visitors combine both attractions into a single trip.
Best for: Architecture enthusiasts, hikers, photographers wanting original stonework.
Tickets
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Simatai entry | ¥40 ($5.90) |
| Gubei Water Town entry | ¥140 ($20.65) |
| Gubei Water Town + Simatai night tour (with round-trip cable car) | ~¥280 ($41.30) |
| Internal shuttle | ¥10 ($1.50) per trip |
Opening Hours
| Period | Hours |
|---|---|
| Day visit (Simatai) | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Night visit (Simatai) | 5:30 PM–8:40 PM (requires combo ticket) |
| Night cable car | 6:00 PM–10:40 PM |
Getting There
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Tourist bus | From Beijing Tour Dispatch Center at Tiananmen / Xuanwumen, departs 6:00–9:00 AM. |
| Public transport | Huairou-Miyun line to Gubeikou Station, then shuttle bus to the scenic area (~30 min, ¥10). |
| Driving | Navigate to Simatai Village, Gubeikou Town, Miyun District (密云区古北口镇司马台村北). About 2–2.5 hours. |
Recommended visit duration: 3–5 hours for the Wall alone; 1–2 days if combining with Gubei Water Town.
Local Tip: The Simatai night tour is one of the most underrated experiences near Beijing. You ride the cable car up after dark, walk a short illuminated section of the Wall and look down at the lantern-lit rooftops of Gubei Water Town. It is magical and far less crowded than any daytime visit.
Recommended Route Combinations
Route A: Easy Day Trip (Beginners and Families)
- Badaling half-day or Mutianyu full day
- Use cable car both ways, walk 2–3 hours on the Wall
- No special gear needed — running shoes are fine
Route B: Classic Hike (Moderate Fitness)
- Jinshanling full-day hike: Main entrance to East Five-Eye Tower and back, 5–6 hours
- Or Mutianyu full walk: Hike up from the base and walk the entire restored section
Route C: Wild Wall Traverse (Experienced Hikers Only)
- Jiankou to Mutianyu traverse: From Xizhazi Village via Zhengbeilou to Mutianyu, 4–6 hours
- Jinshanling to Simatai traverse: ~6.2 mi (10 km), 6–8 hours (check Simatai opening status)
Route D: Culture Deep Dive
- Simatai + Gubei Water Town: Day hike Simatai, stroll Gubei Water Town at dusk, night tour of Simatai
- Plan 1–2 days
Best Seasons for Great Wall Hiking
| Season | Months | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | September–November | 5/5 | Best time — crisp air, comfortable temperatures, crimson foliage |
| Spring | March–May | 4/5 | Wildflowers in bloom, especially spectacular at Jinshanling |
| Summer | June–August | 3/5 | Hot and exposed — bring sun protection and rain gear. Lush vegetation. |
| Winter | December–February | 2/5 | Cold with snow, some sections closed. Snow-covered Wall is beautiful but slippery. |
Best months: April–May (spring flowers) and September–October (autumn foliage).
What to Wear
Spring and Autumn (recommended seasons):
- Quick-dry base layer + fleece mid-layer + lightweight windproof shell
- Stretchy quick-dry pants or comfortable hiking trousers
- Grippy hiking boots or sturdy running shoes (no sandals or heels)
- Hat and sunglasses
Summer:
- Breathable quick-dry clothing, lightweight long pants (sun and insect protection)
- SPF 50+ sunscreen, wide-brim hat
- Breathable trail shoes
Winter:
- Thermal base layer + fleece mid-layer + insulated waterproof shell or down jacket
- Warm hat, gloves, scarf
- Insulated hiking boots with good grip (ice patches possible)
Essential Gear Checklist
Basics:
- 1.5–2 liters of water per person (more in summer)
- Snacks — energy bars, chocolate, bread
- Fully charged phone with offline maps downloaded
- Passport or ID (required for ticket purchase and entry)
- Tissues and wet wipes
Strongly recommended:
- Trekking poles — essential for steep sections like Simatai and Jiankou
- Lightweight rain poncho (weather changes fast on the Wall)
- Sun hat + sunscreen — zero shade on the wall itself
- Headlamp or flashlight if you plan to watch sunrise or sunset
- Basic first-aid kit with band-aids
- Gloves for scrambling on wild Wall sections
- Small daypack to keep hands free
- Power bank
Safety Reminders
- Safety first: Wild Wall sections have no railings. Steep drops are common. Know your limits.
- Do not take risks: If you are afraid of heights or unsure of your fitness, choose a gentler section.
- Check the weather: Avoid hiking during thunderstorms or heavy rain.
- Hike with others: Never hike wild Wall sections alone.
- Start early: Beat the midday heat and the tour-bus crowds.
- Use the restroom before you start: There are no toilets on the Wall.
- Mobile signal is unreliable on remote sections — tell someone your planned route and expected return time.
- Carry cash: Some ticket booths and small vendors do not accept mobile payment.
- Leave no trace: Pack out all trash. The Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Quick Selection Guide
| You Want… | Go To… |
|---|---|
| First time in Beijing / traveling with kids or seniors | Badaling or Mutianyu |
| Fewer crowds without extreme difficulty | Mutianyu |
| Dramatic photography and solitude | Jinshanling |
| Serious adventure, high fitness level | Jiankou (with proper preparation) |
| Original Ming-dynasty architecture + night tour | Simatai with Gubei Water Town |
| Classic point-to-point traverse | Jinshanling–Simatai or Jiankou–Mutianyu |
| Quick half-day, easiest logistics | Badaling (high-speed rail round trip) |
Prices and opening hours are subject to change. Verify details through official channels before your trip. Information compiled from Beijing Local Treasure (bj.bendibao.com), Visit Beijing (visitbeijing.com.cn), Klook, Trip.com, and local hiking communities.
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall on a clear autumn morning, with watchtowers stretching into the distance.
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