Badaling and Mutianyu are the two most visited
Great Wall sections. Both are well-preserved, and well equipped for visitors' convenience. Which one should I visit if I have limited time? The answer is that Badaling is a must-see for first-time visitors to China and recommended on normal days, while Mutianyu is popular among foreigners and a good choice during holidays.
Here are their differences and similarities to help you make a final decision.
- Badaling
- Best-preserved
- Favored by domestic & int'l travelers
- Too crowded to visit on some holidays
- Cable car and pulley are available
- Direct public transport from Beijing
vs
- Mutianyu
- Well-preserved
- Popular among foreign visitors
- OK to visit on holidays
- Cable car and slide way are equipped
- Need transfer from downtown Beijing
Mutianyu is longer; Badaling is wider.
Mutianyu surpasses Badaling in length, making it an ideal choice for those eager to go hiking in depth. The accessible part of Mutianyu measures 5.4 kilometers (3.36 miles), while Badaling extends for 3.74 kilometers (2.3 miles).
In terms of width, Badaling is broader and presents a more spectacular sight. It has a width ranging from 4.5 to 5.8 meters (5 to 6 yards), whereas Mutianyu's width is 4 to 5 meters (4 to 5.5 yards).
 | | The Longer Mutianyu Graet Wall | |  | | The Wider Badaling Great Wall | |
Badaling is more easily reached by public transport than Mutianyu.
How to get to the Great Wall makes little difference to group travelers, but it means a lot to independent travelers. When it comes to accessibility, the Badaling Great Wall offers a plethora of direct public transportation alternatives, including the high-speed train, regular buses, tourist buses, and the S2 train. These options not only provide enhanced convenience but also expand the range of choices for travelers. In contrast, as of now, there is no direct public transportation available to the Mutianyu Great Wall. The most convenient approach presently is to board a tourist bus from the city center, albeit with relatively fewer options compared to Badaling.Detailed in:How to Get to Badaling from Downtown BeijingHow to reach Mutianyu from Downtown Beijing Badaling is more difficult to climb than Mutianyu.
Badaling presents a steeper slope, posing a greater challenge to climbers and making the ascent to the summit a more arduous task. On the other hand, Mutianyu features relatively gentle terrain, which lessens the climbing difficulty and renders it relatively straightforward to reach the top.
 | | The Steeper Badaling Great Wall | |  | | The Flatter Mutianyu Great Wall | |
Badaling has been restored more than Mutianyu.
Badaling has seen extensive renovations, leading to some walls and watchtowers taking on a new look. This has indeed increased the convenience for tourists but has also, to some extent, reduced the historical charm. In contrast, Mutianyu has focused on preservation during restoration, retaining a more authentic and rustic feel. The weathered bricks and mottled walls here tell the story of its long and rich history.
Badaling is overcrowded, while Mutianyu is less crowded.
Badaling attracts a staggering 70% of all Great Wall visitors, dwarfing the numbers seen at other sections. It is especially swamped during holidays, with throngs of people making it a congested destination. In contrast, Mutianyu Great Wall enjoys a relatively sparse stream of visitors, guaranteeing a delightful and unhurried experience throughout the year. Even on public holidays, one can leisurely savor the scenery without the hustle and bustle, allowing for a more serene and enjoyable visit.
 | | Badaling during the holidays | |  | | Mutianyu during the holidays | |
Both are well-equipped with sound facilities for visitors' convenience.
At Badaling, there are two cableways: the North Cableway and the South Cableway. Additionally, visitors can ride on the exciting pulley. At Mutianyu, visitors can ride on the cableway. Also, they can descend by slideway, which is quite thrilling. Both sections are equipped with handrails for visitors' convenience and safety. Differently, Badaling Great Wall is equipped with more commercial facilities, such as restaurants, souvenir shops, and cinemas, so that tourists can have a more diverse tour experience.
 | | Carble car, Badaling | |  | | Slideway on Mutianyu Great Wall | |
Read more:
Badaling Great Wall Cable Car vs. SlidewayVisiting the Mutianyu Great Wall: Toboggan, Cable Car, or Chairlift? Badaling is more famous than Mutianyu.
The Badaling Great Wall enjoys greater renown compared to the Mutianyu Great Wall. This is due in part to its frequent appearance in films and historical records, which has significantly enhanced its visibility. Moreover, over 500 leaders from various countries have visited it, further bolstering its reputation. Consequently, if your aim is to visit the section of the Great Wall that most emblematically “represents” it, Badaling would be the preferred option.
Nevertheless, the Mutianyu Great Wall is steadily growing in popularity among foreign tourists. Its appeal lies in the stunning natural beauty that surrounds it and the profound “historical sense” it exudes, offering tourists an opportunity to feel the original Great Wall.
The natural scenery of Mutianyu is more beautiful than that of Badaling.
Mutianyu excels in natural scenery, with a vegetation coverage rate of 96%. This gives it an edge over Badaling in terms of the beauty and tranquility of the surrounding environment.
Make your final decision.
All in all, when deciding between the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall in China or Badaling, it is crucial to carefully weigh your preferences.
If you prefer a more serene, natural, and historically rich experience and want to avoid crowded tourists, the Mutianyu Great Wall is an ideal choice. However, if convenience and accessibility are your top priorities, and you want to experience the bustling popular attractions and convenient facilities, the Badaling Great Wall is an unmissable classic choice.
- Last updated on Jan. 22, 2025 by Sherry Xia -