How to Plan a Day Trip to The Great Wall of China From Beijing

As a budget traveler, I’d heard there were two prime gateways to the Wall near Beijing, Badaling and Mutianyu. Both are among the closest sections to the city and perfect for a day trip, yet each offers a distinct experience.

What follows is both my personal experience and a practical guide.

We’ll compare Badaling and Mutianyu in terms of accessibility, scenery, crowd levels, and costs, and cover everything from catching the right bus to packing the right snacks. Let’s climb in!

Badaling vs. Mutianyu

Badaling and Mutianyu each have their own charm. Badaling, located about 60–70 km northwest of central Beijing, is the most visited and famously restored section of the Wall.

Mutianyu, about 65–80 km north of Beijing, is slightly farther but offers breathtaking scenery with far fewer crowds.

Your choice might depend on what you value more: convenience and iconic status, or serenity and scenic beauty. Below is a quick comparison of these two sections:

In short: Badaling is the Great Wall’s superstar, easily reachable and historically famous, making it a must-see for many first-timers.

Mutianyu is its quieter cousin, beautiful, less hectic, and beloved by those in the know.

I decided to visit both on separate days to get the full picture, but if you only have one day, consider the trade-offs above.

Budget Transportation Options

One of the biggest challenges (and adventures!) of a Great Wall day trip is figuring out how to get there without splurging.

Below I break down the cheapest ways to reach Badaling and Mutianyu, from public buses and trains to official shuttles and budget tours.

My golden rule? Leave early and know your return times, so you’re not stranded when the Wall closes.

Reaching Badaling on a Budget

By Public Bus – The 877 Adventure:

I chose to start my Badaling trip like many budget-conscious travelers: catching the public Bus No. 877. This express bus runs from urban Beijing to Badaling without stops.

It used to depart near Deshengmen, but now starts at Beitucheng Bus Station (reachable via Subway Line 8/10) – essentially the same route, just an updated terminal. I arrived at Beitucheng by 6:20am, and by 7:00am I was on the 877, snagging a window seat among a mix of locals and backpackers.

The fare was an incredible ¥12 one-way (paid by transit card or cash). In about 1.5 hours we were nearing Badaling, the Wall appearing like a stone dragon on the hills.

Tip: The bus runs frequently in the morning (every 10–20 minutes), but be sure to catch the last return bus by ~4 pm (16:00) from Badaling, or you’ll be scrambling for alternatives!

By Train – Fast or Slow:

If buses aren’t your thing, trains offer a cheap and efficient route. Beijing’s modern high-speed trains zip from Beijing North Railway Station (Xizhimen) to Badaling Great Wall Station in as little as 30–40 minutes for about ¥25 each way.

These D- or G-category trains are clean, comfy, and deposit you near the Wall with an escalator up from the futuristic Badaling station (built inside a mountain). I took a high-speed train on my return trip for the experience – and it was impressively fast!.

Tickets can be booked on China Railway’s app or bought at the station (seat reservations required). There’s also the older S2 commuter train from Huangtudian Station (near Huoying metro on Line 13) which costs only ¥7 but runs infrequently.

The S2 is a no-reservation, first-come ride, popular with locals. Keep in mind the S2’s terminus is a bit far from the Wall entrance – you’ll need to hop on a free shuttle bus for the last 1.5 km. Overall, if timing works, high-speed rail is the quickest way to Badaling for just a few yuan more than the bus.

By Official Tourist Bus:

For those who prefer a direct ride from central Beijing, Tourist Bus line is a viable budget-friendly option. The most popular departs Qianmen (historic city center) between 7:00–11:00 am, and goes straight to Badaling in ~2 hours. A round-trip ticket runs about ¥80.

I met a traveler who took this bus: she loved that it was hassle-free and guaranteed a seat. The bus waited at Badaling and left at 2:00 pm for the city return. If you’re staying near Tiananmen/Qianmen, this can save navigating to the 877 stop.

Just note it’s pricier than public bus, and you should buy tickets in advance or arrive early as seats can fill up in peak season (they often depart when full).

