Great Wall, Beijing - need reco for which part

[Hobar]

Looking for recommendations for which section(s) best for some walking / hiking, beauty, and not too crowded. Thanks to anyone who responds.

 

 

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[katz]

We went in at a main entrance. I am not sure how many there are. The Wall is very, very crowded. I am not sure which parts are open to the public. The steps are uneven and the railings don't match the height of the steps. Some parts are very steep.

 

You should research more to find out about entrances, and also if you will be visiting during a Chinese holiday. You might want to avoid those days.

 

It is a great experience.

 

 

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[Melba51]

We did the Mutianyu section in late June a couple of years back and didn't find it crowded.

 

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[BritinSoCal]

Looking for recommendations for which section(s) best for some walking / hiking, beauty, and not too crowded. Thanks to anyone who responds.

 

Sent telepathically.

 

The Juyongguan section is probably closest to Beijing - it's 60 km to the north-west. I visted the Badaling section - a further 20 km on. Took about 2 hours by car to get there. When I visited it was busy, but wasn't heaving and that part of the wall stretches in both directions for miles...

 

A couple of links to whet your appetite:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g294212-c119304/Beijing:China:The.Great.Wall.Of.China.html

https://www.travelchinaguide.com/china_great_wall/scene/beijing/

[Hoyaheel]

I went to Huanghuacheng which was beautiful and empty (also, full of ice and not at all renovated ;-)

 

If you are interested in hiking the Wall, check out the Beijing Hikers http://www.beijinghikers.com/

 

(I think Mutianyu & Badaling are the closest officially open sections to Beijing, and therefore the most crowded....)

Edited January 15, 2017 by Hoyaheel
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[DipBrat]

Badaling is substantially more crowded as it is the go to site for Chinese tourists. Mutianyu is also very popular and only a bit further from most locations. I also recommend huanhuacheng. It is also close relatively quiet even In summer and surrounds a lake. It has renovated sections for the classic photos also. The drive is a on smaller roads but about the same time as Badaling.

 

 

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Edited January 16, 2017 by DipBrat

[Hobar]

Very much appreciate all your advice and suggestions. I am doing my research based on all your comments.

 

 

Sent telepathically.

[TravelMore&More]

Badaling is the most crowded as it is closest to Beijing and easy to reach by bus. It only takes one hour by public bus. It is also the cheapest way to see the Wall. Close and cheap means busy. See this video:

Next is Mutianyu which not as easy to get to by public transportation and is 1.5 hours away. Not as busy but getting more busy than before. A cable car can take you to the top. Less tiring than walking up.

These days, for less people and a good experience, I would go to Huanghuacheng

You will need to hire a driver to go to places other than Badaling. cost is 600RMB plus or minus 100. Drivers can be found here: http://www.thebeijinger.com/classifieds/cars-drivers

Edited January 17, 2017 by TravelMore&More