Badaling vs Mutianyu: Which Great Wall Section Is Less Crowded?
If you’re planning a visit to the Great Wall of China, one of the first questions you’ll face is: Which section should I go to? Badaling and Mutianyu are two of the most famous and easily accessible sections, but they are also the most crowded.
In this guide, we’ll compare Badaling vs Mutianyu, share tips to avoid crowds, and help you decide the best section for your private Great Wall tour from Beijing.
For a more detailed guide on how to visit the Great Wall of China without the crowds, check out our pillar post here.
1. Overview of Badaling
Pros:
l Most famous and easily accessible from Beijing
l Fully restored and very safe for all travelers
l Amenities: cable cars, restaurants, souvenir shops
Cons:
l Extremely crowded, especially on weekends and holidays
l Tourist-heavy, less authentic Wall experience
l Lines for cable cars and entry can be long
Best For:
l Travelers with limited time
l Families with children or seniors needing easier walking paths
Crowd Tips:
l Visit early morning before 9 AM or late afternoon
l Go off-season (November–March)
2. Overview of Mutianyu
Pros:
l Less crowded than Badaling, but still fully restored
l Scenic landscapes and picturesque watchtowers
l Options: cable cars, chairlifts, and toboggan down
Cons:
l Slightly more expensive than Badaling
l Still can be busy on weekends and holidays
Best For:
l Travelers looking for a scenic experience with fewer crowds
l Families, photographers, and those looking for a moderately peaceful Wall
Crowd Tips:
l Early morning visits help avoid day tours
l Weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends
3. Crowd Comparison: Badaling vs Mutianyu
| Feature | Badaling | Mutianyu |
|---|---|---|
| Crowds | Very crowded | Moderate |
| Accessibility | Very easy | Easy |
| Restoration | Fully restored | Fully restored |
| Amenities | Shops, restaurants, cable car | Shops, restaurants, cable car, toboggan |
| Best For | First-time visitors, seniors | Families, photographers, scenic seekers |
Verdict:
l If you want minimum crowds, Mutianyu is better than Badaling.
l For a truly quiet Wall experience, consider Jinshanling, Simatai, or Gubeikou, as highlighted in our pillar post on visiting the Great Wall without crowds.
4. Tips for a Peaceful Visit
l Go early or late: Beat day tours and enjoy the Wall at your own pace
l Avoid Chinese public holidays: Golden Week, Labor Day, Spring Festival
l Use a private guide: A private Great Wall tour from Beijing ensures you visit at the optimal time and even access quieter parts of the section
Book a private Great Wall tour to skip the crowds and maximize your experience. Our guides at Leo’s Private Tour know the best times and secret access points for a peaceful visit.
5. Insider Advice
l Photography: Mutianyu offers more scenic views and fewer people in your shots
l Hiking: If you want a longer, less crowded hike, consider combining Jiankou + Mutianyu
l Family-friendly: Mutianyu’s cable cars and safer paths make it ideal for families
Plan Your Peaceful Great Wall Experience
If you want to enjoy the Great Wall without crowds, our private Great Wall tours from Beijing are designed to take you to quieter sections, at the best times, with expert local guides.
Contact Leo’s Private Tour today to create your custom itinerary!
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