Discover the Best Sections of the Great Wall of China: Which One to Visit?

Thinking of the Great Wall of China as just one single place is, in reality, a bit of an understatement. This monument is actually made up of a vast collection of sections that vary enormously from one another.

There's a world of difference between strolling through a restored, comfortable area and venturing into a wilder section with open views and fewer crowds. Most travellers arrive from Beijing, so choosing the right section of the Great Wall to visit from there is key.

Here at Trip.com, we're sharing the best sections of the Great Wall of China based on your travel style, so you can find the stretch that's truly perfect for you.

🗺️ Which Sections of the Great Wall of China are the Most Famous?

When you look at the different sections of the Great Wall of China, you quickly realise that there isn't just one single experience. Of course, most travellers focus on the sections near Beijing, but even there, there's quite a lot of variety. To see it at a glance, here's a quick comparison:

Source: China Highlights

🏞️ Mutianyu: Best Great Wall Section for First-Time Visitors

If it's your first time visiting the Great Wall, Mutianyu is usually the safest bet. Everything here just works: it's easy to access, the surroundings are well-maintained, and the experience isn't overwhelming. For starters, the Mutianyu section was restored while respecting its original structure, but with paths that are more stable and secure.

What makes Mutianyu so special

• Restored wall with original watchtowers
• Surrounded by forest, it's especially beautiful in autumn.
• Cable car and chairlift for an effortless ascent
• A slide for the descent – something you won't find on other sections!

🚕 Plus, getting there is a breeze. It's just a 1.5–2 hour drive from Beijing, and there are some really well-organised tours available too.

Advantages over other sections

• Less crowded than Badaling
• More comfortable than Jinshanling or Jiankou
• Best suited for families

Who it's best for

• First visit
• Family holidays or trips with kids
• For those seeking the perfect balance between comfort and scenery

🏯 Badaling: The Most Famous and Accessible Great Wall Section

To talk about Badaling is to talk about the most iconic section. And, of course, there's a reason it's the most famous part of the Great Wall of China. Everyone from emperors to presidents has visited this spot. In fact, it was the first section opened to tourism back in the 1950s, which explains its fame.

Why it remains so popular

• Fully restored
• Super easy to get to from Beijing (1–1.5 hours)
• Complete infrastructure: restaurants, shops, and transport

When it's worth choosing Badaling

• If you're short on time
• If you're looking for a simple visit
• If you want to see the most iconic section of the Great Wall

🌄 Jinshanling: Best Great Wall Section for Views and Photography

If you're looking for a more open and visual experience, Jinshanling is where things get interesting. Here, the Great Wall blends restored sections with original stretches, giving it that truly authentic feel.

What kind of experience does Jinshanling offer?

• Longer, less-travelled paths
• Well-preserved watchtowers
• Panoramic mountain views

🚕 Jinshanling is about 2.5–3 hours from Beijing, so it's not quite as quick to get to, but it is well worth the trip.

Why photographers love it so much

• Fewer people in the frame
• Wider landscapes
• Best light at sunrise and sunset

Which type of traveller enjoys it the most

• Active travellers
• Photography lovers
• For those looking for something a little less touristy

🌃 Simatai: The Best Great Wall Section to Visit at Night

Simatai isn't just another section. Here, the experience changes completely. It's the only part of the Great Wall of China where you can see it at night, all lit up.

What makes Simatai unique

• Official night tour (Simatai night tour)
• Sections with elevation changes and a wilder feel
• A much more relaxed atmosphere

What's more, it's right next to Gubei Water Town, a reconstructed village with canals and lights that gives it a truly special touch.

When to choose Simatai

• If you're looking for something a little different
• If you're travelling as a couple
• If you're looking for a more scenic experience

🌊 Huanghuacheng: The Great Wall Section by the Lake

Here, the landscape changes completely. Huanghuacheng is the famous Great Wall by the lake. And, of course, that makes it unique from the very first moment.

What makes it special

• A section that partially submerges in the water
• A truly striking natural setting
• Fewer visitors than other areas

🚕 Huanghuacheng is about 1.5–2 hours from Beijing, making it quite easy to reach.

What you can find here

• Leisurely strolls
• Picnic areas
• Views where the Great Wall and the lake merge

🧗 Jiankou: The Wildest and Most Challenging Great Wall Section

If you're looking for adventure, Jiankou is on another level. We're talking about the wild Great Wall of China here, with no restorations or tourist-friendly adaptations. This section remains in its purest state, featuring ruined towers, loose stones, and steep slopes that demand careful footing with every step.

What level is required?

