🧱 Which section of the Great Wall of China to choose for a hike

The Great Wall of China can be seen in eight different locations. Restored sections are good for a leisurely walk, while wild sections require trekking shoes and plenty of stamina. Many people go to the nearest, most crowded sections and come away with nothing but crowds in their photos. At Mutianyu, peak season runs from March 16 to November 15 (as of 09/2026, official Mutianyu website). We've put together eight sections of the wall, from the restored Mutianyu to the wild Jiankou and the western fort of Jiayuguan. For each one, we've listed the distance from Beijing, hiking time, and difficulty. To avoid losing a day in line, choose your section in advance.

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How to choose a Great Wall section

💡 In short:

Decide in advance what you want: the even staircases of Mutianyu or the wild ruins of Jiankou.
A nearby section can be done in one day; the western Jiayuguan requires at least two.
Bring water and trekking shoes: wild sections have no ticket offices or cafes.
Check current prices and opening hours on the Mutianyu reserve website.

Wall sections are spread across several provinces, but Beijing is almost always the most convenient starting point. Nearby sections are within a couple of hours' drive, and tourist transport runs to them. Farther points like Shanhaiguan or Jiayuguan require a separate train trip.

Difficulty also varies. On restored sections, you walk on even steps and buy a ticket on site. On wild sections, the wall is half-ruined, in places you climb on all fours, and rockfall remains a real risk. Choose a section based on your fitness, not on a picture from social media.

1. Jinshanling and wild Simatai

The Jinshanling to Simatai route stretches 11 km and takes a full day (as of 09/2026, guide). The section lies about 110 km north of Beijing, and there are almost no crowds here. That's exactly why it's worth choosing.

You walk along a solid but unreconstructed wall. Along the way, you'll see protruding sections built to split up large groups of invaders, and sturdy oval watchtowers. Most of the route is easy, but in places you'll have to scramble up steep, crumbly slopes. Keep the rockfall risk in mind.

The route ends at Simatai. Many Beijing hotels organize day-trip groups here: you're dropped off at the trailhead and picked up at the end. See excursion options on GetYourGuide.

2. Restored Mutianyu section

Mutianyu lies about 90 km north of Beijing and is considered the most convenient section (as of 09/2026, Mutianyu page). Large groups come here, so it's crowded at the start in the morning. If you set out early, the crowd will stay behind you.

The section has been heavily restored: convenient stairways, smooth paving, a cable car. The walk follows the ridge through forested hills, and you will pass twenty watchtowers. The wall dates to the 14th century, while the first ramparts were built here as early as the 6th century (as of 09/2026, guidebook). Entry is paid; check the exact price and hours before your trip. Tours here are sold in advance, see options on GetYourGuide.

Restored section of the Great Wall of China among green mountains

3. Wild wall at Huanghuacheng

This unrestored section lies about 60 km northeast of Beijing (as of 09/2026, overview of wild sections). Just a few years ago this part was called the wild wall and was barely regulated. You would only meet locals selling drinks. Now the area is supervised.

Wild Huanghuacheng Wall on a mountain ridge in winter

The route, about three kilometers long, runs along dramatic, crumbling ruins. Be careful: the path is steep and partially collapsed. It levels out after the fourth watchtower, where you can see empty mountains. After the eighth tower the trail leads to a road; beyond that the way is impassable.

Along the way, stop by the Ming tombs, where the emperors of the Ming dynasty are buried. They are less than an hour away by car.

4. From Hexi to Gubeikou

Gubeikou is considered one of the wildest sections of the wall near Beijing. Hikes here start from the village of Hexi, about 80 km from Beijing (as of 09/2026, Gubeikou guide).

One trail climbs steadily up Wohu Mountain. Time has destroyed much of the wall, so you have to walk around it. The watchtowers, however, are well preserved. From the highest one, about 13 km from Hexi, you get excellent views (as of 09/2026, how to hike the wild wall). It is worth going there for the photos.

In Hexi you can choose another path and walk along the wall crest on a level route of about five kilometers. To the north lies the 18th-century imperial retreat at Chengde, but you cannot reach it on foot. To see both routes, it makes sense to stay overnight in Hexi. Many farmers rent out rooms, but the facilities are very basic. There is not even hot water. If a village overnight is not for you, book a hotel in Beijing on Trip.com and come back in the morning.

Half-ruined watchtowers of the wall among green hills

5. Jiankou and Xizhazi village

Jiankou is considered the wildest section of the wall near Beijing. This route was opened to tourists relatively recently, and experienced hikers choose it. The wall here is white because it is built from dolomite. A scenic footpath runs along ridges covered in dense forest.

Ruins of the wild Jiankou Wall on a mountain crest

Some sections are so steep that you climb them on all fours. Remember that some stones may give way. There are no facilities along the way, and nobody charges an entrance fee. Finding a local guide in the village is easy.

From the village of Xizhazi, 55 km from Beijing (as of 09/2026, Jiankou guide), it is about an hour's walk to the wall. There are simple guesthouses with home-cooked food.

