The Great Wall is the one sight nearly everyone wants to tick off — and rightly so. Stretching thousands of kilometres, it’s most easily visited on a day trip from Beijing. The key decision is which section.

Which section?

• Mutianyu — the best all-rounder for first-timers: restored, scenic, with a cable car up and a toboggan down, and fewer crowds than Badaling.
• Badaling — closest and most developed, but the busiest by far.
• Jinshanling — partly wild and dramatic, ideal for hiking and photography (about 2–2.5 hrs from the city).
• Jiankou — crumbling and unrestored, for experienced hikers only.

Getting there

A guided day trip is the easiest option — transport and timing handled. Compare tours on Viator or Klook (affiliate). See our Beijing itinerary to fit it into a trip.

Tips

• Go early to beat tour buses and midday heat.
• Wear proper shoes — the Wall is steep and uneven.
• Bring water and sun protection; there’s little shade.

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