Beijing Shi Travel Forum

Hi I have heard that Badaling is not the best place to see the Great Wall. Can anyone recommend where I should go and how to get there? Will be in Beijing after the Olympics travelling through on a 6 month trip so trying to keep cost low if possible.

Thanks

I preferred Mutianyu section. Both will be picturesque, but Badaling typically has more visitors so will be more crowded.

I wrote a tip in my Beijing page on how to get to Mutianyu, but others have written tips as well. I took public transit to the wall, so the costs were much lower than booked tours.

Yes. Mutianyu is better. I will go there this July! If you can reschedule your trip, you can share our car and cost less. I hired a local tour guide and her car. :)

I've been to Badaling, Mutianyu, and Simatai, Jinshanling. The first two greatwall is preserved and rebuilt very well, more tourists visited. the last two greatwall remain broken and wild, less tourist be there but can give you another kind feeling of the Wall. Take a private car to Simatai and Jinshanling will cost 2.5hours.

Hi unfortunately we have 6 weeks of Europe and the transiberian, mongolia and siberia booked in before we get to Beijing so can't change but thanks anyway! and keep me posted how your tripgoes.

HI thanks for everyone;s comments

Any idea on how much for a private car to take me to the further out wall - Jinshanling etc?

thanks

I drive the car by myself to the Jinshanling, it's 120km. therefore, I guess 400~500rmb for a round trip is reasonable.

thanks for your help!

I would suggest that you try the Jinshanling-Simatai Great Wall day hike organised by the Downtown Backpackers: http://www.backpackingchina.com/nr/greatwall.html
The hike can be done in 4-6 hours, most backpackers seem to do it in 4. If you don't want to do the full hike, just stay on the minivan till it drives to Simatai, then explore the section there.