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How To Get To The Great Wall From Beijing?
The short answer is that joining a daily tour is the best way to get to The Great Wall of China and get the most out of it (save time, effort and money). Let us elaborate on why- First, we must decide which section of The Wall to travel to. Our best recommendation is Mutianyu. This section of the wall is well-preserved and not crowded with people. It best represents what an experience on The Great Wall of China should be.
Mutianyu Great Wall is located 70 km north of Beijing and is one of the best-preserved sections open for tourists. There 22 watchtowers line The Wall, which is surrounded by lush forest and rivers. It is one of the least busy sections, so you’ll have great photo ops and the freedom to explore at your own pace! Mutianyu is great for ordinary hikers, children, and older people; plus, cable cars can take you all the way up to The Great Wall itself. You can take a toboggan slide back down to add an extra dose of fun!
So what is the best way to get to the Mutianyu Great Wall? You can negotiate with a local taxi for a day rate or go via public bus. If you opt for the bus, you must change several buses and take a taxi from the terminal station to reach your final destination. We suggest making it easy on yourself. Take a look at some of the options below~
1. Hire a private driver – Great option if you are travelling with friends
Hiring a private driver is one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to reach the Great Wall. You will be driven directly to the ticketing office to purchase your entrance ticket, then take a free park bus to the base of The Great Wall. Typically you will have a good 3-4 hours to explore. The price can be as low as $99 per person for the round trip if you have at least three people.
Click here to book a private driver to the Mutianyu Great Wall.
2. Join a group tour – meet other travellers
It is one of the most fun options. Meeting new people is one of the main reasons we travel. Also, this is the best option for saving time, convenience, and simplicity. It includes your drive to Mutianyu, entrance ticket, guided tour, and lunch. No language barrier issues, no haggling with drivers, just fun! It is the best value for your money to see the Great Wall. You’ll even make new friends to take photos with! Click here to book the small group to the Mutianyu Great Wall.
3. If you like travelling in style – Take a private tour of the great wall.
Opting for a private tour guide also allows you to prolong your Mutianyu adventure. You can extend your trip to include views of the incredible Huanghua, where you can see a submerged portion of The Wall. This tour includes your tour guide, transportation, entrance fee, a cable car up, a cable car or toboggan down, and lunch—everything you have in the join-in tour, plus a few more hours. You will see everything you want to!
4. Do it like no other – hike with the experts and get a great experience.
If you are looking for something a little more off the beaten path, explore The Great Wall’s Jinshanling and Simatai sections. These areas are farther than Mutianyu and require more travel time. They are great for those seeking serious hiking. These areas are famous for being unrestored. They have been run down by time and nature, making for an intense hike. These sections should only be attempted if you are an experienced hiker. Expect steep hills and incredible views year-round. It is recommended to go with a professional guide that knows the area, the residents, and the secrets.
The Great Wall of China is one of the World’s Seven Wonders. If you travel from abroad or live here, ensure you get it. As Mao said: “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man.”