How to Visit the Great Wall of China (Tips, Photos & Map)

252 thoughts on “How to Visit the Great Wall of China (Tips, Photos & Map)”

1. I want to travel to the great wall in August but I have a 2 years old baby…is too much for her if we walk the great wall? Can we take the pram and how long does it take to walk?

2. Hello Claudia,

   If you hike the wall with your 2-year old baby, we suggest you take a cable car up to the wall instead of walking up to the wall. You may go to the less crowded Mutianyu Great Wall. If you still want to walk up to the wall, the Mutianyu Great Wall takes you about 40 minutes by walking on the stone steps.

3. Hi – we are visiting Beijing 18-22 September 2013 so very limited time. We are staying at the King Parkview Hotel. We want to definitely see the Great Wall and wondered what is the cheapest way to get there – we are a group of 4 (2 adults -+60 yrs old & 2 kids age 24 ) anad which is the best part to see in September? Any other ‘must see’ places as I would like to see the best parts this trip and hopefully come aback again to see some other spots. Busy reading Lonely Planet to get some ideas. thanks

4. Hello Diana,

   1. For family travel with kids, we suggest you go to Mutianyu Great Wall, you may take the public tourist bus from Dongzhimen Bus Terminal to Mutianyu Great Wall:
   Tourist Bus No.867
   Directly running to Mutianyu Great Wall 慕田峪长城
   The Tourist Bus 867 operates two daily departures: Start at 7:00am and 8:30am; return at 2:00pm and 4:00pm
   Valid time: from March 15 – Nov 15 each year.
   Dongzhimen Bus Terminal：www.tour-beijing.com/blog/beijing-travel/dongzhimen-public-transport-hub/

   2. Or you may visit Badaling Great Wall
   Visit Badaling Great Wall by S Train:
   http://www.tour-beijing.com/blog/beijing-travel/how-to-visit-great-wall-by-train-visit-badaling-great-wall-by-train/

   Visit Badaling Great Wall by Public Bus
   http://www.tour-beijing.com/blog/beijing-travel/travel-review/badaling-great-wall-bus/

   3. Join the local English speaking group tours, free hotel pick-up

   Check the page below for more information；
   http://www.tour-beijing.com/coach_tours/

5. I have only one day to tour Beijing and want to go the Badaling part of the Great Wall by train. Don’t want to walk too much.
   Date of tour 7 July 2013
   Rita

6. My wife and I are planning to visit the Great Wall at Badaling in October, and while there is plenty of information regarding train schedules and weather, there is very little specific information on what to do once you get to the wall itself. For example:
   – What are the pros and cons of walking to the top of the wall versus taking the cable car?
   – Where does the cable car deposit you and what are your options from this point?
   – Can you take the cable car up and then walk down?
   – It appears from Google satelite pictures that the section from north tower 1 to north tower 8 is very crowded. Yet that portion of the wall that runs east from tower 8 appears almost empty. If one walks this section of the wall do you have to backtrack or is there a way down?
   – If one walks the south portion of the wall, do you have to backtrack?
   – How do the various sections of the wall compare with regards to views, severity of climb and crowds?
   – Is there a web site I can go to and find this type of detailed information?
   Thank you.

7. Hello Steve,

   Definitely, you are one of the most thoughtful travelers I’ve ever seen. Having been to Badaling Great Wall for several times, I try my best to answer your questions one by one. Please kindly send your feedback on your coming October Great Wall hiking to complete the information on what is going on to the wall itself.

   1. What are the pros and cons of walking to the top of the wall versus taking the cable car?

   Though both North and South have cable car service, the cable car in the southern section of Badaling Great Wall is often out of service. So when we talk about cable car, we often refer to the cable car at the Northern section of Badaling Great Wall. The northern slope of the Badaling Great Wall is about 3700m long starting from NorthTower No.1 up to the Northern Tower No.8, then down to Northern Tower No.12. The whole hiking takes 2-3 hours. Not everyone has the strong legs to hike all the 12 towers, so many passengers would take cable car up to the Wall (below Tower No.8 and Tower9 ) to save their energy. If you are in good shape, I suggest you hike all the 12 towers to digest the magnificent Badaling Great Wall on its northern slope instead of eating “Instant food” by taking the cable car.

