Introduction

When I first stood on the beacon tower of Badaling Great Wall and watched the stone dragon disappear into the Yanshan Mountains, I finally understood the Chinese saying: “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man.”

More than ten years have passed since that moment. As a Senior Travel Customization Consultant at HelloChinaTrip, I have personally designed and led over 130 tailor-made tour groups from Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia to different sections of the Great Wall.

This guide is not a general travel article. It is written to help you avoid common pitfalls, choose the right section for your needs, and experience the Great Wall with confidence.

Part One: How to Choose the Best Great Wall Section for Your Visit

Mutianyu Great Wall – Best Choice for Families, Seniors, and First-Time Visitors

Personal Experience
The first time I brought my parents to the Great Wall, we chose Mutianyu. The cable car facilities are well organized, the hiking gradients are moderate, and restrooms and rest areas are available along the route.

Professional Advice

• The western route (Watchtowers 14–20) offers the best scenery

• Sections 19–20 are steeper, suitable for visitors with good mobility

• Non-holiday Mondays usually have the fewest visitors and the best photo opportunities

Transportation & Official Information

• 1.5–2 hours by car from central Beijing

• Official express bus departs from Dongzhimen between 7:00–9:00

• Round-trip fare approx. RMB 60 (subject to official updates)

• Self-driving via Jingcheng Expressway; parking approx. RMB 10 per visit

Jinshanling Great Wall – Best Section for Hiking, Photography, and Fewer Crowds

Personal Experience
I have photographed sunrises here for three consecutive years. Each season offers different light and textures. During one tour, an Australian photographer captured what he later described as one of the strongest images of his career.

Professional Tips

• Best light: 2 hours after sunrise and 3 hours before sunset

• The Simatai–Jinshanling hiking route (approx. 4 hours) is one of the most classic Great Wall treks near Beijing

Official Reference

• Advance reservation required via the official platform

• Foreign passport holders can register using passport numbers

• Opening hours:

  • Peak season: 06:30–18:30

  • Off-season: 07:30–17:30

Jiankou Great Wall – Why This Unrestored Section Is Dangerous for Tourists

Serious Warning
This section is not recommended for ordinary visitors. I have personally assisted in the rescue of three injured foreign backpackers in this area.

Why It Is Dangerous

• Unrestored walls with collapsed sections

• Requires hand-climbing in multiple areas

• Weak mobile phone signal and difficult rescue access

Official Safety Notice
The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism has issued repeated warnings prohibiting visits to unopened sections.

Emergency Contact

• Beijing Mountain Rescue Hotline: 010-6910 3999

Part Two: Essential Preparation Checklist (From Years of Field Experience)

Clothing & Gear

• Shoes: Anti-slip hiking shoes are essential

• Layering: Wind levels on the Great Wall are often 2–3 levels stronger than city forecasts

• Sun protection: SPF 30+ sunscreen recommended even on cloudy days

Documents & Payments

• Since 2023, real-name ticket reservations are required

• Foreign visitors can book via:

  • Official WeChat accounts (passport supported)

  • HelloChinaTrip.com (Manual service)

  • On-site ticket counters (long queues possible)

• International credit cards are accepted at major sites; small vendors may require WeChat Pay, Alipay, or cash

Health Preparation

• Step height varies between 15–50 cm, placing strain on knees

• Bring basic supplies: band-aids, disinfectant wipes, pain relief

• Visitors with heart disease, severe hypertension, or late-stage pregnancy should consult a doctor before visiting

Part Three: Cultural Etiquette and Photography Advice

Respect This World Heritage Site

1. No inscriptions – damage is permanent

2. No littering – carry waste back down the mountain

3. Maintain quiet in beacon towers out of respect for history

Professional Photography Tips

• Composition: Place beacon towers at one-third of the frame

• Lighting: Avoid harsh noon light; side lighting enhances texture

• Equipment: Wide-angle lens recommended; polarizing filter improves sky contrast

Part Four: Seasonal Visiting Guide

Spring (April–May)

• Mountain flowers bloom, but sandstorms are possible

• Check Beijing AQI; adjust plans if AQI exceeds 150

Summer (June–August)

• Best visiting hours: 06:30–09:30

• During thunderstorms, descend immediately from high points

Autumn (September–October)

• Red foliage season lasts approx. three weeks

• National Day holiday (Oct 1–7) is extremely crowded

Winter (November–March)

• Snow scenery is spectacular

• Some sections close for safety

• Icy paths require crampons (available for rent)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the Great Wall safe for foreign tourists?
A: Yes, restored sections such as Mutianyu and Badaling are safe when basic precautions are followed.

Q: Which section is best with limited time?
A: Mutianyu offers the best balance of accessibility, scenery, and facilities.

Q: Do foreign tourists need advance tickets?
A: Yes. Real-name reservations are required; passports are accepted.

Q: What is the best time of day to visit?
A: Early morning offers fewer crowds, better light, and cooler temperatures.

About the Author

This guide is written by a Senior Travel Customization Consultant at HelloChinaTrip, a China-based inbound travel company specializing in tailor-made journeys for international travelers.

With over 10 years of on-the-ground experience, the author has personally designed and led 130+ customized Great Wall tours, focusing on private travel, family trips, photography itineraries, and first-time visits to China. All recommendations are based on first-hand experience, official government information, and long-term operational knowledge of Beijing tourism services.

Disclaimer & Information Update

Ticket prices, opening hours, transportation options, and safety regulations may change due to seasonal conditions or government policies. Information in this guide reflects official sources and professional experience available between 2024–2025. Visitors are advised to confirm details through official channels before departure.