The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. For visitors to Beijing, it’s often at the top of the must-see list. But what’s the best way to get there from the city? In this guide, I’ll walk you through the different options for getting to the Great Wall from Beijing and share some useful tips to help you plan your visit.
Sections of the Great Wall
The Great Wall is vast, and not all parts are equally accessible or well-preserved. Fortunately, several sections near Beijing are both easy to reach and beautifully restored, making for perfect day trips:
Mutianyu: This section offers 3 kilometers of restored wall, with stairs, a cable car, and even a fun toboggan ride down!
Badaling: The Badaling section is about 3.7 kilometers long and is very popular with tourists because it’s relatively close to Beijing and easy to access.
Jinshanling and Simatai: These sections are further from Beijing and offer longer walks (10km at Jinshanling and 5km at Simatai). Simatai, in particular, is known for its steep and challenging stretches.
Getting from Beijing to Mutianyu
Mutianyu is about 70 kilometers from Beijing.
By bus: You can take the 916 Express Bus from Dongzhimen Bus Station, then switch to a taxi or minibus at Huairou to reach the Mutianyu entrance. The trip takes around 2 hours and is a budget-friendly option.
With DiDi via Alipay: Download the Alipay app before your trip or at a Wi-Fi hotspot in Beijing. Alipay is widely used in China for everything from tickets to meals. Within the app, you’ll find DiDi, a ride-hailing service. You can book a driver in real-time or schedule a pick-up in advance, and payment is made directly through the app. We were dropped off right at the Mutianyu ticket office – super convenient! 😃 Keep in mind, communication in English can be tricky, so pre-booking helps. We paid about €40 for a round trip on a Tuesday. For the return ride, we used the Wi-Fi in the tourist area at the Wall.
From Beijing to the other sections of the Great Wall of China
Getting to Badaling by Train: A high-speed train runs directly from Beijing North Station to Badaling Great Wall Station. From there, it’s just a short walk to the Wall entrance. The train ride takes around 1 hour and is affordable. To avoid long lines, especially during peak times, it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance.
Reaching Jinshanling and Simatai: Since these sections are further from Beijing, public transport options are more limited. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, and buses run from Wangjing South Station and Dongzhimen Bus Station.
Booking an Organized Tour
Many tour operators offer day trips to the Great Wall of China from Beijing. Typically, the price includes a guide, as well as pick-up and return transport. You can also find tour operators at Beijing Airport who offer last-minute tours to the Great Wall. Alternatively, you can book your tour online in advance.
We’ve selected a guided tour for each of the three sections of the Great Wall – Mutianyu, Badaling, and Jinshanling/Simatai – which can be conveniently booked online ahead of time.
What to Bring
No matter which section of the Wall you visit, here are a few essentials to pack:
Water and snacks: Food kiosks are not always available along the Wall, so it’s smart to bring your own supplies.
Comfortable shoes: The terrain can be uneven, so sturdy walking shoes or trainers are highly recommended.
Sun protection: The sun can be intense, especially in summer, so don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Our conclusion: Whether you spend a half day or a full day, a visit to the Great Wall of China is an unforgettable experience. Organizing your trip independently is easier than it might seem, especially if you have access to Wi-Fi or internet. No matter how you choose to get there, it’s sure to be a highlight of your trip!
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