9 Sections of the Great Wall in Beijing: How to Choose Between Badaling and Mutianyu? (2026 Guide)

“He who has not been to the Great Wall is not a true hero.”— —This line from Mao Zedong’s poem has almost become the inner monologue of every traveler to China. My foreign friends often tell me excitedly that climbing the Great Wall is the number one item on their bucket list.

However, when I ask them, “Which section of the Great Wall do you plan to visit?” everyone mentions only one name: Badaling. This makes me feel a bit disappointed.

Because the Great Wall of Beijing is much more than just Badaling, it is a colossal dragon stretching 520.77 kilometers across six administrative districts, winding along the ridges of the Yanshan and Taihang Mountains. Forming a perfect semicircle from east to west, it silently guards the capital.

In this guide, I’ll help you understand this backbone of the Yanshan Mountains from three perspectives: geographical distribution, military function, and visitor experience.

By the end, you’ll understand why Juyongguan serves as the “command center,” Badaling as the “outpost,” and Mutianyu as the “flank.” You’ll also discover which section of the Great Wall is best suited for you—whether you’re a parent traveling with children, a solo backpacker, or a photography enthusiast chasing the perfect shot.

The Great Wall of Beijing by the Numbers: 520 Kilometers of Vigilance

Before we begin, let’s take a look at some hard data. According to the National Cultural Heritage Administration:

• Total length of the Great Wall in Beijing: 520.77 kilometers
• Of which, the Ming Dynasty wall sections: 474.06 kilometers (447 sections in total)
• Remains of the Northern Qi Great Wall: 24 sites

From a tourism perspective, there are 9 officially designated core Great Wall scenic areas (such as Badaling, Mutianyu, Juyongguan, and Simatai), while the broader range of accessible sites totals approximately 17.

In other words, you can choose a completely different section of the Great Wall based entirely on your interests, physical fitness, and available time.

So, please set aside the stereotype that “the Great Wall equals Badaling.” Let’s start with military logic to understand the deeper connections between these sections.

Military Logic: The “Iron Triangle” of Juyongguan, Badaling, and Mutianyu

During the Ming Dynasty, the northern defense line of Beijing was not a disorganized collection of outposts, but rather a sophisticated defensive system. Within this system, Juyongguan, Badaling, and Mutianyu formed the most crucial “Iron Triangle.”

Command Headquarters: Juyongguan

Known as “the most magnificent pass under heaven,” it was listed among the “Eight Scenic Views of Yanjing” 800 years ago. It was not only a massive fortress on the Great Wall but also the command center for the capital’s entire northwestern defense line.

Upon entering Juyongguan, you can see the intact barbican, watchtowers, and barracks ruins, as well as the national treasure-level Yuan Dynasty Yuntai Stone Carvings—a testament to the fusion of Buddhist and nomadic cultures.

The role of Juyongguan was to “choke off” the passage; by holding this gorge, enemy forces were prevented from advancing directly on Beijing.

Fitness Alert: Although Juyongguan is “the closest to the city center” (about a 50-minute drive), its steps are extremely steep, with some sections nearly vertical. If you’re not keen on climbing intense staircases, the cable car at Mutianyu is a more manageable option.

The Outpost: Badaling

An ancient saying goes: “The true peril of Juyong Pass lies not in the pass itself, but in Badaling.” This means that the real natural barrier of Juyong Pass is actually the Badaling section. Located about 10 kilometers north of Juyong Pass, Badaling served as the first line of defense against enemy forces.

It sits at a higher elevation, features thicker walls, and has denser watchtowers. The reason Badaling is so famous today is precisely that it served as the frontline for early warning and defense in ancient times.

Guarding the Flank: Mutianyu

Mutianyu is located in Huairou, bordering Juyong Pass to the west and Gubeikou to the east, responsible for protecting the northeast flank of the capital. It is the longest single section of the Great Wall in Beijing, with 96% vegetation coverage, densely packed watchtowers, and rare double-sided crenellations (capable of repelling enemies from the outside and guarding against internal sneak attacks).

Compared to the grandeur of Badaling, Mutianyu possesses a more “delicate” beauty—hence its reputation as “the most exquisite section of the Great Wall.”

Once you understand this “iron triangle,” you’ll realize that the Great Wall is not a single point, but a chain. Next, we’ll explore the Great Wall sections across Beijing’s six districts one by one, following their spatial layout.

Spatial Layout: Six Major Sections of the Great Wall

Yanqing District—The Peak of Fame

Representative Sections: Badaling, Badaling Ruins (Shuiguan), Jiuyanlou  

Badaling may be the “face” of the Great Wall, but Yanqing offers much more. Jiuyanlou is the section with the most watchtowers along the Great Wall (nine observation holes), located at the starting point of the “Beijing Knot,” offering an exceptionally sweeping view.

Standing atop Jiuyanlou, you can see where the Inner and Outer Great Walls converge—a sense of vastness that Badaling simply cannot replicate.