• Good physical fitness
• Hiking experience
• A little caution

Who this isn't for

• Family trips
• Beginners
• Spontaneous visits

🌅 Laolongtou: Where the Great Wall Meets the Sea

And then there's Laolongtou, where everything changes. Literally. This is where the Great Wall meets the sea, in the Shanhaiguan area, just a few hours from Beijing.

What makes it unique

• The Great Wall's easternmost point
• A stretch of land reaching out into the sea
• A key historical site for coastal defence

What to see

• Original fortress
• Military architecture
• An unusual coastal landscape

🎯 Which Great Wall Section Should You Choose Based on Your Travel Style?

At this point, the question is pretty clear: which section of the Great Wall should you choose without getting too tangled up? And, of course, here is the key: there isn't just one "best" section, but rather the one that fits you perfectly.

Let's be clear: choosing the right section is what turns a visit into something comfortable, special, or truly unforgettable. So, let's break it down by profile.

🧳 First time in China

If this is your first time visiting the Great Wall, the truth is you don't need to overcomplicate things. Here's the key: get to know the place properly without any unnecessary hassle. Mutianyu or Badaling are usually the most logical choices, offering easy access from Beijing and a straightforward experience from the very first minute.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family getaway

Let's be practical here, plain and simple. Avoid the uncomfortable or overly demanding sections. Mutianyu works particularly well because it has a cable car, safe paths, and a structure that's well-designed for taking it easy. The thing is, when you travel to China with children, every little bit helps: less effort, less stress, and more time to enjoy yourself.

💑 Romantic Getaways

If you're looking for something a bit more special, why not change your approach entirely? Simatai is a perfect fit, offering a truly unique experience, especially with its illuminated night tour. This is where the Great Wall stops being just a historical site and transforms into something more visual, tranquil, and even intimate. It's less about clocking up the miles and more about savouring the moment.

📸 Photography and landscapes

If you're all about the views, it's a no-brainer. Jinshanling is one of the best choices because it combines restored sections with more original areas, and it's also far less crowded than other parts of the wall. Honestly, the panoramic views are wide, sweeping, and visually stunning. To put it simply, it's the kind of place where every tower looks like it's straight out of a postcard.

🧗 Hiking and adventure

Now we're talking about a whole different league. Jiankou isn't a comfortable visit, nor does it pretend to be. It's a wild stretch, with demanding slopes and unrestored areas that require constant attention. And, of course, that's precisely what makes it so special. The Great Wall of China for serious hiking starts here, but be warned: it's not for everyone.

🚗 How to Get to the Main Great Wall Sections from Beijing

Most travellers set off from Beijing. And, of course, understanding exactly how to get to the Great Wall from Beijing is what makes the difference between an easy day out and a bit of a logistical nightmare. Because yes, there are several ways to do it… but not all of them work equally well depending on which section you choose.

🚐 Private transport

If you're looking for comfort, a private car is usually the most direct option. You set off from your hotel and arrive without any detours, free from the constraints of timetables or connections. To be honest, this works especially well for sections like Mutianyu or Jinshanling, as they don't always have straightforward public transport links. Plus, it allows you to adjust your timings – something you'll really appreciate when you want to head out early or return without rushing.

🧭 Guided tour

Everything here is pretty much taken care of. Transport, tickets and, in many cases, a guide. In other words, you don't have to think too much about it. It's a very practical option for a trip to the Great Wall from Beijing, especially if it's your first time or you're short on time.

🚄 Train

The train is one of the fastest and cheapest ways to reach Badaling… though it's really only a practical option for this specific section. From Beijing, you can hop on a high-speed train from stations like Qinghe or Beijing North. The journey takes between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on the service, making it the most efficient choice if you want to avoid wasting time on the road.

When it comes to pricing, a second-class ticket typically costs between ¥16 and ¥31 (approx. £2 to £4), while more basic or older options, such as the S2 train, can cost as little as around ¥7 (less than £1).

🚌 Bus

The most budget-friendly option, but also the slowest. There are routes from Beijing to Badaling and Mutianyu, though they usually require more time and a bit more patience. To put it simply, it works if you're looking to save money, but it's not the most comfortable way to travel. The cheapest public transport option usually costs between ¥12 and ¥16 (approx. £1.30 to £1.75) each way.

From Beijing, you can easily reach several sections of the Great Wall by bus: Mutianyu (line 867 from Dongzhimen), Badaling (877 from Deshengmen), or Simatai via direct tourist buses. For Jinshanling, there are special services available from Wangjing West, while reaching Gubeikou and Huanghuacheng requires a combination of metro and local buses.

The first services depart early, around 6:30–7:00, and the return journey is usually between 16:00 and 17:30, depending on the area and the season. For payments, the most convenient method is Alipay, so it's a good idea to have it set up in advance.

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