The Great Wall of China isn’t just one continuous line of bricks winding across mountains — it’s made up of many different sections, each with its own story, scenery, and level of adventure.
If you’re visiting Beijing, you’re in the perfect place to explore some of the most famous and best-preserved parts of this world wonder.
Here’s a guide to the different types of Great Wall near Beijing, from restored and easy-to-walk walls to wild and rugged stretches for real explorers.
🧱 1. Badaling Great Wall — The Most Famous and Easiest to Visit
Type: Fully restored, most developed
Distance from Beijing city: ~70 km (1.5 hours)
Badaling is the most popular and best-preserved section of the Great Wall. It’s the one most Chinese leaders and foreign dignitaries (like presidents) visit. The wall here has wide steps, handrails, and cable cars, making it very accessible for families and seniors.
Why visit:
- Easy access from central Beijing
- Great facilities (restaurants, cable car, toilets)
- Ideal for first-time visitors
Tip: Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid large tour crowds.
🏞️ 2. Mutianyu Great Wall — Beautiful and Family-Friendly
Type: Restored but less crowded
Distance from Beijing: ~73 km (1.5 hours)
Mutianyu offers a perfect balance between comfort and natural beauty. The wall is beautifully restored but not as packed as Badaling. You can take a cable car up and even toboggan down, which makes it popular with families and photographers.
Why visit:
- Gorgeous scenery with rolling green mountains
- Clean and well-maintained facilities
- Toboggan slide = fun descent!
Best time to visit: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) when the colors are vivid.
🌄 3. Jinshanling Great Wall — Best for Hiking and Photography
Type: Partly restored, partly wild
Distance from Beijing: ~140 km (2.5 hours)
Jinshanling is known for its dramatic views and original Ming-era bricks. It’s perfect for travelers who love photography or hiking — you’ll see watchtowers, steep climbs, and breathtaking sunrise or sunset views.
Why visit:
- Mix of restored and untouched wall
- Excellent for long hikes (e.g. Jinshanling to Simatai trail)
- Great sunrise/sunset photography spots
Tip: Bring good walking shoes and plenty of water.
⛰️ 4. Simatai Great Wall — The Only Section Open for Night Tours
Type: Partly restored, adventurous
Distance from Beijing: ~120 km (2–2.5 hours)
Simatai is one of the few Great Wall sections you can visit at night — the wall is lit up after sunset, giving a magical view of the mountains and the nearby Gubei Water Town. It’s steep and dramatic, offering a real sense of adventure.
Why visit:
- Night lighting experience
- Beautiful combination with Gubei Water Town stay
- Authentic architecture
Best for: Couples or photographers looking for something unique.
🏕️ 5. Jiankou Great Wall — Wild, Untouched, and Challenging
Type: Unrestored, natural and rugged
Distance from Beijing: ~100 km (2 hours)
Jiankou is for experienced hikers and adventure seekers. This section is steep, overgrown, and in some places partially collapsed. It’s famous for its raw beauty and photo spots like the “Eagle Flies Facing Upward” and “Sky Ladder.”
Why visit:
- Wild, untouched section of the Wall
- Stunning views and thrilling hikes
- Perfect for adventure photography
⚠️ Note: Not officially open to tourists in some areas — always go with a local guide for safety.
🌳 6. Huanghuacheng Great Wall — The “Water Great Wall”
Type: Partly restored, scenic, and peaceful
Distance from Beijing: ~75 km (1.5 hours)
Huanghuacheng is known as the “Water Great Wall” because parts of the wall are submerged in a beautiful lake. It’s less crowded, offering a calm, scenic experience. In summer, you’ll see yellow wildflowers (“huanghua”) blooming around the lake.
Why visit:
- Beautiful water and mountain scenery
- Great picnic or picnic-and-hike spot
- Quieter alternative to Mutianyu
🧭 Which Great Wall Section Is Right for You?
| Traveler Type | Best Section |
|---|---|
| First-time visitors / families | Mutianyu or Badaling |
| Photographers / hikers | Jinshanling or Jiankou |
| Romantic / unique experience | Simatai (night tour) |
| Peaceful nature lovers | Huanghuacheng |
🚌 Getting There from Beijing
Most Great Wall sections can be reached by private car, tour bus, or public transport.
- Badaling: High-speed train or tour bus.
- Mutianyu: Bus 916 Express + local taxi or private transfer.
- Jinshanling / Simatai: Best reached via private driver or tour.
- Jiankou / Huanghuacheng: Car or local driver recommended.
🕰️ Best Time to Visit the Great Wall
- Spring (April–May): Fresh green hills and clear air
- Autumn (Sept–Oct): Cool weather, golden mountain colors
- Winter: Few tourists but can be icy — great for photographers
- Summer: Lush green views, but can be hot and humid
✨ Final Thoughts
Each section of the Great Wall in Beijing tells a different story — from the polished grandeur of Badaling to the wild mystery of Jiankou. Whether you’re a casual tourist or an adventure traveler, there’s a part of the Wall waiting for you.
If you have time, try visiting two contrasting sections (e.g., Mutianyu + Simatai) — you’ll see both the restored beauty and the ancient spirit that make the Great Wall one of the Seven Wonders of the World.