Changping District—The Culture of Majestic Passes

 Representative Sections: Juyongguan Pass, Changyu City  

In addition to Juyongguan Pass, Changyu City is a well-preserved Ming Dynasty military fortress. If you’re interested in ancient military strongholds, this area is virtually free of commercialization, featuring only crumbling walls, ancient trees, and quiet villages.

Huairou District—The Finest Scenery 

Representative Sections: Mutianyu, Jiankou, Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall, Xiangshui Lake, Beijing Knot  Huairou is the essence of the Great Wall in Beijing.

• Mutianyu: Scenic, comfortable, and equipped with a slide.  
• Jiankou: Beijing’s most perilous section of the Great Wall (“Heavenly Ladder,” “Eagles Flying Upside Down”), recommended only for experienced outdoor enthusiasts with a guide.  
• Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall: The only spectacle where the Great Wall meets water—Haoming Lake submerges part of the low wall, allowing you to view the Great Wall by boat.  
• Beijing Knot: The “crossroads” where the Inner and Outer Great Walls meet; three Great Wall routes converge here, making it a hiker’s holy grail.

Miyun District—Authentic Charm and Photography

Notable Sections: Simatai, Gubeikou, Panlong Mountain

• Simatai: The only section that retains its original Ming Dynasty appearance; Mr. Luo Zhewen called it “the finest section of the Great Wall of China.” It offers a “lantern-lit night tour” after dark, which is incredibly romantic.  
• Gubeikou: A small town with four sections of the Great Wall (Wohu Mountain, Panlong Mountain, Jinshanling, and Simatai), it is often called a “miniature museum of the Great Wall.”  
• Jinshanling (administratively part of Hebei, but typically accessed from Beijing): A photographer’s ultimate destination—featuring the “Three Wonders” of parapet walls, inscribed bricks, and horse-stopping stones—the sunrise here is truly sacred.

Pinggu District—The First Stop Upon Entering Beijing

Representative Sections: Jiangjun Pass, Hongshimen  

The Great Wall at Hongshimen features an interesting photo spot: “One Foot in Three Provinces” (Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei). This is where the Great Wall enters Beijing’s territory; with very few visitors, it’s ideal for travelers who appreciate tranquility and geographical curiosities.

Mentougou District—The Gateway to Western Beijing

Notable Sections: Huangcaoliang, Yanhecheng  

The “Yan-series watchtowers” at Huangcaoliang represent the most exquisite section at the western edge of Beijing. The hiking trails are well-established, and in autumn, the mountains are blanketed in gold. Yanhecheng, meanwhile, is a fully intact Ming Dynasty military fortress with almost no visitors—time seems to stand still here.

Comprehensive Quick Comparison Chart of the Great Wall of Beijing

The table below is the tool I most want you to save. Just take 30 seconds to scan it, and you’ll be able to pinpoint the Great Wall section that’s right for you.

Section Name	Restoration Level	Ideal For	Key Highlights / Blogger’s Insider Tips
Badaling	Fully Restored	First-time visitors, seniors, and children, stroller users	Highlights: The most historically significant and famous section. Tip: Avoid crowds by using the accessible facilities and arriving before 7 a.m.
Mutianyu	Fully Restored	Families, photographers, and those who want to avoid crowds and excessive exertion	Highlights: High forest coverage and rare double-sided crenellations. Bonus Tip: Be sure to take the toboggan slide down —currently the most popular choice among international visitors.
Juyongguan	Fully Restored	History buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and half-day trips	Highlights: The Yuan Dynasty stone carvings at Yuntai are national treasures. Tip: Pay attention to the fortress structure and appreciate the layout of the ancient command center.
Simatai	Preserved in Original Condition	History Buffs, Night Tour Enthusiasts	Highlights: The only section retaining its original Ming Dynasty appearance; night tours are available. Tip: A lantern-lit night tour offers a uniquely romantic experience.
Jinshanling	Well-Restored	Experienced Photographers, Hikers	Highlights: The “Three Wonders ”—the parapet wall, inscribed bricks, and horse-stopping stones. Recommendation: A photographer’s paradise—be sure to catch a sunrise here.
Shui Great Wall	Well-restored	Team-building, family trips, and those seeking unique sights	Highlights: The only section where the Great Wall meets the water. Recommendation: Visit in summer—paddling a boat to view the Great Wall is a wonderfully relaxing experience.
Jiankou	Rugged and weathered	Hardcore outdoor climbers (guide required)	Highlights: The extreme danger of the “Heavenly Ladder” and “Eagle Flying Upside Down ”sections. Recommendation: For experienced outdoor enthusiasts only; the best view is from a distance—do not risk climbing the closed sections.
Jiuyanlou	Well-restored	History buffs and those interested in the “Beijing Knot.”	Highlights: The site with the most watchtowers (nine observation holes), located at the starting point of the “Beijing Knot. Recommendation: This is the junction of the Inner and Outer Great Walls, offering excellent views.