   2. Where does the cable car deposit you and what are your options from this point?

   The cable car brings you up to the slope below both North Tower No.8 and Tower No.9. So from the cable car station on the upper slope, you can eithe hike to the Tower 8 or Tower 9. It is easier to hike up to the Tower 9 while it is a bit hard to walk up to the Tower 8. To hike up to the Tower 8, you have to climb over a steep slope known as “Haohanpo” ( a real hero’ slope ), or 好汉坡 in Chinese.

   3. Can you take the cable car up and then walk down?

   If you want to visit the Northern section of Badaling Great Wall, you can take the cable car up, then walk down: walk from Tower 8 to down to Tower 1, or from Tower 8 down to Tower 12. Or you can take a cable down. Also you can walk up to Tower 8, then take cable car down. One way cable car: RMB60; round trip cable car: RMB80.

   4. It appears from Google satelite pictures that the section from north tower 1 to north tower 8 is very crowded. Yet that portion of the wall that runs east from tower 8 appears almost empty. If one walks this section of the wall do you have to backtrack or is there a way down?

   For the northern part of Badaling Great Wall, you can walk to the east from Tower 8 to down to Tower 12, then pass by the Bear Garden, then walk about 10 minutes back to the main entrance to the Tower 1, a loop route and you don’t have to backtrack.

   5. If one walks the south portion of the wall, do you have to backtrack?

   Most passengers prefer to hike the northern slope of Badaling Great Wall simple beacause the north part is more scenic and convenient with cable car and slide services. But still some people like to hike the southern slope to avoid the crowds for better photo opportunities. If you hike the southern slope, you have to backtrack.

   6. How do the various sections of the wall compare with regards to views, severity of climb and crowds?

   Not clear about what you are driving at. But as I understand, for the north part of Badaling, the hike from Tower 1 to Tower 4 is easier, but the walk from Tower 4 to Tower 8 is a bit tiring. The view from Tower 8 is the most spectacular.

   Badaling Great Wall is most touristy, but with magnificent view!
   The Pass at Juyongguan Great Wall is gorgeous！
   Mutianyu Great Wall is green, pretty, a bit less touristy, good for family travel with kids.
   Gubeikou and Jinshanling sections of the Great Wall are wild and unrestored, suitable for experienced hikers.

   Simatai Great Wall is still closed (its opening is unknown).
   Jiankou Great Wall is too dangerous and officially forbidden to hiking (always some illegal hiking).
   Huanghuacheng Great Wall is not officialy open to tourists (always some illegal hiking).

   7. Is there a web site I can go to and find this type of detailed information?

   You may turn to the largest global travel review weisite (tripadvisor.com) for help.

   Check the link below!
   http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g294212-c119304/Beijing:China:The.Great.Wall.Of.China.html

   Have a good time in Beijing!

8. Hi,

   I will be travelling to Beijing with my bf in October. Great wall is definitely one of the destination that we want to visit. My bf is a big fan of the Great wall and intend to spend a day to visit different section of it.

   We plan to start from Juyongguan Great Wall – Badaling Great Wall – Mutianyu Great Wall. May I know if there is any bus transfer from one section to the other? Or would it be possible to walk? I checked that to go to Yuyongguan, I can go to Longzu station and then another bus. However, I intend to take taxi from there to Juyongguan. May I know what about be the approximately cost?

   For the bus tour, do you know if all hotel arrange this? How much would it cost? Thanks

9. Hello Alicia,

   There are no bus transfer services among different sections of the Great Wall around Beijing. For Badaling Great Wall, you can use bus no.877 or s trains from Beijing North Railway Station; for Mutianyu Great Wall, you can take the bus from Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub. Juyongguan Great Wall is an enclosed section of the wall, not walkable from Juyongguan to Badaling Great Wall. It is also very hard to walk from Badaling to Mutianyu. Basically, you have to hike section by section, especially on a one-day hike. Good luck!

10. Hi,
    I stay in Beijing and have some friends cuming down next week 20th aug 2013 . Wuld like to hike great wall but looking to the heat not sure if advisable or not. Age 30-40, good fitness .
    Looking for a 3-4 hr hike .
    Can u suggest anything suitable.
    Thanks in advance.
    Daanyal.

