If you are visiting Beijing for the first time and eager to soak in the Great Wall’s grandeur, or if you are traveling with elderly family members or young children and prioritizing a comfortable, hassle-free experience, the Mutianyu and Badaling sections, two of the most iconic segments, stand out as your optimal choices.
 

Mutianyu Great Wall: Regarded as one of the best-preserved sections of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall in Beijing, Mutianyu is celebrated for its stunning natural surroundings, ingenious architectural design, and relatively gentle slopes, making it perfect for leisurely walks. Additionally, it is well-equipped with amenities: a cable car whisks visitors directly to the top, alleviating the strain of climbing, while exhilarating slides cater to the diverse needs of travelers. It should be noted that there are no direct city buses to Mutianyu; only tourist buses and taxis are available.
 

Mutianyu Great Wall

Badaling Great Wall: Dubbed the “Calling Card of the Great Wall,” Badaling is its most renowned segment, defined by its imposing and majestic presence. It is the closest and most accessible part of the Great Wall to downtown Beijing, making it ideal for tourists seeking a quick, intuitive immersion into Great Wall culture and those with high expectations for convenient transportation. However, it is important to note that Badaling draws massive crowds during peak tourist seasons; traveling during off-peak hours is strongly recommended.
 

Badaling Great Wall

If you are a passionate hiker craving an immersive connection with nature, and hoping to avoid crowds while exploring more unspoiled sections of the Great Wall, the Jinshanling, Gubeikou, and Jiankou segments will undoubtedly exceed your expectations.
 

Jinshanling Great Wall: Renowned for its seamless blend of grandeur and beauty, Jinshanling is known as a hiking paradise. Its hiking trails offer a moderate level of challenge, featuring both gentle stretches for relaxed walks and steeper segments that demand a bit of climbing. In addition, the sunrise and sunset vistas here are particularly awe-inspiring.
 

Jinshanling Great Wall

Gubeikou Great Wall: What sets Gubeikou apart is its exceptional preservation of the Great Wall’s original state. Many parts of the wall still bear visible traces of history and have not undergone excessive artificial restoration. The hiking routes at Gubeikou present a slightly higher challenge, with some sections being quite steep, even requiring visitors to climb using both hands and feet. It is best suited for hikers with some prior hiking experience. Here, you can not only marvel at the Great Wall’s dramatic, rugged beauty but also witness the harmonious coexistence of the ancient structure and the surrounding villages.
 

Jiankou Great Wall: Known as “one of the ultimate challenges for Great Wall hikers,” Jiankou is celebrated for its treacherous, steep, and wild terrain. It has retained the Great Wall’s original form in its entirety, catering to thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts with ample outdoor experience. It is crucial to note that Jiankou poses safety risks; visiting with a professional guide is highly advised, and venturing there alone is strongly discouraged.
 

Simatai Great Wall: Simatai itself is famous for its steepness and uniqueness. Perched on a rugged ridge, it features watchtowers of varied and distinctive designs. Its night tour integration with Gubei Water Town elevates the visitor experience: climb Simatai first to immerse yourself in its grandeur, then return to the water town to wander its waterside ancient lanes, savor local delicacies, and enjoy the captivating light show. The combination of the Great Wall and ancient town is especially well-suited for travelers who appreciate slow travel and aim to experience both natural landscapes and cultural heritage.
 

Simatai Great Wall

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