Best Great Wall of China Sections to Visit for Every Traveler

Written and updated by Ruqin
Last updated: January 2, 2026

The first time you see the Great Wall stretching across the mountains outside Beijing, it feels almost unreal. But choosing where to go can quickly become confusing. Some sections are beautifully restored and easy to reach, while others are steep, wild, and far less crowded.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the Best Great Wall of China Sections to Visit based on different travel styles, fitness levels, and time limits, so you can choose the part that truly fits your trip.

1. Badaling: The Most Popular Section

Why Visit Badaling?

Badaling is the most visited and well-preserved section of the Great Wall, offering a glimpse into its grandeur and historical significance. It is fully restored and features amenities like cable cars, making it accessible for tourists of all ages and physical conditions. This section is ideal for those who want a comfortable and easy visit with well-maintained paths and facilities.

How to Get There

By Train: Take the S2 train from Beijing North Railway Station to Badaling Railway Station. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. From the station, a free shuttle bus will take you to the entrance.
By Bus: Catch bus No. 877 from Deshengmen Bus Station. The bus ride takes around 1.5 hours and drops you off close to the entrance.
By Car: Hiring a private car or taxi is another option, offering the convenience of direct transport. The drive from downtown Beijing takes about 1-1.5 hours.

2. Mutianyu: The Best for Scenic Views and for senior and kids

Why Visit Mutianyu?

Mutianyu is known for its stunning scenery, fewer crowds, and well-preserved structures. It features a cable car, chairlift, and a toboggan slide for an exciting descent. This section is perfect for families and those looking for beautiful landscapes and a less crowded experience.

MUtianyu Great Wall — Mutiuanyu Great Wall in Autumn

How to Get There

By Bus: Take bus No. 916 from Dongzhimen Bus Station to Huairou North Avenue, then transfer to bus H23, H24, H35, or H36 to Mutianyu Roundabout. From there, a shuttle bus or a short taxi ride will take you to the entrance.
By Car: A private car or taxi ride from downtown Beijing to Mutianyu takes about 1.5 hours, offering a convenient and direct option.
By Tour: Consider booking a tour that includes transport. Many tours offer pickup from your hotel and provide a hassle-free way to visit Mutianyu.

3. Jinshanling: The Best for Hiking

Why Visit Jinshanling?

Jinshanling is renowned for its stunning vistas and hiking opportunities. It is partially restored, giving visitors a mix of original and restored sections. This section is ideal for hikers and adventure seekers who want to experience the Wall in a more authentic and less crowded setting.

How to Get There

By Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Wangjing West Station to Luanping, then transfer to a local taxi for a short ride to Jinshanling. The entire journey takes around 2-3 hours.
By Car: A private car or taxi ride takes about 2.5 hours from downtown Beijing. This is the most direct way to reach Jinshanling and is ideal for those who prefer comfort and convenience.

4. Jiankou: The Wild and Adventurous Section

Why Visit Jiankou?

Jiankou is famous for its rugged and wild scenery. It is mostly unrestored and offers challenging hikes with steep ascents and descents. This section is perfect for experienced hikers and photographers looking for dramatic and untouched landscapes.

JIankou Great Wall — The Jiankou Great Wall

How to Get There

By Bus: Take bus No. 916 from Dongzhimen to Huairou North Avenue, then hire a local taxi to take you to the Jiankou section. The taxi ride from Huairou takes about an hour.
By Car: Hiring a private car or taxi from downtown Beijing is the best option, taking around 2.5 hours. Ensure your driver knows the exact location of the Jiankou trailhead, as it is less visited and more difficult to find.

5. Simatai: The Best for Night Visits

Why Visit Simatai?

Simatai is the only section of the Great Wall open for night visits, offering a unique experience. It is partially restored and provides stunning views both day and night. This section is ideal for those who want a different perspective and the adventure of walking the Wall under the stars.

How to Get There

By Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Dongzhimen Bus Station to Gubei Water Town. From there, you can walk or take a shuttle bus to the Simatai entrance. The entire journey takes about 2-3 hours.
By Car: A private car or taxi ride takes about 2.5 hours from downtown Beijing. This is a convenient option, especially if you plan to stay late for the night tour.

6. Huanghuacheng: The Water Great Wall

Why Visit Huanghuacheng?

Huanghuacheng is unique because it features sections of the Wall that run alongside and even underwater, creating a picturesque setting. This section is perfect for visitors looking for a scenic and less crowded experience with the added beauty of lakes and reservoirs.

How to Get There

By Bus: Take bus No. 916 from Dongzhimen to Huairou, then transfer to a local bus or taxi to Huanghuacheng. The journey takes about 2-3 hours.
By Car: A private car or taxi ride takes about 2 hours from downtown Beijing. This option offers flexibility and convenience, especially if you plan to explore the area at your own pace.

7. Gubeikou: The Best for History Enthusiasts

Why Visit Gubeikou?

Gubeikou is a historically significant section of the Great Wall with many original structures. It offers moderate hikes and is less visited, making it ideal for history buffs and those seeking a quieter experience.

How to Get There

By Bus: Take a long-distance bus from Dongzhimen Bus Station to Gubeikou. The journey takes around 2-3 hours. From the bus stop, a short walk or taxi ride will take you to the Wall entrance.
By Car: A private car or taxi ride takes about 2.5 hours from downtown Beijing. This option is convenient and allows for a flexible schedule.

The Best Great Wall of China Sections to Visit really depend on the kind of experience you want. Some travelers prefer an easy day trip with good facilities, while others come for quiet hiking trails, mountain views, or the feeling of standing on a wilder, older part of the Wall.

Whichever section you choose, try not to rush the experience. Arrive early, walk slowly, and take time to absorb the scale and history around you. The Great Wall always feels more powerful in person than any photo can capture.

About the Author

Ruqin is the founder of Ruqintravel.com and has spent more than four decades working in China’s travel industry. Drawing on hands-on experience in cities like Beijing and Hangzhou, he personally researches and updates each guide to help international travelers navigate China with confidence.