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Which Sections/Parts of the Great Wall from Beijing to Visit
When planning a trip from Beijing to the Great Wall, one of the decisions you'll face is which section of the Wall to visit. Located approximately 60-146 kilometers (1.5-3 hours drive) from Beijing in the north and east, there are eight distinct sections of the Wall you can choose from, each offering different scenery and experiences. The Mutianyu and Badaling sections are the most popular among tourists.
Mutianyu Great Wall: Just a bit farther from Beijing than Badaling, Mutianyu is a great choice for those looking for a less crowded experience but still want the convenience of accessible facilities such as a cable car and toboggan. This section is well-preserved and offers beautiful scenery, especially during autumn when the leaves change color.
Badaling: The most famous and accessible section, Badaling is perfect for those with limited time or mobility. It is well-restored and features facilities like cable cars and handrails. However, its popularity also means it can get very crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
Jinshanling: Half restored and half wild, Jinshanling is one of the most scenic parts of the Great Wall. The hike from Jinshanling to Simatai is particularly popular.
Simatai: Known for its night tours, Simatai offers a rugged terrain that is perfect for those looking for a challenge.
Huanghuacheng: Half lake view, half mountain view, it's a great spot for camping and hiking.
Gubeikou: This once-bustling section of the Wall has been the site of over 130 battles. Many start their journey here if they're not heading to Jinshanling.
Jiankou: The most challenging section, Jiankou winds along the mountain ridge in a dramatic "W" shape.
Juyongguan: The closest to Beijing, Juyongguan boasts impressive fortresses. It's wheelchair accessible, making it a great option for travelers with disabilities.
Ways Getting to Great Wall of China from Beijing
| Great Wall of China | Distance from Beijing (km) | Transportation Ways | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mutianyu | 73 | Bus, Private Car, Taxi | 1.5-2 h |
| Badaling | 152 | Train, High Speed Train, Private Car, Taxi | 2-3 h |
| Jinshanling | 152 | Private Car, Taxi | 2-3 h |
| Simatai | 120 | Bus, Private Car, Taxi | 2-3 h |
| Huanghuacheng | 75 | Bus, Private Car, Taxi | 1.5 h |
| Gubeikou | 146 | Train, Bus, Private Car, Taxi | 2-4 h |
| Jiankou | 100 | Bus, Private Car, Taxi | 3 h |
| Juyongguan | 60 | Bus, Private Car, Taxi | 1.5 h |
Best Way to Get to the Great Wall of China: Guide Day Tour
Heading to the Great Wall from Beijing on your own can get tricky. Since it's located in the outskirts, relying on public transport involves several changes, figuring out the right bus stops, and overcoming language barriers—not to mention the steep cost of taxis. That's why we highly recommend joining a local tour group, as it's the most popular and hassle-free way to get there.
Choosing AOT, a travel agency with over ten years of experience can really enhance your trip. With AOT, you not only get convenient transportation but also the benefit of knowledgeable guides who bring the history of the Great Wall to life. It's a relaxed way to experience one of the world's wonders. Contact us now!
How to Get to Mutianyu Great Wall from Beijing
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is one of the best-preserved parts, known for its lush surroundings and intact watchtowers, making it a favorite among both domestic and international tourists. Compared to the more famous Badaling, it sees fewer visitors, making it ideal for family outings. Mutianyu is located about 70 kilometers northeast of Beijing, requiring roughly a 1.5 to 2-hour drive.
There are various tourist buses available for travel from Beijing to Mutianyu, with ticket prices generally around 40 yuan per trip. While public buses might be a more economical choice, there are no direct routes available, and you may need to transfer, making it a less recommended option. Alternatively, a taxi from Beijing to Mutianyu costs between 200 and 300 yuan.
By Direct Bus: 1.5 -2 h, ca.80 RMB round Trip
| Bus Line | Departure Location | Departure Times | Travel Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qianmen-Mutianyu Direct | Qianmen | 08:30-10:00 (when full) | 1.5 hours | RMB 80 (round trip) |
| Mutianyu Direct Bus | Dongzhimen Wai Bus Station (Saturday and Sunday) | 08:30 | 100 minutes | RMB 30 (one way) |
| Mu Bus Direct | Swissotel Entrance (near Starbucks), Dongzhimen | 08:00, 10:00 | 1.5-2 h | RMB 80 (round trip) |
| Busda Direct Bus | Heping West Bridge Subway Station, Exit B | 08:00, 09:00, 10:00, 12:00 | 1.5 h | RMB 80 (round trip) |
| Jinma Tourist Line | Shaoyaoju Subway Station, Exit E | 07:30, 10:00 | 1.5 h | RMB 80 (round trip) |
| Zan Bus Tourist Line | Dengshikou Subway Station, Exit C | 08:00, 09:00, 10:00 | 1.5 | RMB 80 (round trip) |
You can take direct buses to the Mutianyu Great Wall from many locations in Beijing, such as Dongzhimen and Qianmen. Due to their proximity to other attractions like the Forbidden City, the direct buses departing from Qianmen and Dongzhimen are particularly popular.