11. Hello Daanyal,

    Be ready for some protection measures if you hike the Wall in a sunny day on 20th aug 2013. But I’ve just check the weather broadcast, August 20 will be overcast ( temperature: 23-30 degree). If what the weatherman says is correct, it is all right to climb the wall. Bring enough bottles of water, good sports shoes.

    Gubeikou Great Wall, Jinshanling Great Wall and Shixiaguan Great Wall are a bit wild, suitable for hiking. Take care! The blogs below may be useful for you:

    Gubeikou Great Wall to Jinshanling Great Wall
    http://www.tour-beijing.com/blog/beijing-travel/travel-review/gubeikou-jinshanling-great-wall-hiking/

    I suggest you hike Gubeikou, then drive to Jinshanling, section by section. It is not easy to hike from Gubeikou to Jinshanling due to the fact that some parts of the wall linking the two sections are cut off by the military zone and they are a bit wild. If you are going to hike from Gubeikou to Jinshanling, you must have a local guide help you!

    Actually, it is ok just to hike either Gubeikou or Jinshanling, you dont’have to hike the two. Have a good hiking!

12. We are visiting the Great Wall/Beijing September 13-the 19th. Where is a nice place to stay that is cost efficient? What else can we do besides seeing the Great Wall??

13. Hello Crystal，

    You may be interested in the following inns or hotels below or near the Great Wall around Beijing:

    Juyongguan Great Wall Hotel
    http://www.tour-beijing.com/travel_blog/great_wall_hiking/juyongguan_great_wall_hotel.php

    the Commune by the Great Wall
    http://www.tour-beijing.com/great_wall/the_commune_by_the_great-wall.php

    Great Wall Courtyard Inn
    http://www.tour-beijing.com/great_wall/2_day_great_wall_hiking/courtyard_inn.php

    Huanghuacheng Fuwang Courtyard Farmhouse
    http://www.tour-beijing.com/travel_blog/great_wall_hiking/fuwang_farmhouse_at_huanghuacheng_great_wall.php

    the Schoolhouse by the Mutianyu Great Wall
    http://www.tour-beijing.com/great_wall/schoolhouse_by_mutianyu_great_wall.php

    Jinshanling Hotel
    http://www.tour-beijing.com/travel_blog/great_wall_hiking/jinshanling_hotel.php

    the Chateau Changyu AFIP Global Beijing
    http://www.tour-beijing.com/great_wall/chateau_changyu_afiP_global_beijing.php

    Beside hiking the wall, you may visit the local villages and other attractions not far from the Wall.

14. Hello,

    I am visiting Shanghai from 10th Sept – 15th Sept. Im a 35 year old man.

    I would like to come to Beijing from the 16th – 17th Sept to see the Great Wall & other attractions in Beijing.

    As I barely have 2 days in Beijing, I had a few questions…

    1. Which is more convenient for me, taking a flight or high speed train from Shanghai to Beijing?

    2. Once in Beijing do you suggest staying in a hotel closer to the Great Wall? Does the high speed train from Shanghai drop me off close to any hotels near the Great Wall?

    3. How is the weather in Beijing during my stay days? Do I need to carry warm clothes?

    4. Which section gives the best view of / from the Great Wall? Im fine with a little bit of hiking .

    Thanx!

15. Hello Abhishek MEHRA,

    1. Both flights and highspeed trains are convenient for you to go from Shanghai to Beijing. Some prefer flights, some highspeed trains. It all depends.

    2. The Highspeed train drops you off at Beijing South Railway Station, not close to any sections of the Great Wall. Basically people would stay in the downtown of Beijing instead of a hotel near the Wall.

    3. September is a peak tourist season in Beijing, normally with good weather and comfortable temperature.

    4. Mutianyu Great Wall is good for photo taking.

    Have a good time in Beijing!

16. Hello
    I will be travelling with my mom to Beijing in September. We only have 2 days there for sightseeings. I would like to ask which wall of the Great Wall is the closest to Beijing, and since my mother is not able to walk a lot, would you please recommend the most convenient way for us once we already are at such wall (cable car, slidway, pulley?).

