Stretching like a serpentine dragon across 15 provinces in northern China, the Great Wall winds through Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Shandong, Henan, Qinghai, Ningxia, and Xinjiang.While its total span is vast, the sections near Beijing remain the most visited by travelers today.
Where Is the Great Wall in Beijing?
Beijing’s Great Wall segments are primarily located in the mountainous northern and western regions, crossing six districts: Yanqing, Changping, Huairou, Miyun, Pinggu, and Mentougou. Over 75% of visitors flock to three key sections: Badaling, Mutianyu, and Juyongguan.
| Section | Location | Distance from Downtown | Highlights | Transportation |
| Badaling | Yanqing District | 70 km | “Hero’s Slope” landmark, direct HSR, night light show | HSR 30 mins (Beijing North/Qinghe Station → Badaling Station) |
| Mutianyu | Huairou District | 73 km | 90% vegetation cover, toboggan descent, less crowded | Shuttle bus from Dengshikou Station (Line 5, 1.5 hrs) |
| Juyong Pass | Changping District | 60 km | “First Great Pass under Heaven” plaque, Yuan-era reliefs | Suburban Railway S2 (Huangtudian Station → Juyongguan Station) |
| Simatai | Miyun District | 150 km | Only night-open section, rugged original structure | Tourist bus from Dongzhimen or self-drive (Jingcheng Expressway) |
| Jiankou | Huairou District (Xizhazi Village) | 80 km | Unrestored wild wall, photography hotspot (guide required) | Self-drive only (Navigate to “Xizhazi Village”) |
Top Great Wall Attractions in Beijing
As the heart of the Great Wall experience, Beijing offers the most well-preserved and historically significant sections, perfect for first-time explorers.
Badaling Great Wall
The most famous section, hailed as the “First Fortress of the Great Wall.”
Highlights: The northern watchtowers (especially Tower No. 8) offer panoramic views of rugged landscapes; don’t miss the mesmerizing night-lit wall display.
Tickets: ¥40 (peak season), student discounts available.
How to Get There: Take the S2 “Great Wall” train or drive; book tickets in advance.
Mutianyu Great Wall
Known for its dense watchtowers and seasonal beauty, earning the title “Mutianyu: Jewel of the Great Wall.”
Highlights: Lush greenery in summer, fiery autumn foliage, and seasonal night tours (June–August).
Tickets: ¥35 (off-season), ¥50 (peak season).
How to Get There: Bus 936 from downtown Beijing or drive to Mutianyu Station.
Simatai Great Wall
Renowned for its steep, unspoiled Ming Dynasty architecture—a paradise for photographers.
Highlights: Dramatic structures like the Sky Corridor, Fairy Tower, and the iconic Wangjinglou (“Looking Toward Beijing Tower”). Some unrestored sections add an adventurous edge.
Tickets: ¥65 (cable car included).
How to Get There: Drive from Miyun or take a tour bus.
Juyongguan Great Wall
One of the “Three Great Passes,” blending military history with cultural heritage.
Highlights: Well-preserved fortifications and ancient defensive systems.
Tickets: ¥30.
How to Get There: Transfer from Badaling Station via bus or taxi.
Planning Your Great Wall Adventure
Exploring Beijing’s surrounding regions reveals multiple Great Wall ruins, each requiring approximately a full day to visit. For most travelers, a Great Wall trip is an essential highlight of any Beijing itinerary.
Choosing the Right Section
- First-Timers & Families: Mutianyu Great Wall is ideal for its scenic beauty, manageable crowds, and efficient cable car access.
- Photographers & Adventurers: Simatai and Jinshangling offer raw, rugged experiences. Simatai’s restored and unrestored sections create a thrilling blend of history and exploration, while Jinshangling’s sweeping vistas and intact military structures make it a UNESCO-listed gem.
- Nature Lovers: Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall (Yellow Flowers City) combines lakeside serenity with dramatic ruins, especially vibrant in spring and autumn.
- Iconic Bucket-List Experience: Badaling remains the ultimate symbol of the Great Wall’s grandeur, despite larger crowds.
While the Great Wall spans 15 northern provinces, Beijing and Hebei Province house its most breathtaking sections. Whether you’re chasing historical immersion, hiking thrills, or Instagram-worthy vistas, the Great Wall delivers an unforgettable journey through China’s past and natural beauty.
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