Budget Tour Groups:

Many hostels and agencies in Beijing offer day-trip tours to Badaling that are surprisingly cheap – sometimes ¥150–¥300 (∼$20–$40) including transport and an English-speaking guide. How? These tours usually make shopping stops (jade or tea shops) which subsidize the cost.

If you’re on a tight budget, these group tours are an option – just go in knowing you may spend an hour at a silk factory or tea house you hadn’t planned on. I skipped these to maintain flexibility, but they can be good for meeting other travelers.

Look for “no shopping” budget tours (they might cost a bit more but focus only on sightseeing). Whether you DIY or tour it, Badaling’s accessibility is top-notch – it’s no wonder this section is dubbed “the easiest Great Wall to visit” for Beijing travelers.

Reaching Mutianyu on a Budget

Mutianyu’s relative remoteness means getting there cheaply is a bit more complex, but with some planning, it’s very doable (and even fun). I turned the journey into part of the adventure. Here are the main ways:

By Public Transport – 916 Bus + Local Shuttle:

The rock-bottom cheapest route to Mutianyu involves a public bus + local minibus combo. I started at Dongzhimen Transport Hub (Line 2/13 Dongzhimen subway, Exit B).

From the large bus station there, I caught Bus 916 Express towards Huairou, a district town near Mutianyu. The 916快 bus was easy to find (just follow signs or ask for “Huairou”) and cost only ¥12, swiping my transit card. After about 60–70 minutes and 15 stops, I got off at Huairou Beidajie (Huairou North Avenue) as advised.

Here’s where it gets interesting: Mutianyu is still ~17 km away from this point, and there’s no direct public bus all the way. Locals waiting at the stop immediately offered shared minivan rides to the Wall – essentially informal shuttles. I teamed up with two other backpackers and bargained a van for ¥15 each (about ¥45 total) to take us straight to the Mutianyu scenic area entrance.

Alternatively, local mini-bus lines H23, H24, H35, H36 run closer to the Wall for just a few yuan, but they still drop you a few kilometers short of the ticket gate, at a village where you’d then need to either hike or grab a taxi.

Our van ride took another 30 minutes along winding mountain roads, and by around 10:00am we arrived at Mutianyu’s visitor center. In total: I spent under ¥30 one-way (¥12 + split van fare) – incredibly cheap, but about 2.5 hours travel time.

Note: If you do this, beware of touts – at Dongzhimen and Huairou some unofficial drivers might try to corral tourists. Stick to the official 916 bus and only use legit taxis or clearly-marked minibuses for the last leg. Confirm the price before you get in.

Direct Mutianyu Tourist Shuttle Buses:

To simplify things, Beijing has official tourist buses that connect downtown straight to Mutianyu, similar to those for Badaling. The most convenient is a daily shuttle from Dongzhimen (outside Exit C of the subway) leaving at 08:00 and 10:00 each morning.

This bus – sometimes branded “MuBus” – costs ¥80 round-trip (or ¥40 one-way). It takes ~1.5 hours non-stop and drops you right at Mutianyu’s entrance (no extra shuttle needed). I took the 08:00 MuBus on another visit and it was wonderfully straightforward: an air-conditioned coach with an English-speaking attendant offering tips on the Wall.

We arrived by 9:30am. The same bus waited and departed Mutianyu at 3:00pm, getting us back to Dongzhimen by 5:00. There are also tourist buses from Qianmen and other points seasonally – e.g. a Qianmen–Mutianyu line around 7:30am, and one from the Shaoyaoju subway stop at 9:30am – all priced about ¥80 return.

These official shuttles can be booked on the Beijing Tour Hub website (Chinese-only) or often you can just show up early and buy a ticket on-site if seats remain.

For peace of mind in peak season, book a day ahead via your hotel or a travel agent if you can’t navigate the Chinese booking system. Overall, the direct bus option, though pricier than DIY, is a huge time-saver and still budget-friendly. It’s ideal if you want to avoid transit headaches and language barriers.

Low-Cost Tours to Mutianyu:

Like Badaling, Mutianyu is offered in many group tour packages. I chatted with a few travelers who paid around ¥200–¥300 for a day tour to Mutianyu which included bus transport, a guide, and lunch.