    Thank you very much
    Diem

17. Hello Diem,

    Juyongguan Pass Great Wall is the nearest section of the walll from Beijing. But Juyongguan Great Wall has no cable car nor slides. Personally, I suggest you go to Mutianyu Great Wall ( less crowded than Badaling ) and take the cable car up to a open and spacious platform where can either have a panoramic view of the Wall or hike the Wall since the platform is just below the Wall.

    See my post ” Mutiayun Great Wall in Autumn” below:

    http://www.tour-beijing.com/blog/beijing-travel/beijing-great-wall/mutianyu-great-wall-in-autumn/

    Have a good time in Beijing!

18. Hello,

    I’m planning to visit the great wall – Mutianyu section in mid December (13 to 17 Dec 13), but the tourist bus 867 doesn’t run anymore by that time. May I know how long will it take if I take the express bus 916 & then change to 936?

    Thank you!

    Best Regards,
    Jane

19. Hello Jane,

    It takes about approx. 2 hours.

20. My husband and I will be traveling to Beijing in the first week of January and will have one day to see the Great Wall. Would it be better to go to Baddaling or Mutianyu that time of year? Is it generally very crowded at this time? If we take the cable car up will we be able to walk down? And, if so, how long should it take to walk down?
    Thank you!

21. Hello Nikki,

    Sorry for our delayed answer due to the absence of the internet! We suggest you visit Mutianyu Great Wall, less crowded and easier access. It is low season in Beijing, not crowded. Usually take 30-40 minutes to walk down for Mutianyu Great Wall. On your way to take cable car up, there is a huge signboard of Mutianyu Great Wall map to show you how to take cable and walk down. Have a good time!

22. Hi,

    I would like to verify the transportation to Badaling Great Wall. Some said take bus 919 but some other said take the bus 877.
    Which bus we should take?

    Thanks.

23. Hello Nicole,

    Bus 877 is a direct shuttle public bus between Dehshengmen Bus Station and Baddling Great Wall, the bus ride takes a bit over one hour and Bus fare RMB 12 ( cash ).

    Bus 919 has two kinds of bus lines: 919 express (919快) and 919 slow (919慢) with their final destinations being Yanqing County. They will stop at Badaling Great Wall, the drop-off stop is quite a distance from the ticketing office. So you are advised to take 877, the special bus for Badaling Great Wall.tourists.

    By the way, there is a bit chaos around Deshengmen Bus Station with some touts pushing you to take theirs vehicles or group. Just forget it and insist on taking the official Bus 877. Have a good day!

24. i am traveling to the Great Wall in October with my husband. We would like to avoid huge crowds of tourists (we will be there during the week). Which is better, Simatai, Mutianyu, or another section of the wall?

25. Hello Ellen,

    Mutianyu Great Wall is better in terms of avoiding hordes of tourists. Simatai is still closed and its opening time is unknown yet.

26. Hello!

    We are two 30-yrs old girls traveling in china, and planning to go to the wall on October 2nd. As it is a public holiday, we will probably book a trip with our hostel… We still wonder which part to take (mutinyu, Jinshanlong??) to: (1) avoid the ppl, (2) best scenery and experience, and (3) not too hard of a hike (our muscles still heart from a 10 climb to the yellow mountain…)
    Is there a student discount for your recommended section? Where can we check the accurate weather forecast?

    Thanks!

27. Hello Sigal,

    Both the sections of the Great Wall at Mutianyu and Jinshanling offer discounts ( half price ) for students. But I’m not quite sure you are eligible for the student tickets. Just try and have a good luck!

    Both Mutianyu and Jinshanling are spectacular with stunning views. The foot traffic at Jinshanling is less heavier than Mutuanyu since it is further away and less resored, wild and very treacherous in some areas on the way for hiking.

    In your case, you’d better go to Mutianyu Great Wall.

    You are lucky that October 2nd is a sunny day with temperature between 9℃ and 23℃. But it is a bit windy with north gentle breeze.

    Have a good time!

28. hey there! i read your explanation and response on the comments and i’m excited for to visit the great wall.
    we’re still in planning stage but my boyfriend and i are thinking of going there in mid or end of march 2014. is it a good timing or not? also, if we plan to stay in Beijing for 4 days, is it enough?
    your reply is much appreciated. thanks!