Practical Travel Tips

Recommended Destinations (Pick the One That Fits You Best)

Best for Families: Badaling, Mutianyu  

These sites offer comprehensive amenities, including cable cars, chairlifts, and toboggan runs, as well as restrooms and dining options. Payment methods (WeChat Pay, Alipay, Visa) are also the most convenient.

Photography Enthusiasts: Jinshanling (sunrise), Simatai (night views), Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall (summer reflections)

History/Outdoor Enthusiasts: Huangcaoliang, Gubeikou, Panlongshan  

Note: For Jiankou, be sure to hire a local guide, and avoid visiting during the fire prevention period (November–May).

If you only have half a day and want a quick visit: Juyongguan (closest to the city center, about a 50-minute drive)

Pre-trip Tips

1. Reservations: Be sure to book tickets in advance

All sections of the Great Wall now require real-name reservations. Please purchase tickets in advance via the “Changyou Great Wall” WeChat mini-program or platforms like Ctrip/Trip.com. Foreign visitors can use their passport numbers to make reservations.

For popular sections like Badaling, we recommend booking at least 7 days in advance, especially during China’s national holidays (such as the National Day Golden Week from October 1–7), when tickets are in very short supply.

2. Payment: Can I use international credit cards at the scenic areas?

Most restaurants, souvenir shops, and ticket offices at Mutianyu and Badaling accept international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard).

Small shops or farmstay restaurants in more remote sections (such as Jinshanling, Huangcaoliang, and Gubeikou) primarily accept cash or WeChat Pay/Alipay. We recommend that you:

✅ Link your international credit card to WeChat Pay or Alipay in advance (See related tutorials:[The Ultimate Guide to Payments for Foreign Visitors in Beijing in 2026: How to Set Up Alipay and WeChat Pay—Step-by-Step Instructions])

✅ Carry 200–300 RMB in cash for emergencies

3. Transportation: Beware of “unlicensed taxis” on the roadside

Near the Dongzhimen or Deshengmen bus stops, you may encounter people telling you“ The Great Wall is closed today,” or“ I’ll take you via a shortcut for a lower price.”

Please stay vigilant and use only official transportation:

• Badaling: Suburban Railway Line S2 (“Great Wall Express”) or Bus Route 877
• Mutianyu: Take the 916 Express from the Dongzhimenwai bus stop to Huairou, then transfer to the H24 or take a taxi
• Official Day Tours: Choose products with plenty of authentic reviews on platforms like Ctrip or Meituan; do not trust street touts.

4. Gear and Stamina

The steps along the Great Wall vary in height, so a pair of non-slip hiking boots is more important than any fashionable shoes.

In winter (December–February), winds on the mountain are extremely strong, and the wind chill can make it feel 8–10°C colder than in the city. Be sure to bring a windproof jacket, a hat, and gloves.

Most sections have simple kiosks, but it is recommended that you bring 1–2 bottles of water and some snacks (chocolate, energy bars).

Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

These are pitfalls my friends or I have fallen into; I hope they help you steer clear of them.

❌ “Day Tour” Trap: Don’t randomly buy extremely cheap day tours on the street or at hotel front desks (such as “30 yuan to visit the Great Wall”). They often take you to free attractions or shopping stores.

✅ The Smart Way: Book through platforms like Trip.com, Ctrip, or Meituan, and check reviews for complaints about “forced shopping.” Or go it alone—Beijing’s public transit system is very tourist-friendly.

❌ Underestimating the Difficulty of “Wild Sections”: Some people have attempted the Jiankou section without a guide, only to get stranded on the “Eagle Flying Upside Down” cliff and require a fire department rescue.

✅ Best Practice: If you want to hike the wild Great Wall, Jinshanling, Gubeikou, and Huangcaoliang are relatively safe and well-managed options. Bring trekking poles, wear long pants, and avoid climbing watchtowers that are visibly collapsed.

❌ Relying solely on mobile payments: The farmstay restaurants at the foot of Huangcaoliang only accept cash.

✅ Best practice: No matter which section you visit, keep 200 yuan in cash on hand (broken down into smaller denominations, such as four 50-yuan notes).

The Great Wall Is Not Just a Scenic View, but the Very Breath of History

When I first stood on the Hongshimen section of the Great Wall—with my left foot in Beijing, my right foot straddling the border into Hebei, and the ridges of Tianjin still visible behind me—I suddenly grasped the true weight of the words “Great Wall.”

It is not merely bricks and stones, but a lifeline for countless soldiers, artisans, and common people over the centuries. Behind every brick lies a pair of hands that once touched it; atop every watchtower, a pair of eyes once gazed out toward the northern grasslands.

Today, the Great Wall is no longer a defensive line in the midst of war, yet it still stands there, waiting for you to come and hear its stories.