Great Wall guide
Badaling
Badaling guards the northern approach to Juyong Pass. Its restored walls rise and dip sharply along the ridge, with the northern route drawing the largest crowds.
High-speed trains run from Beijing North and Qinghe to Badaling Great Wall station. The S2 suburban train and bus 877 from Deshengmen are alternatives. Entrance, cable car and pulley tickets are sold separately.
Mutianyu
Mutianyu has close-set watchtowers and walls running through heavily wooded hills. Many visitors take the cable car near Tower 14, then walk according to fitness.
The chairlift and toboggan operate near Tower 6 under a different company, so tickets are generally not interchangeable. The stairs are uneven and demanding when carrying a child.
Public transport usually means bus 916 Express to Huairou and a local bus onward. A reputable direct shuttle is simpler for a first visit.