By Bus
Start your journey at the Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub, where you need to catch the 916 Express bus to Huairou District. The bus ride takes about an hour and is quite economical. Get off at Huairou Beidajie Station.
Once you arrive in Huairou, the easiest way to reach Mutianyu is by local taxi or shuttle. Many drivers are available right at the bus stop offering direct rides to the Great Wall. This last leg of the trip will take about 20-30 minutes. It's advisable to negotiate the fare beforehand; typically, it should cost about 50-100 yuan.
How to Get to Badaling Great Wall from Beijing?
Located just 70 kilometers from Beijing, Badaling is the easiest section of the Great Wall to reach. It is well-connected by both public transport and roads, making it accessible for all types of travelers, including those with limited mobility.
Unlike more remote sections of the Wall, Badaling is equipped with numerous tourist facilities, including cable cars, lifts, and even a slide to get down from the Wall. There are also plenty of eateries and souvenir shops, making it a convenient stop for families and less adventurous travelers.
High-Speed Train (Fast Way): 20-30 Min, Ca.18-31 RMB
The quickest way to reach Badaling Great Wall is by high-speed train from Beijing. The trains depart from Beijing North Station and Qinghe Station, with a journey taking only about 20-30 minutes. The ticket prices range from 18 to 31 yuan, making this not only a fast but also an economical choice.
Departure Station:
Beijing Bei Railway Station(北京北站): Xizhimen North Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China
Qinghe Railway Station (清河站): Anningzhuang W Rd, Haidian District, Beijing
Direct Bus (Budget Way): Route 877
Another great option is the 877 bus, which offers a direct connection from Deshengmen to Badaling. This service operates from early morning until midday, with buses leaving every 10-20 minutes. The journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, and a ticket costs just 12 yuan. The bus station is situated behind Deshengmen Arrow Tower, which can be reached by a short walk east from Jishuitan Station (Metro Line 2).
Tourist Bus (Easy Way)
For a straightforward travel experience, consider the tourist bus service from Qianmen. This route takes about 90 minutes one way, with a round-trip cost of 80 yuan. Buses operate from early morning until late morning, and tickets are purchased directly from the conductor on the bus. The departure point is southwest of Qianmen Arrow Tower, easily accessible from Qianmen Metro Station on Line 2.
How to Get to Jinshanling Great Wall from Beijing?
Reaching the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall from Beijing offers an opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful and tranquil stretches of this ancient structure. Located about 154 kilometers northeast of Beijing, the journey to Jinshanling can take approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the mode of transportation chosen.
Option 1: Suburban Train
For those who prefer rail travel, the suburban trains S501 or S503 are convenient options. These trains depart from Beijing North, Qinghe, or Changping North stations and head toward Gubeikou. The fare ranges from 10 to 12 RMB. Once you arrive at Gubeikou station, you can take a taxi to Jinshanling, which is about 12 kilometers away, costing approximately 40-50 RMB.
Option 2: Bus and Taxi Combination
Alternatively, you can take bus line 980 from Beijing to Miyun Shaonian Gong station, which takes about an hour. After alighting, turn right at the traffic lights and walk 200 meters to the China Mobile building. From there, catch bus route 25 to Gubeikou station; this leg of the journey takes about 30 minutes. Upon reaching Gubeikou, a taxi can take you the remaining distance to Jinshanling.
Option 3: Direct Bus on Weekends
On weekends, a direct bus service operates from Dongzhimen Outer Station in Beijing, departing at 8:00 AM. The travel time to Jinshanling via this direct route is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, making it a convenient option for weekend travelers.
How to Get to Simatai Great Wall from Beijing?
Visiting the Simatai Great Wall from Beijing offers a unique experience as it is one of the few sections of the Wall that is illuminated at night, providing a spectacular option for nighttime exploration. Located in the northern part of Miyun District, approximately 120 kilometers from Beijing, Simatai is adjacent to the picturesque Gubei Water Town.
Direct Bus from Dongzhimen
The most straightforward way to reach Simatai is by taking a direct tourist bus from Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station to Gubei Water Town, which is the gateway to Simatai Great Wall. The bus covers the 134 kilometers in about 2 hours, making it a convenient option.
Departure Times: 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM
Cost: 48 RMB
Train
Alternatively, you can take the Huairou-Miyun (Huaimei) line from Beijing North Station or Qinghe Station to Gubeikou Station. From there, a shuttle bus connects Gubeikou Station to Gubei Water Town twice daily, taking about 2.5 hours for the entire journey, and costing 12 RMB.
Train Stations: Beijing North or Qinghe
Bus
Another option, though less recommended due to the duration and comfort level, is taking public bus line 980 from Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station to Miyun West Bridge Station, then transferring to bus route 51, which goes directly to Simatai. The journey can take over 4 hours due to multiple stops.
