Mutianyu vs Badaling: Which Great Wall Section Should You Book?

If you’re visiting China soon and wondering about the differences when it comes to Mutianyu vs Badaling, we’re here to help. For the majority of first-time international visitors, it’s actually Mutianyu that’s the better choice. With restored sections of wall in forested ridges, there’s more room to walk, and fewer crowds. Although Badaling is also a tempting option, the more famous of the two sections, with great visitor infrastructure and an easy high-speed train connection from Beijing.

Quick Verdict: Mutianyu or Badaling?

Below, you’ll find a number of scenarios that help you decide which section of the Great Wall you should visit.  

What's the Difference Between Mutianyu and Badaling?

Here’s a direct comparison for the two sections of wall to help you decide if you’re still on the fence about which one you should visit. 

Which Section Has Better Scenery and Fewer Crowds?

Badaling and Mutianyu are different in a few ways. Badaling is the grander spectacle, running along the top of a mountain ridge, with sweeping climbs and wide panoramic views. Mutianyu on ht either hand is more remote, running through a forest with its watchtowers set closer together than at Badaling. 

When it comes to how crowded they are, Mutianyu is less crowded than Badaling. That’s not to say Mutianyu doesn’t get busy; both sections of wall are quite busy between 10am and 2pm. If you arrive early at Mutianyu, you can have sections of the wall entirely to yourself. At Badaling, that’s nearly impossible, mostly because it’s the most famous stretch for Chinese domestic tourists and it’s easy to reach on the train from Beijing. 

Does Mutianyu Get Busy? 

Yes, it does get busy, but in comparison to Badaling, it’s the quieter option. There are also some very popular times to go to Mutianyu: Chinese public holidays, and for the fall foliage between mid-October to mid-November. It’s also just generally busier during the summer. 

How To Avoid Crowds at Badaling

It can be difficult, as this is the busiest section of Great Wall in China. But there are a few things you can do; walk past all the crowds that are there to climb the first tower, and you should be able to find a quieter spot. Also, if you arrive at opening, or come after about 2pm, the crowds are also fewer. 

Which Is Easier to Reach from Beijing?

Badaling is far easier to reach from Beijing, as it’s the only major section of Great Wall with its own high-speed rail station. 

Visiting Badaling by High-Speed Train

To get to Badaling via the high-speed train from Beijing, head to either Beijing North or Qinghe stations. It takes 26 to 30 minutes from Beijing North, and about 20 to 23 minutes from Qinghe. 

Mutianyu By Bus Or Private Car

There isn’t a direct train to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, so you’ll either have to take a public bus, rent a car, or join one of the many coach tours departing from Beijing. 

Which Section Is Better for Children, Seniors or Limited Mobility?

Mutianyu is usually the better choice to visit if you’re traveling with kids. It gives families a shorter section to walk and less crowd pressure, so you can turn back when the little legs are getting tired. Badaling might be a better choice for families with older children who might be interested in seeing a more famous and grand section of the Great Wall, and for those families well-practiced in heavily-visited attractions. 

Mutianyu is also the better choice for senior travelers for the same reasons. The easy-going nature of the visit means that you can enjoy a short walk, although there are still steps to navigate. 

Badaling is the practical choice for wheelchair users. While the wall itself still has steps and uneven slopes, it’s far easier to get to, and the visitor infrastructure is more developed than Mutianyu. The accessible area is limited, but still gives you a good taste of the Great Wall. 

Limited mobility travelers can take their pick of the two. Both have steps and slopes to climb, but you can always turn back as you wish. Mutianyu might be the better choice if you’re after somewhere a bit calmer. 

Entrance Tickets, Cable Cars and Toboggan Options Compared

At Mutianyu, there are several different tickets you’ll need to buy for your visit. Admission gives you entrance to the scenic area and nothing else; the shuttle bus is a separate cost, and any lift on top of that is also separate.

Here’s the breakdown of the different products at Mutianyu: 

Badaling isn’t as complicated; there are two lifts to choose from, each one committing you to one side of the wall. Buying your ticket on Trip.com also lets you choose between them on the day of your visit. You can also skip the lifts entirely and walk up the wall, which is a popular option for visitors. 

But which is better for visitors going to Badaling; the North Route or the South Route? 

• The North Route is the famous one. You’ll see twelve watchtowers over 2,565 m, the Hero Slope climbing from North Tower 7 up to North Tower 8, and the 888 m high point where the wall unrolls across the ridges in both directions. 
• The South Route is half the length, 1,176 m across seven towers, sees a fraction of the traffic, and you’ll also score a view back over the north wall from South Tower 4. 

Best Walking Routes at Mutianyu and Badaling

There are a few different options for walking these two sections of wall during your visit. Below, we’ve given an easy route, and a slightly more challenging route. 

The Best Walking Routes at Mutianyu

The easiest route you can do at Mutianyu is to take the cable car up to Tower 14, walk the short stretch along to Tower 15, then ride back down the same way. It gives you about an hour on the wall, no serious climbs, and the views from this stretch are still incredible. 

A longer route at Mutianyu is the official route, starting at the North Entrance Gate and climbing the northern pathway up to Tower 10. From here, you’ll carry on to Tower 14, and then push even further east to Tower 20 and the Hero’s Platform before doubling back and catching the cable car back down from Tower 14. 

The Best Walking Routes at Badaling

The Badaling south route takes you from the South Tower 1 up to South Tower 4 and back. It’s roughly 1.5 to 2 hours at a relaxed pace, and this section is less crowded than the north side. 

The Badaling north route is a bigger walk, tackling a total of twelve towers over 2,565 m, with the Hero Stone at North Tower 4 and the Hero Slope climbing from North Tower 7 to the 888 m high point at North Tower 8. Most people stop at Tower 8 and head back, and you can catch the cable car down from Tower 7. If you continue past Tower 8, the crowds thin out fast, but the stretch between Towers 8 and 9 is steep and challenging. 

To do Both at Badaling, start first with the north route, catching the cable car up to North Tower 7. From here, walk up to Tower 8 for the view, then come back down the north route on foot. Cross at the entrance and then start climbing the south route to South Tower 4, where you can then catch the cable car back down. This route is long, but covers the best of both sides in half a day and you won’t walk the same stretch of wall twice. 

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Which Section Is Better by Season?

For either section of Great Wall, spring and fall are the comfortable options. 

Mutianyu or Badaling in Winter?

Badaling is the better choice in winter, mainly because it’s far easier to get there on the high-speed train than the mountain roads in bad weather. Although note that the NOrth Tower 8 is exposed and the steps can get icy; the south route is a sensible choice during this season. 

The Best Places to Stay Near Badaling and Mutianyu