Planning a visit to the Great Wall of China? Hereās your comprehensive guide on how to get to the Wild Wall from Beijingāpacked with local insights, transport tips, and suggestions for unforgettable adventures.
1. Choose Your Section: Wild or Semi-Wild?
The Great Wall spans hundreds of miles across northern China, and not all sections are created equal.
- Wild Wall (like Gubeikou or Jiankou): Unrestored, dramatic, and far from the crowds. Perfect for adventurers and photographers.
- Restored Wall (like Badaling or Mutianyu): Easy access, but often packed with tourists and tour buses.
f youāre looking for a more authentic and local experience, we highly recommend the Wild Wall. In fact, itās where we take most of our guests!
2. Getting There: The Easy Way š
Yes, you can get to the Great Wall on your ownājust be prepared for a bit of a logistical puzzle.
Option 1: Public Transit + Taxi
- š Subway + Bus: Take Line 13 or 15 to the outskirts of Beijing, then transfer to a long-distance bus toward Miyun or Gubeikou. Expect a 2ā3 hour journey one way.
- š Taxi or DiDi: Ride-hailing is an option, but it can be priceyāoften over 600 RMB one way, especially during peak seasons or weekends.
If that sounds like a lot of moving pieces, youāre not wrong.
3. Want the Easy, Local Way?
The most convenientāand funāoption is to join a group or private hike with Our Beijing.
Hereās why itās a no-brainer:
- š Private round-trip van from downtown Beijing directly to the Wall
- š§ Local, bilingual guides who share history and help navigate
- š„Ŗ Snacks and water provided, with time to rest and take photos
- š Dog-friendly options for your four-legged travel companions
- š„ Optional photo & video edits so you can relive the moment
4. What to Expect on the Trail
A typical Wild Wall hike involves:
- Hiking through forest, mountain ridge, and unrestored Wall sections
- Spectacular views, with very few tourists
- Nature immersionābirdsong, ancient stones, and quiet paths
- Some steep sections: not recommended for very young kids or those with mobility issues
Worried about your fitness level? No problemāwe offer different trail options based on your energy and pace!
5. What to Pack
You donāt need a lot, but here are our essentials:
- š Good walking shoes or hiking boots
- š Day pack
- š§ Refillable water bottle (weāll help you top it up)
- š§„ Layered clothing (the mountains can get breezy)
- š§¢ Hat and sunscreen
- š± Fully charged phone for photosāor just unplug and enjoy
Pro tip: We recommend packing light so you can move freely and enjoy the trail.āØ
Why the Wild Wall Is Worth It
- ā
No lines or selfie sticks
- ā
Real nature, real quiet
- ā
Deeper connection with Beijingās mountain culture
- ā
A story youāll remember for life
Weāve hosted everyone from first-timers to lifelong hikers. Whether youāre solo, with friends, or part of a company group, the Wild Wall never disappoints.š
Want to skip the logistics and just enjoy the Great Wall the local way? Weād love to take you there.
ā”ļø Click here to join a Wild Wall & Mountain Hike and discover a side of Beijing most visitors miss.
Back to blog