How to Get to Huanghuacheng Great Wall from Beijing?
Visiting the secluded Huanghuacheng Great Wall from Beijing offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty, as this section of the Wall is known for its picturesque settings along a lake. Here's how you can make the journey from Beijing to Huanghuacheng, located 76 kilometers away in the northern suburbs:
Seasonal Direct Tourist Bus
From April to October, a direct tourist bus line operates from Dongzhimen Transport Hub, making it the most straightforward option to reach Huanghuacheng.
- Departure Point: Dongzhimen Transport Hub, specifically from bus stop 418.
- Departure Time: 8:30 AM daily during the season.
- Ticket Price: Approximately 35 RMB per person.
- Booking: No advance booking is available; tickets are sold on the bus. Arrive early to secure a seat as the bus operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Alternative Public Transport (Off-Season and Backup)
Step 1: Take bus 916 or the faster 916 Express from Dongzhimen to Huairou District.
Step 2: Alight at Nanhuayuan Sanqu stop. From there, walk about 200 meters to Nanhuayuan Siqu stop.
Step 3: Catch a local bus (H21 or the tourist line labeled "Huairou–Water Great Wall") directly to Huanghuacheng.
How to Get to Gubeikou Great Wall from Beijing?
Getting to the Gubeikou Great Wall from Beijing provides a fantastic opportunity to experience one of the Wall's most historic sections, located approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) northeast of Beijing's city center.
Train from Beijing: Board the train at Beijing North Station or Qinghe Station. You need to catch either the S501 or S503 train which heads to Gubeikou Railway Station.
980 Express Bus: Depart from Dongzhimen Bus Station to Miyun Xinnongcun Station. From there, switch to the Mi 25 bus that will take you directly to Gubeikou.
How to Get to Jiankou Great Wall from Beijing?
Option 1: Train and Local Transport
For a smooth and efficient journey, consider taking the train followed by local transport:
- Train from Beijing: Catch the K7711 train from Beijing Station at 07:56 AM, which will get you to Huairou Station by 09:04 AM.
- Local Transport from Huairou: Once at Huairou Station, you can hire a local van or a private car service to take you directly to Jiankou. The distance from Huairou to Jiankou is about 40 kilometers, and the drive typically takes about an hour.
Option 2: Public Bus
Public buses offer an economical way to reach Jiankou with a combination of city and local buses:
From Dongzhimen: Take bus 916 or the faster 916 Express to Huairou Beidajie Station. From Huairou, transfer to a local bus that heads towards the villages near Jiankou. Options vary, so it's advisable to ask locally for the best bus to take depending on your final destination at Jiankou.
How to Get to Juyongguan Great Wall from Beijing?
Juyong Pass is the closest section of the Great Wall to Beijing, located 60 kilometers (37 miles) away, which is about a 1.5-hour drive.
Option 1: Public Bus
For those who prefer bus travel, the 919 bus offers a direct and economical route:
- Departure: Take bus 919 from Deshengmen Bus Station.
- Destination Stop: Juyongguan Great Wall Station.
- Cost: The fare is 12 RMB one-way.
- Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Option 2: Subway and Bus/Taxi
Using the subway combined with a bus or taxi provides a balance between cost and convenience:
- Subway: Board the Changping Line and alight at Changping Xishankou Station.
- From Changping Xishankou:
- Taxi Option: Taking a taxi directly to Juyongguan can be faster but more expensive.
- Bus Option: Alternatively, catch bus Chang 20, which will take you to Juyongguan.
Option 3: S2 Train and Bus
- Train: Take the S2 line from Beijing's main stations to Nankou Station.
- Bus Transfer: From Nankou, switch to bus 919 or Chang 20 to reach Juyongguan.
How to Plan a Great Wall of China Tour?
The Mutianyu or Badaling Great Wall is a classic choice. You could easily spend a whole day there. If you've got more time, you can add other cool places like the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven to your trip. Make it a 3-5 day adventure!
Day 1: Beijing Arrival
Day 2: Beijing City Tour. Visit the expansive Tian'anmen Square and the historic Forbidden City, an ancient residence of emperors. Later, wander through the lush grounds of the Summer Palace, enjoying its peaceful landscapes and elaborate architecture.
Day 3: Beijing Great Wall Tour. Head out to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall for its stunning scenery and less crowded walkways. Continue to the Olympic Park to view the architectural marvels of the Bird's Nest and Water Cube.
Day 4: Beijing Cultural Tour. Explore the spiritual ambiance at the Temple of Heaven and delve into the history at the Imperial College Museum. Experience the traditional lifestyle and culture in the winding lanes of a Hutong.
Day 5: Beijing Departure
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Beijing at Night, Beijing Food
Where to Stay in Beijing, How to Plan a Trip to Beijing
Useful Guide for Great Wall of China:
How to Get to the Great Wall of China, Great Wall of China Facts
Mutianyu Great Wall, Jinshanling Great Wall, Simatai Great Wall, Jiankou Great Wall
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