These tours tend to skip the shopping stops more than Badaling tours do Mutianyu-focused tours often market to foreigners looking for a better experience. Still, check the itinerary: some “cheap” tours might detour to a jade showroom.

A perk of tours is they sometimes include the cable car or toboggan fee in the price – if you planned to take those, a tour can be cost-effective. Since I enjoy independence, I went by myself, but if you prefer an all-in-one solution, pick a well-reviewed tour (many on TripAdvisor/Viator have feedback from budget travelers).

Local Transport & Getting Back

Whichever way you go, a few general tips for Great Wall transit:

• Start Early: Aim to be on that bus/train as early as possible (first departures). Not only will you beat crowds at the Wall, but you ensure you have plenty of return options. The last public 877 bus from Badaling leaves at 4:00pm, and the last 916 from Huairou back to Beijing is around 7:00pm – miss them and you’re looking at an expensive taxi.

• Download Offline Maps: Cell service can be spotty in the mountains. Download Baidu Maps or an offline map of Beijing region. (Google Maps has limited functionality in China without VPN). Knowing the bus stop locations (e.g. where exactly to catch bus H23 in Huairou, or the path from Badaling bus parking to the entrance) is very helpful.

• Carry Small Cash: Though transit cards and mobile pay are common, have some yuan in small bills. I found my transit card didn’t work on the Huairou mini-bus, so cash was king. Also useful for village shuttles, buying water, etc.

• Be Wary of Scams: Around tourist bus stations, ignore aggressive touts. At Dongzhimen, a man tried to steer me to a “special Great Wall bus” (actually his unlicensed van) – I politely declined and stuck to the official 916 line. Likewise at Badaling’s parking lot, avoid unofficial taxis promising to take you back; go to the marked bus queue or train station. Trust your research and you’ll be fine!

With transportation sorted, let’s talk timing and avoiding the masses – no small feat at one of the world’s most popular attractions.

When to Go and How to Avoid Crowds

Standing on the Great Wall can be a transcendent experience – unless you’re elbow-to-elbow with thousands of other tourists. Here’s how I timed my visits for the most peaceful (and budget-friendly) experience:

Go Off-Peak:

The Great Wall sees huge domestic crowds on Chinese holidays. Avoid “Golden Week” (Oct 1–7) and Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb dates vary) when hordes of travelers flood Badaling.

I visited in mid-September – warm weather and far fewer people. Other ideal months are April, May, or late October for mild weather and gorgeous scenery. If summer is your only option, try to skip the school holiday rush (July–August) – Badaling receives up to 60,000 visitors a day in those months, which is mind-boggling.

Mutianyu, with its larger area and fewer tour groups, remains more bearable on peak days, but it too sees spikes.

Weekend vs Weekday:

Whenever possible, schedule your hike on a weekday. Both sections are significantly quieter Monday–Friday than on Saturdays or Sundays. I went to Badaling on a Tuesday – a deliberate choice – and indeed the wall was still busy, but photos were possible without throngs in every shot.

A friend went on a Sunday and spent more time in a queue for the cable car than on the Wall itself. Lesson learned: if you must do a weekend, start extra early.

Be the Early Bird:

This is my top tip – arrive as early as you can manage. Badaling opens at 6:30am in peak season, Mutianyu around 7:30am. If you can get to the entrance near opening time (which might mean hiring a driver or taking the first train), you’ll have a blissful hour or two virtually to yourself.

Realistically, using the first public bus/train, I got to each site around 9:00am. Even then, the difference was noticeable: tour buses tend to arrive around 10–11am, so that first hour I could sometimes walk a stretch of Mutianyu and only encounter a few other explorers.

By midday, the Wall can feel like a busy city sidewalk, so earlier is better. Late afternoon is another window of relief – many big tours depart by 2–3pm to get back to Beijing.

At Badaling, after 3pm I saw the crowd thinned considerably (though note the site closes by 4:30–5:00pm depending on season). Mutianyu in summer extends hours to 6:00pm, so a 4pm climb could be quite serene too. Just watch the clock for the last shuttle or cable car down.