29. Hello Tanya,

    Mid or end of march is generally a good time to hike the Wall. You can avoid hordes of domestic tourists on the Wall. It is still in early spring in Beijing. Wear warmly for your hike since Beijing’s spring tends to be windy, or even blustery or sandy sometimes. Basically 4 days in Beijing are just enough for you to see the highlights in Beijing. Have a good time in Beijing.

30. Hi my friends and I will visit the wall on december 13-14,2013, I beleive its already winter that time, is it still safe to visit the wall?

31. Hello Happy,

    Basically it is safe to hike the Wall in winter. But you are advised to avoid walking on the Wall when it is snowing, or after snowing.

32. Hello,

    I’m so happy to have ran across this blog. I have a long layover in Beijing and would like to see the Great Wall. I arrive at 5:30 AM on Sat Nov. 23rd and my flight leaves 8PM. I know it takes about 20-25 mins with the Express train to Dongzhimen. Where I could eventually transfer to the Blue line 2 heading Xizhimen. From there… I believe it’s a 5 min walk to Beijing North Railway station from Xizhimen.

    I am a solo female traveler…first timer.

    I have a few questions in mind and any food for thought would be greatly appreciated. By the time I go through immigration..and since my baggage will be transfered to my next flight…I don’t have to claim them, leaving only with my hand carry.
    -How long does it take to get through immigration – Express train.

    – How long from Dongzhimen – Xizhimen with a Blue Line 2.

    Ill be taking the S train on Beijing North Railway to Badaling.
    – How long of a walk from Badaling train station to the actual entrance?

    Consider it’s late Nov.
    – Will I have problems getting to Badaling with S train series with snow? and getting back to Beijing North Railway?

    -Is it possible to hike in 3rd week of Nov? How long should I anticipate for the hike?

    I know I am considering the S Train, but would you advise me otherwise? Bus 877 or S Train which is better? Pros and Cons… concern on my allotted time in Beijing. Would like to maximize my trip even if it’s just 14hrs.

    I’m also thinking of Forbidden City/Tiananmen Square, National Grand Theater, Silk Market, New CCTV building. For the National Grand Theater and New CCTV… I would be great to go inside, but not a priority on my list. Be able to see it up close would be good enough for this trip.
    And since all of these would be taking the Red Line 1 subway. Any suggestions.. of cross streets where I could take pictures of the New CCTV and National Grand Theater.

    I know it’s a lot to see… help me make it possible.

    Thank you for you time,
    Bernadette

33. Hello Bernadette,

    You have a great travel plan for your layover in Beijing. Actually you don’t have 14 hours in Beijing. When you finish Immigration and Customs procedures involved, it will be around 7am. Your flight leaves at 8pm, then you have to return to Beijing airport 2 hours in advance. So you have roughly 11 hours outside Beijing airport.
    In November, the sun in Beijing sets at 4:53pm. That means you have only about 8 hours for daytime sightseeing. Most of the attractions in Beijing won’t sell entrance tickets after 3:30pm.

    From our past experience,we learn that transit passengers seldom use public transportation to visit Great Wall during their layovers in Beijing. Most of them will hire a private car of their exclusive use to travel around, avoiding the time-consuming hassles involved.

    Personally, I think, if you can manage to use the 8 hours layover to visit Dadaling Great Wall by making use of public transportation from airport and back to airport, that will be a success.

    In addition, you should consider the traffic congestion during rush hours. In Beijing, we have two peak hours: Morning 7-9am; afternoon: 5-8pm. You hit the two peak hours.

    I suggest you spend your layover in Nov either on visiting Badaling Great Wall or visiting the highlights in the downtown Beijing including Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven etc.

    This is just my personal opinion, only for your reference.

    Have a relaxing layover in Beijing!

34. hello,

    i’m going to beijing with a friend between the 29th of november and the 5th of december. we plan to go to the great wall, some time between the 2nd and the 4th of december to avoid the week end.

    is there any part of the wall that is not accessible during winter time ?

    which part would you suggest visiting at this time of the year ?

    will the badaling part be very crowded ? we’d like to avoid the crowd.

    will the “wild and original sections of the wall” as you call them be accessible ??

    thanks for the answers !

35. Hello Héloise,

    December is a tourist low season, you won’t expect the crowd hilking the Wall.