Few people attempt the full twenty kilometers from west to east. Most hike the first ten kilometers or choose the most impressive three-kilometer section in the middle. It is easy to reach, and there are no difficult parts. For group trips to the wild wall, check GetYourGuide.

Camping on the wall is allowed. You will have a chance to watch the sunrise in solitude. Bring your own gear: you won't find camping equipment in the small villages.

6. From Shanhaiguan to Laolongtou

Shanhaiguan lies on a pass between the mountains and the sea. It is a small town a few hours from Beijing. In the center stands the First Pass Under Heaven, one of the few surviving gates of the wall. Three outer walls and a tower above it made the town nearly impregnable.

Great Wall with a tower running into the sea

The remains of the wall lead four kilometers south to Laolongtou, or the Old Dragon's Head. This is where the wall meets the sea. The name comes from a dragon sculpture that looks out over the beach and marks the eastern end of the Great Wall of China.

Rent a bicycle to explore the area outside the town. The seaside resort of Beidaihe is about twenty kilometers to the south. Also visit the Meng Jiangnu Temple, dedicated to a woman whose husband died building the wall. According to legend, her weeping brought down the bricks and revealed her husband's bones.

7. The southern wall near Fenghuang

The threat to the empire came not only from northern nomads. In Hunan province in southern China, there is a section of the wall built to contain the Miao people. It is lower and narrower than its northern counterpart, but far less visited.

Stone fortress wall with battlements against the sky

Near the historic town of Fenghuang there is a reconstructed section, a convenient base for walks. Miao culture is strongly felt in the town. In the narrow cobbled streets you will see wooden houses on stilts and a covered wooden bridge that is about three centuries old. In summer it is lively here, with many cafes open. If you want to stay longer, choose a hotel in Fenghuang on Trip.com.

8. Jiayuguan Fort in the west

Far in western China stands the last fort of the Great Wall. This is where civilized China ended and the desert began. The location was strategically vital: with the Tibetan mountains to the south and arid desert to the north, all Silk Road trade into Central Asia passed through this pass.

Jiayuguan Fortress gate tower with a red banner

The fort itself is known as the Impregnable Pass Under Heaven. It stands on a plain, and the mountains to the north and south blend with it in color. The fort was built in 1372 (as of 09/2026, Jiayuguan guide). The outer wall, over 700 m long, was once guarded by mounted patrols. It was the last post on the route of exiled officials. The easiest way to get there is by train: compare schedules and prices on Trip.com.

You can walk around the main fortifications in a day. Allow a week for a thorough exploration of the surrounding area. From here it is worth traveling to the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, Labrang Monastery in Gansu province, the Moon Canyon, and the Qilian Mountains.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which section of the wall should a first-timer choose?

For your first visit, go with Mutianyu. It has even staircases, a cable car, and straightforward logistics from Beijing. If you want quiet without risk, Jinshanling is a good fit: the wall is unrestored, but you can walk along it comfortably.

When is the best time to visit the Great Wall?

The most comfortable time to go is April to May and September to October. In summer it is hot and crowded; in winter, wild sections are slippery. In any season, arrive at opening time: by midday, groups gather on the restored sections. At Mutianyu, peak season runs from March 16 to November 15 (as of 09/2026, Mutianyu website).

How much does it cost to enter the wall?

The price depends on the section. Restored sections charge an entrance fee; wild ones like Jiankou are free. Check official site pages for current prices and hours. On restored sections, payment is usually by card; keep some cash just in case.

Can you walk the wall with children?

With children, only restored sections with railings and even steps are suitable, such as Mutianyu. On wild sections there is a high risk of falls and rockfall; they require experience and good footwear. Plan a short route and bring water.

How do you get to the wall from Beijing?

Tourist buses and organized groups from hotels run to nearby sections, for example from Dongzhimen station toward Mutianyu. For distant points like Shanhaiguan or Jiayuguan, the train is more convenient. Renting a car with a driver costs more but gives you freedom.

Where to stay near the wall?

Beijing has the widest choice of hotels, and in the morning you can reach nearby sections in a couple of hours. Near Simatai there is the Gubei Water Town resort, and near Hexi village simple rooms are available. In Jiayuguan and Fenghuang, people stay overnight to avoid traveling back and forth.

In short: what to book

If you are visiting for the first time, choose Mutianyu: even steps, a cable car, and straightforward transfers from Beijing. For quiet and an authentic wall, head to Jinshanling or Gubeikou. Fans of wild ruins will enjoy Jiankou, and Silk Road history awaits you in Jiayuguan.

For a short trip, one day is enough. For Jiankou and Jiayuguan, allow two to three days each.

If you are short on time: choose Mutianyu. If you want deserted ruins: choose Jinshanling. If you want to see the wall by the sea: choose Shanhaiguan. Compare tours and tickets on GetYourGuide.

The Great Wall of China: 8 sections from wild ruins to staircases