Use Less-Traveled Paths:

Both Badaling and Mutianyu have well-known crowded spots and relatively quieter areas. At Badaling, most people flock to the North section (toward the famous North 8th Tower, the highest point). I took the contrarian approach: first, I headed south from the main entrance.

The South section is shorter and gentler, and indeed I found it almost empty in the morning. I could savor the views and snap photos without anyone in frame. Later, I tackled the popular North side when most visitors were already descending – it was still busy, but not gridlock.

If you’re fit, you can do both sections like I did (about 4 km total walking). Otherwise, choosing the south route at Badaling is a smart way to avoid the worst crowds; it’s recommended especially for families or seniors as well.

At Mutianyu, tour groups typically take the cable car to tower 14, then walk to 15 or 16 and back. Instead, I hiked from tower 6 (near the chairlift/toboggan) toward tower 1 – a route that saw very few people. Later I went upward toward the higher watchtowers (toward 14) once the morning rush subsided.

Also, if you’re adventurous, beyond Mutianyu’s restored area lies the “wild wall” toward Jiankou (technically off-limits to inexperienced hikers) – needless to say, zero crowds there, but I do not recommend going into unmaintained sections for safety reasons.

Night or Off-Hours: A unique tip – Mutianyu has occasionally offered night tour openings in summer (with watchtowers lit up). If you happen to be around when that’s available, it’s a rare chance to see the Wall after dark with minimal visitors.

It’s more expensive (special ticket ~¥200) and requires own transport, but a memorable off-peak experience. For most, though, sticking to early morning is the easiest way to feel like you have the Great Wall (almost) to yourself.

In summary, timing your trip to avoid the rush not only saves your sanity but is good for your wallet: you won’t be spending on overpriced food in a queue or wasting time (time is money for travelers!).

Next, let’s ensure you’re well-prepared for a full day out on the Wall.

What to Pack for a Day at the Wall

Before setting out, pack smart to save money and keep comfortable. Here’s my checklist tailored to budget travelers:

• Water and Snacks: This is a big one. Bring plenty of water (at least 1–2 bottles per person) and some high-energy snacks (trail mix, fruit, energy bars). On the Wall, a small bottle of water can cost ¥10 or more – three times the city price. I bought two 1.5L bottles at a convenience store in Beijing for ¥5 each and carried them in my daypack. By noon, I was incredibly glad I did; staying hydrated while climbing steps is crucial, and I avoided shelling out extra cash. Similarly, I packed a few sandwiches and oranges, which held me over so I didn’t need to buy the pricey lunch at the tourist café. Packing food also gives you flexibility to picnic on the Wall itself (just be sure to carry out any trash to keep the site clean).

• Good Walking Shoes: You don’t need fancy hiking boots for these restored sections, but wear comfortable, sturdy shoes with good grip. The Wall’s stone steps are uneven and can be very steep (up to 70–80° incline in some parts!), so shoes with support will make your day much more pleasant. I wore broken-in sneakers and my feet thanked me. Definitely avoid heels or smooth-soled shoes – I’ve seen fashion-minded visitors struggle and it’s not worth the risk of slipping.

• Sun & Weather Protection: The mountain weather can be capricious. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat – there’s little shade up on the ramparts, and the sun can be intense even on a cool day. Conversely, if you’re visiting in late fall or winter, have a warm jacket, gloves, and a beanie. The wind on top of the Wall made me shiver in October despite a sunny forecast. A lightweight rain poncho or travel umbrella is also wise in case of sudden showers (rain ponchos are sold on-site, but overpriced). If you go in winter, consider crampons/traction cleats for your shoes if there’s snow or ice – parts of Badaling and Mutianyu can be closed for safety in heavy snow, but minor ice on steps can be navigated more safely with a bit of extra grip (I improvised with a pair of cheap slip-on treads).

