Located at the border of Yanqing and Huairou Districts in Beijing, the Badaling-Mutianyu Great Wall Scenic Area comprises two most representative sections of China's Great Wall, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987.
Badaling Great Wall
- Location: About 70km from downtown Beijing, at 1,015m altitude.
- Historical Significance: Key pass of Ming Dynasty Great Wall, outpost of ancient Juyong Pass.
- Architectural Features: Average height 7.8m, width 5.8m (wide enough for 5 horsemen).
- Famous Spots: Hero Slope, North Eighth Tower, Great Wall Museum.
Mutianyu Great Wall
- Location: About 73km from downtown, with 96% vegetation coverage.
- Historical Significance: Important Ming Dynasty military fortress guarding Beijing.
- Architectural Features: Unique double-sided battlements, dense watchtowers (23/3km).
- Famous Spots: Great Corner Tower, Zhenguan Tower, Jiankou Section.
Comparative Features
- Badaling: Grand scale, complete facilities, ideal for first-time visitors.
- Mutianyu: Scenic beauty, fewer crowds, perfect for in-depth exploration.
- Shared Features: Both preserve original Ming Dynasty appearance with seasonal charms.
Tour Experiences
- Hiking: Badaling offers steeper climbs while Mutianyu has gentler slopes.
- Cable Cars: Both sections provide cable car services for panoramic views.
- Special Activities: Badaling night light show, Mutianyu spring flower festival.
Practical Information
- Opening Hours:
Badaling: Peak 6:30-19:00; Off-peak 7:00-18:00
Mutianyu: Peak 7:00-18:30; Off-peak 7:30-17:30 - Ticket Prices:
Badaling: Peak 40 yuan; Off-peak 35 yuan
Mutianyu: 45 yuan (includes shuttle bus) - Transportation:
Badaling: Bus 877 from Deshengmen or S2 train from Beijing North Station
Mutianyu: Tourist bus from Dongzhimen or 1.5-hour drive
Travel Tips
- Best Seasons: April-May for flowers; September-October for crisp autumn air.
- Essentials: Anti-slip shoes, sun protection, sufficient water.
- Notice: No graffiti on heritage; caution on steep sections.