How to Travel From Shanghai to Great Wall of China

To travel from Shanghai to the Great Wall of China, you should take a flight or train to Beijing first. A flight typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, while the high-speed train journey lasts 4.5 to 6 hours. Usually, a trip from Shanghai to the Great Wall in Beijing takes 2 days. However, with an early flight and an overnight sleeper train, it's possible to complete the round-trip in a single day. 

For first-time visitors, the Mutianyu Great Wall comes highly recommended. It boasts excellent preservation and tends to be less crowded compared to other sections, offering a more serene and immersive experience.

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 By Flight: You can fly from Shanghai Pudong Airport or Hongqiao Airport to either Beijing Capital Airport or Beijing Daxing Airport. There are around 60 flights per day, with departures approximately every 30 minutes. The flight duration hovers around 2 to 2.5 hours, providing a swift way to reach Beijing.

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Beijing Daxing International Airport

By High-Speed Train: Board a bullet train at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station bound for Beijing South Railway Station. With about 40 departures daily, the journey lasts 4.5 to 6 hours. Second-class seats are priced around CNY 600, while first-class seats cost approximately CNY 1,000. This option is a favorite among travelers, thanks to its comfortable environment, high-speed travel, and relatively affordable cost.

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

Shanghai-Beijing Bullet Train

By Overnight Sleeper Train: There are 4 overnight trains per day departing from either Shanghai Railway Station or Shanghai South Railway Station, arriving at Beijing South Railway Station or Beijing Railway Station. The journey takes about 12 hours. The price for a second-class sleeper is around CNY 500, and a first-class sleeper costs approximately CNY 600.
 There is no direct subway or public bus connecting Beijing airports or train stations to the Mutianyu Great Wall.‌ You'll first need to take the subway to downtown Beijing, followed by at least two bus transfers. ‌This route is complex, very time-consuming, and takes a minimum of 3 to 4 hours.‌ Therefore, ‌using public transport is only recommended for visitors with ample time who are planning an overnight stay in Beijing.
 Opting for a taxi, hiring a private car with a driver, or joining a guided tour presents a far more convenient and comfortable alternative. From Beijing Capital Airport, it takes approximately one hour to reach the Mutianyu Great Wall. From Beijing Daxing Airport, Beijing South Railway Station, and Beijing Railway Station, the journey extends to around 2 hours. 

More to read: 
How to Get to the Great Wall of China from Beijing
How to Get to the Great Wall of China from Beijing Airport
How to Travel From Beijing to the Mutianyu Great Wall
 Depart Shanghai on an overnight train and arrive in Beijing in the early morning. This allows you a full day to explore the Great Wall and other attractions in the city. Then, board another overnight train in the evening to return to Shanghai, maximizing your time.

Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing

 Catch an early morning flight from Shanghai and touch down in Beijing before noon. Spend the afternoon exploring the Great Wall, and then head back to the airport in time for an evening flight home. 
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