• Portable Charger & Phone: Ensure your phone/camera is charged – you’ll be taking lots of photos, and you might need your phone for translation, maps, or that digital bus ticket. I brought a small power bank to recharge my phone on the ride back. Also, consider downloading a translation app or phrasebook in case you need to ask locals for help with transport (though at these tourist sites, basic English is common).

• Cash and Cards: Bring a mix of payment options. While major ticket counters accept cards or mobile payment, small vendors (and some rural shuttle buses) only take cash. Having, say, ¥200 in small bills is plenty for a day if you’ve pre-paid your main transport. I ended up using ¥50 of my cash on impromptu snacks and a local bus ride. If you have a student ID (international student cards are sometimes accepted), pack it – you could get half-price entry at Mutianyu or a discounted cable car ride with valid student ID. It never hurts to ask!

• Light Extras: Tissues or wet wipes (bathrooms at the Wall can run out of toilet paper), a mini first-aid (band-aid for blisters, ibuprofen), and a flag or sign if you want a fun photo. I saw a group of backpackers who brought their country’s flag and took an epic picture atop Mutianyu – not essential, but a cool idea for a memorable shot.

Packing these basics meant I didn’t have to buy anything on-site except the ticket. That’s a win for the budget.

Now, with your bag ready and timing set, the only thing left is to enjoy the Great Wall itself, but not without keeping safety and accessibility in mind as you climb.

Safety & Accessibility Notes

Climbing the Great Wall is thrilling, but it’s also a workout that comes with a few safety considerations, especially for budget travelers who might be going it alone without a guide.

From my personal experience on both sections, here are some safety and accessibility tips:

Steep Slopes and Stairs:

Be prepared – parts of the Wall are incredibly steep. At Mutianyu, for instance, the famed “Hero Slope” near Watchtower 20 has a 80° incline – practically a ladder in parts!.

Badaling’s North Wall similarly climbs sharply to its highest point at tower 8. Always use the handrails where available and take your time, especially going downhill (which is often harder on the knees).

I often paused at each watchtower not only to catch my breath and enjoy the view, but also to give my legs a short break – it’s a marathon, not a sprint. If you have knee issues, consider a knee brace or walking stick (I improvised a walking stick from a tree branch on one winter hike – worked wonders).

Watch Your Step:

The brick and stone steps are uneven – some are tiny 3-inch hops, others are giant knee-high steps. It’s easy to trip if you’re gazing at the scenery (or fiddling with a camera) while walking.

A good rule I follow: when walking, focus on the path; when stopping, then admire the view or take photos. In wet weather, the stones can be slippery – I visited Badaling once after a light rain and saw a few people skid.

That’s where those grippy shoes and slow steps count. In winter, if there’s ice, exercise extreme caution or stick to the sections that have been cleared/gritted (the site authorities do try to remove snow, but thin ice can remain).

Avoid Overexertion:

Climbing the Wall is more tiring than it looks. It will get your heart pumping. I saw a few visitors (of various ages) who had to sit down because they pushed themselves too fast.

Listen to your body – there’s no shame in resting. Both Badaling and Mutianyu have plenty of watchtowers which make convenient rest stops (some even have benches or window ledges to perch on). Carry a snack for a quick energy boost if needed.

If you travel in summer, heat exhaustion is a risk – hence the importance of water, a hat, and not hiking at high noon. I started sweating within minutes on a humid August morning.

Pace yourself, seek shade periodically along the wall’s crenellations, and don’t hesitate to turn back a bit early if you’re feeling spent. The Wall isn’t going anywhere; you can always return another day.

Cable Cars and Alternatives:

For those with limited mobility, fear of heights, or simply limited time, the cable cars and chairlifts are your friends. Badaling has two cable car lines (one to the North 7th tower, one to the South 4th tower) and a pulley lift – these can whisk you up past the steepest parts.

Mutianyu offers a cable car to near tower 14 and an open-air chairlift to tower 6 (with the toboggan slide down from there). Using these can significantly reduce the physical strain and make the Wall accessible to a wider range of visitors.

I took the Mutianyu chairlift up on one trip when I was recovering from a cold – it saved me a tough uphill hike and allowed an older couple in my car to visit the Wall without overexerting (they told me they wouldn’t have managed the stairs otherwise).