    All the officially managed sections of the Great Wall are open all the year around except extreme weather like heavy snow blocking then roads leading to the Wall.

    We suggest you visit Mutianyu Great Wal lwith easy access. Badaling Great Wall is not crowded in December. We don’t don’t suggest you visiting the wild and orignal sections of the Wall.

    Have a good time in Beijing!

36. hello,

    My husbands dream is to visit the Great Wall and i want to plan a trip to go for about 7-10days. I was wondering where would a good and cheap hotel to stay at that would be close to the great wall? Where could we begin? We both enjoy scenery and love to explore new things. What time of the year would be best to go? when its not to crowded but then not too lonely??
    It’d be a new and fun experience for both since we havent been out of the US & South America.

    Thanks, for your time
    Esther

37. Hello Esther,

    Welcome to Beijing!

    1.Where to begin
    The Great Wall around Beijing roughly starts from east to west. They are open to tourists sections by sections. Only restored sections are officially open to tourists with safety measures and administration.

    Some sections are wild and unrestored, forbidden to visit, but still some foreign tourists are happy to go there because these sections look more original and real. But they have to be reponsible for their safety. We don’t suggest you hike these wild sections of the Wall. The hiking is illegal.

    Official sections of the Wall around Beijing from west to east below:

    1. Juyongguan (Pass) Great Wall
    Suggested Hotel: Juyongguan Pass courtyard hotel(a 4-star hotel,not cheap,but it is ok.
    http://www.gukezhan.com/En/index.asp
    2. Badaling Great Wall
    Suggested Hostel：The Great Wall Courtyard Hostel http://www.courtyard.cc/
    3. Mutianyu Great Wall
    No suggestions
    4. Jinshanling Great Wall
    Suggested Hotel: Jinshanling Hotel (not cheap, but it is ok.
    http://www.tour-beijing.com/travel_blog/great_wall_hiking/jinshanling_hotel.php
    There are also some cheap farmer-style courtyards run by local villagers.

    Wild Sections of the Wall without any government administration or only privately run by the local villagers below:
    1. Jiankou Great Wall
    2. Huanghuacheng Great Wall
    3. Zhuangdaokou Great Wall
    At the time of my writing, these wild sections of the Wall haven’t been officially opened to tourists. Actually there are loads more wild sections. The hiking is illegal.

    When to visit
    1. Avoid May 01 -03 and October 01 – 07 ( national holidays )
    2. Don’t suggest hiking in winter ( Dec – Feb)
    3. If hiking in summer, please well prepared for the scorching sun.

    How to get to the Great Wall
    Please check the following useful pages:
    1. http://www.tour-beijing.com/public_bus/
    2. http://www.tour-beijing.com/blog/beijing-travel/travel-review/badaling-great-wall-bus/
    3. http://www.tour-beijing.com/blog/beijing-travel/how-to-visit-great-wall-by-train-visit-badaling-great-wall-by-train/

    The above is just for your reference!

    Have a great time in Beijing!

38. Hello!

    I will be going to beijing in December and from what I have read, it is not advisable to hike in winter. If I really have no choice but to go during winter, what do you suggest?

    Also, I would like to visit the badaling wall since it is said to be the most beautiful one. However, I fear that it will be too crowded, will that be so during winter?

    And I am considering between badaling, mutianyu, and juyongguan. If I have elderly parents, which one would be an easier climb yet still has great scenery?

    Thank you so much for your time!

39. Hi

    I am planning to visit Beijing on Dec 14-15, 2013 and I will be arriving on Dec 14 morning….will it be possible to visit the Great Wall of China on the same dat and keep Dec 15 for other tourist place. How is weather likely to be around that time.

    Which is the affordable area for staying while in Beijing.

    Regards,
    RK

40. Hello RK,

    Yes, you can vist Great wall during this time of the year. For the weather in December, please check the post of http://www.tour-beijing.com/blog/beijing-travel/beijing-weather/beijing-in-december/ for more information.

41. Hello Jessica,

    For winter hiking at the Wall, please prepared for winter clothes ( down jacket, sweaters, scarf, boots and caps). You are advised to visit Mutianyu Great Wall. It is a tourist low sesson, not crowded. Have a good time in Beijing!

