What Section of the Great Wall of China Should You Visit? (Ultimate Guide)

So, you want to visit The Great Wall of China but aren’t sure what section is for you? Trust me, you aren’t alone!

When we decided to visit this iconic landmark, I knew that choosing the right section could make or break our experience. I spent hours (and hours..) researching the options. Did we want to hike? Stay overnight? Go the DIY route? Or would a group tour be the best choice?

In this blog post, I’ll break down all of your options – covering the pros and cons of each section, the best tours, how to get there, and of course, some fascinating historical facts along the way!

Whether you’re a thrill-seeking hiker, a history buff eager for ancient tales, or a family looking for the easiest (and most fun!) way to visit with kids, there’s a perfect section of the Great Wall for you!

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which part of the Great Wall is perfect for your adventure!

Alright, are you ready to explore one of the world’s most iconic symbols? Let’s dive in!

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A woman wearing a pink knit beanie and black puffer jacket gazes thoughtfully at the mountain range from a stone lookout point along the Great Wall of China. The early morning light casts long shadows across the wall, with rugged, forested peaks stretching into the distance. Location: The Great Wall of China, Beijing, China

Historical Significance of the Great Wall

Before we dive into the different sections, let’s take a moment to appreciate the mind-blowing history of the Great Wall of China!

We listened to a couple of podcasts on our drive out to the wall and trust me, understanding (just a sliver) of its past will make your visit even more special.

Did you know the Great Wall isn’t just one continuous structure? It’s actually a series of walls and fortifications built, rebuilt, and expanded over centuries. The earliest known walls date all the way back to the 7th century BC, meaning some parts of the Wall are nearly 2,700 years old! 🤯

We can thank the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC) for being the first to connect these separate sections, aiming to create a unified defense system against northern invaders. But the Wall we recognize today (the one with watchtowers, brick fortifications, and incredible mountain views) was largely built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) by the same people who built the Forbidden city! They took the Wall to the next level, transforming it into the iconic structure we see today.

A smiling couple takes a selfie on the Great Wall of China under a bright blue sky, with scenic mountain views and the winding wall in the background. The woman, wearing a pink beanie and puffer jacket, holds one arm out in excitement while the man stands beside her in a navy sweater and backpack.

Location: Great Wall of China Beijing

A woman in a pink beanie and dark jacket is seen out of focus in the foreground, gazing up at a winding stretch of the Great Wall of China that climbs a sunlit, tree-dotted hillside. The path leads past stone watchtowers and a cable car station, with a mountain peak rising in the distance. Location: Great Wall of China

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Fun Facts About the Great Wall of China

🍝 It’s not just one wall – The Great Wall is actually made up of many walls built at different times! Think of it like a bowl of spaghetti!
💦 It’s not all wall – some sections of The Great Wall are natural barriers like mountains or rivers!
📏 It’s longer than you think – At its peak, the Wall stretched over 21,000 km (13,000 miles) – that’s about half the circumference of Earth! 🌍
🌝 Can you see it from space? – No, you can’t see it from space with the naked eye. 🚀 (Even astronauts have confirmed this!)
🤝 It wasn’t just for defense – The Wall also helped control trade and immigration along the Silk Road.
🔨 Thousands of workers built it – Historians estimate that over 1 million laborers construct the Wall, including soldiers, prisoners, and peasants.

Alright, now that we’ve got the history covered, let’s find out which section is best for your adventure!

A winding section of the Great Wall of China snakes across rugged, sunlit mountain ridges, with stone watchtowers dotting the peaks. The scene is framed by two blurred portions of the wall in the foreground, adding depth to the sweeping view of the dry, rocky terrain. Location: The Great Wall of China, Beijing, China

Overview of the Different Sections of the Great Wall

So, as you now know, The Great Wall is not a continuous, uninterrupted wall but rather a series of walls and barriers spanning Northern China. Therefore, it will come as no surprise that each section boasts its own unique characteristics and charm.

Some sections, like Badaling, are accessible via public transport (or tours), being around an hour away from Beijing this section of The Wall is known for its well-preserved fortifications and stunning views.

In contrast, sections like Jinshanling and Simatai offer a more authentic and less crowded experience. With breathtaking scenery, intricate brickwork and steep descents, these sections are popular with hikers in search of an adventurous trek!