The views from the cable cars are fantastic, too. Yes, they cost extra (roughly ¥100–¥140 round-trip), but if it’s in your budget it can be well worth it for safety and comfort.

Note: Even with a cable car, once on the Wall there will still be steps to navigate between towers – wheelchairs cannot roll on the wall itself. However, both sites have viewing platforms near the top of cable car stations where someone with limited mobility can at least step out and see the Wall stretching across the hills.

At Badaling, the China Great Wall Museum near the entrance (free entry) is fully accessible and a great alternative for those who can’t climb much – it offers a rich history and even a virtual Wall experience.

Children and Elderly Travelers:

I saw plenty of families with young kids and seniors conquering the Wall – inspiring, but they took it slow. If you’re with little ones, keep a close hand on them, as there are steep drop-offs on either side of the wall (the barriers are high, but a rambunctious kid could still stumble).

Strollers are not practical on the Wall itself – use a baby carrier or be ready to carry your toddler. Mutianyu is slightly more family-friendly in that it’s less crowded (so you’re not as worried about a child getting lost in a sea of people) and has that gentler section between towers 5 and 8.

Badaling’s south section is also recommended for an easier climb with kids or elders – its slope is milder and it’s shorter, so you can achieve a “Great Wall moment” without a marathon hike.

For seniors, consider visiting on a weekday when crowds are thinner, and definitely use the cable car to avoid the hardest parts. I noticed staff at Mutianyu’s cable car were attentive helping an elderly gentleman on and off.

There are also first aid stations and security personnel periodically along both sections; don’t hesitate to seek assistance if anyone in your party feels unwell.

Stay on the Beaten Path:

It’s tempting for adventurous souls to wander off into the unreconstructed “wild” portions of the Wall that extend beyond the official tourist areas. While those sections (like Jiankou adjacent to Mutianyu, or the far sides of Badaling) look enticing, don’t stray past the open, restored area – the wild Wall has crumbling stones, no safety railings, and is off-limits for good reason.

I met a traveler at my hostel who tried a wild Wall hike and ended up with a nasty cut and a torn jacket from a loose brick – not the souvenir you want. Similarly, avoid any closed sections or areas marked with no entry signs. Stick to where the crowds (or at least the maintained path) are – that’s part of being a smart budget traveler, not having to pay for medical care or rescue!

Emergency Prep:

It’s highly unlikely you’ll face any serious issues on these well-managed Wall sections, but a little preparation never hurts. Carry the emergency numbers (in China, 911 won’t work; it’s 110 for police, 120 for ambulance – have a note of these).

Also, have the name of the Wall section in Chinese written down in case you need local help (Badaling = 八达岭 Bādálǐng, Mutianyu = 慕田峪 Mùtiányù). Cell coverage on the Wall is surprisingly decent (I had signal at most towers), but can drop in low spots. If you’re solo, let someone know your plan for the day.

By following these safety pointers, I felt secure and could truly enjoy my time up there. There’s nothing like the feeling of sitting on an ancient stone battlement, catching your breath, and gazing out at the Wall winding endlessly into the distance. With basic precautions, that experience is very safe and accessible to anyone with the will to climb a bit.

Conclusion

As I rode back to Beijing in the golden late-afternoon light, dusty, tired, but immensely satisfied, I reflected on how rich this day had been. And not rich in the monetary sense: in fact, I spent less than ¥200 ($30) total on the day trip.

Instead, it was rich in experiences – the thrill of finally standing on the Great Wall after years of dreaming, the friendly chat with a local grandpa who shared a boiled egg with me at Mutianyu’s summit, the jaw-dropping views that no photo can truly capture, and even the comedic misadventure of almost boarding the wrong bus on the way home (a story for another time!).

Both Badaling and Mutianyu proved to me that a “touristy” destination can still feel deeply personal. I have memories at each that are uniquely mine, from watching the mist lift off the hills at Badaling early in the morning, to laughing in delight as I zoomed down Mutianyu’s alpine toboggan slide with the wind in my hair.

Happy travels, and enjoy the Wall!