42. hello,,

    I am staying here in shijiazhuang. I am my boyfriend are planning to visit the great wall. can you help me what train station near in great wall.? and what number of bus should we take going to the great wall.? we are planning to visit the Chinese wall call great wall of china this november 15 to 17. we are planning to celebrate anniversary there. my concern is..

    1. train- from shijiazhuang to beijing? what station its is north or south?
    2. bus- number going to bedaling?
    3,, subway– what subways? plsss help me i need it badly

43. Hello Elite,

    1. Shijiazhuang – Beijing West ( Highspeed trains ), not Beijing South, not Beijing North. It is Beijing West Railway Station.

    2. Beijing West Railway Station – Beijing North Railway Station by subway
    First take subway line 9 from Beijing West Station in the north direction for 3 stations and get off at the station of National Libary, then interchange for Subway line 4 in the east direction for 2 stations and get off at the station of Xizhimen, and exit from Exit A, and you will see Beijing North Railway Station.

    3. Beijing North Railway Station – Badaling Great Wall by S trains
    You may take the S trains from Beijing North Railway Station to Badaling Great Wall.

    Below some useful links:

    Beijing Subway
    http://www.tour-beijing.com/subway/bj_subway.jpg

    Go to Badaling Great Wall by train
    http://www.tour-beijing.com/blog/beijing-travel/how-to-visit-great-wall-by-train-visit-badaling-great-wall-by-train/

    Go to Badaling Great Wall by bus
    http://www.tour-beijing.com/blog/beijing-travel/travel-review/badaling-great-wall-bus/

    Go to Mutianyu Great Wall by bus
    http://www.tour-beijing.com/public_bus/

44. My family will be visiting China in the second half of December. We really want to hike the wall for 3-4 days.
    What are recommendations for this time of year regarding accommodation along the wall so we can have a warm place to sleep and safety considerations of walking along the wall in possibly icy conditions.
    Any suggestions would be appreciated.
    Thankyou

45. Hello Jo，

    We have three hotels for the three sections of the Great Wall for your reference.

    1. Juyongguan (Pass) Great Wall
    Suggested Hotel: Juyongguan Pass courtyard hotel(a 4-star hotel,not cheap,but it is ok.
    http://www.gukezhan.com/En/index.asp

    2. Badaling Great Wall
    Suggested Hostel：The Great Wall Courtyard Hostel http://www.courtyard.cc/

    3. Mutianyu Great Wall
    No suggestions

    4. Jinshanling Great Wall
    Suggested Hotel: Jinshanling Hotel (not cheap, but it is ok.
    http://www.tour-beijing.com/travel_blog/great_wall_hiking/jinshanling_hotel.php
    There are also some cheap farmer-style courtyards run by local villagers.

46. Hey Daniel,

    Great blog and awesome how you keep responding to all these questions. I have a question as well, The anwser might already be in the comments but I might have overlooked it.

    We are with six guys wanting to do a daytrip to the wall. We are now considering taking two cabs and first visiting Badaling and then proceeding to take a taxi to Mutianyu. With all the information we think we would like to do both because of the view at Mutianyu and the stunning wall at Badaling.

    You think this is doable? We would like to know if you have any recommendations or might want to discourage us from doing this for some practical reason (or some better peace of wall to visit). Some input would be highly appreciated. Cheers

47. how much does it cost to go to the great wall 5 adults

48. Hello luke,

    Please send your specific request by email to [email protected]. Kind regards.

49. Hello Tom，

    Yes, you may hire two taxis to go to the Wall both at Dadaling and Mutianyu. You may spend two hours each at Badaling and Mutianyu. We suggest you start earlier from your hotel to avoid possible heavy traffic on the way to Badaling Great Wall.

    At Mutianyu Great Wall, you may catch the sunset glow over the Wall. In winter, the sun sets around 4:40pm.

    Please check the real time weather report. If a windy day, the feeling temperature will be much lower than the actual temperature. You may buy a winter hat on Badaling Great Wall.

    Have a good time in Beijing!

50. Hi
    I am in china at the moment and would really like some advice. I am a teacher from the uk visiting our partner school in zibo. I am traveling alone and have 1 day free on the 4th December before I catch my flight back home. Which bit of the wall is best for me to visit in a rush? Will I have time? Is it easy to get to? Will I be safe on my own?

    Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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