Best Great Wall Sections at a Glance 🏯

Section	Best For	Crowds	Terrain	Cable Car	Night Visit
Badaling	Families, first-timers	High	Easy	✅	❌
Mutianyu	My Favourite!!	Medium	Moderate	✅	❌
Jinshanling	Hikers, photographers	Low	Challenging	❌	❌
Simatai	Night tours, couples	Low	Steep	✅	✅
Jiankou	Adventurers, photographers	Very Low	Extreme	❌	❌

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Top Sections to Visit: Pros and Cons

Badaling – Most Famous & Crowded Section

So, Badaling is easily the most popular section of the Great Wall, and for good reason. Its accessibility from Beijing makes it the most convenient option for tourists.

The wall here is extensively restored and features wide, paved pathways and gentle slopes, making it suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.

If you’re looking for a classic, postcard-perfect Great Wall experience with historical significance and easy transport options, Badaling is for you – just be prepared for crowds!

Badaling Section Details

It’s perfect for first-time visitors looking for an easy and classic Great Wall experience, families with kids or older travellers who need gentler terrain, and those with limited time!

✅ Pros:

Most accessible section from Beijing (about 1-hour travel time) 🚆
Extensively restored, making it easy to walk 🛤️
Cable car available for an easier ascent and descent! 🚠

❌ Cons:

Extremely crowded, especially during holidays 👫🚶‍♂️
Very touristy, with souvenir stalls and commercial areas 🛍️
Less adventurous, not a “wild” Great Wall experience

🚗 How to Get There:

Train: Take the Beijing Suburban Railway (S2) from Huangtudian Station (about 1.5 hours)
Bus: Take Bus 877 from Deshengmen Bus Station (about 1 hour)
Private Driver: Fastest & easiest option (Click here to check availability and reserve your tour before it sells out! 🔥)

⏰ Badaling Opening Times:

Season	Hours
Summer (April to October)	6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Winter (November to March)	7:30 AM – 6:00 PM

🎟️ Badaling Entry Price:

Ticket Type	Price
Entry Ticket	40 CNY (~$5.50 USD)
Cable Car (One Way)	100 CNY (~$14 USD)
Cable Car (Round Trip)	140 CNY (~$20 USD)
Pulley (One Way)	100 CNY (~$14 USD)
Pulley (Round Trip)	140 CNY (~$20 USD)

👉 Want the easiest way to see the Great Wall? Skip the stress and book a tour to Badaling now – tickets sell fast, especially in peak season!

🔥 Check real-time availability and reserve your spot here.

A distant stone watchtower along the Great Wall of China is illuminated by soft sunlight, standing alone against a backdrop of vast, shadowy mountains. The muted tones and bare trees give the scene a quiet, almost timeless atmosphere. Location: The Great Wall of China, Beijing, China

A woman bundled in a black puffer jacket and pink knit hat stands on the Great Wall of China, playfully covering her cheeks with gloved hands. Behind her, craggy mountain peaks stretch across the horizon under a clear blue sky. Location: The Great Wall of China, Beijing, China

Mutianyu – THE BEST SECTION (I might be biased..)

Mutianyu is one of the most popular sections of the Great Wall for good reason – it’s got the stunning scenery, well-preserved architecture, and accessibility of Badaling but with fewer crowds!

This is the section we went to on a private tour (check availability here) and had The Great Wall of China to ourselves!! 🤯I mean, I just don’t think it gets better than that!

BUT, as if that wasn’t fun enough, we caught a chair lift up and TOBOGGANED DOWN!! 🎢

A couple smiles for a selfie on the Great Wall of China, with the woman making a wide-eyed, excited expression and the man beaming beside her. Behind them, rugged mountain peaks and ancient stone walls stretch into the distance under a clear blue sky. Location: Great Wall Private Tour Mutianyu China Beijing

🔥 Our Top Pick

The EXACT tour we did to get the Great Wall of China to ourselves! We opted for an early wake-up to arrive at the wall first thing.

Check availability now!

Mutianyu Section Details

Great for families with kids or older members looking for an easy experience, first-time visitors looking for less crowds or travellers who want a relaxed experience with a touch of fun!