While the Great Wall stretches over 6,000 kilometers, the top 10 sections worth visiting are primarily located north and east of Beijing: 1) Mutianyu, the best-preserved section, 2) Jinshanling, renowned for its stunning scenery, 3) Jiankou, the most rugged, 4) Simatai, 5) Huanghuacheng, 6) Gubeikou, 7) Juyongguan, 8) Huangyaguan, 9) Shanhaiguan, and 10) Badaling, known for being the most visited.

1. Mutianyu - The Most Impressive Fully-Restored Section of the Great Wall

The Mutianyu section is one of the most visited by international tourists and is especially suitable for families with children.

▪ Location: 73 kilometers (45 miles) from Beijing, approximately a 1½-hour drive

▪ Features: Mutianyu is a prime example of the Great Wall’s fortifications, with closely spaced watchtowers and fortresses, and crenellations on both sides. It is a popular destination, having been visited by First Lady Michelle Obama.

▪ Activities: Sightseeing, hiking

▪ Tour Duration: Half a day

▪ Facilities: Cable cars or chairlifts to ascend/descend, and a toboggan ride for a fun descent.

2. Jinshanling - The Most Popular Great Wall Hiking Route

The Jinshanling section is part of the famous hiking trail that connects Jinshanling to Simatai. This section of the Great Wall is a blend of both restored and wild areas, offering some of the most scenic views.

▪ Location: 154 kilometers (96 miles) from Beijing, about a 2–3 hour drive

▪ Features: A combination of restored and wild sections, providing a peaceful atmosphere with breathtaking views of the Wall winding through the landscape.

▪ Activities: Hiking, photography

▪ Tour Duration: A full day

▪ Facilities: Cable car available for easier access to certain areas.

3. Jiankou - The Wildest and Most Challenging Section

The Jiankou section is known for its rugged, untouched condition and extreme steepness, making it the most perilous section of the Great Wall.

▪ Location: 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Beijing, approximately a 3-hour drive.

▪ Features: Completely unspoiled and wild, Jiankou offers sections that are steep and treacherous. It stretches along mountain ridges in a distinctive "W" shape.

▪ Activities: Photography, intense hiking

▪ Tour Duration: A full day

▪ Facilities: None available

4. Simatai - Ideal for a Night Tour

The Simatai section showcases various unique features of the Great Wall and offers the chance to experience a night tour.

▪ Location: 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Beijing, around 2–3 hours' drive.

▪ Features: Steep and impressive, Simatai was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1987. The red leaves in autumn create a stunning view.

▪ Activities: Hiking, photography

▪ Facilities: Cable cars, battery carts, boat rides

5. Huanghuacheng - A Unique Combination of Wall and Water Views

The Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall is famous for its harmonious mix of lake views and ancient wall structures.

▪ Location: 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Beijing, about 1½ hours' drive.

▪ Features: Some sections of the wall are submerged in water, and there is a 500-year-old chestnut orchard from the Ming Dynasty at the base of the wall.

▪ Activities: Hiking, camping (recommended from May to September)

▪ Facilities: Cruise boats

6. Gubeikou - Untamed Wall and Historic Battle Ground

▪ Location: 146 kilometers (90 miles) from Beijing, approximately 2 hours' drive.

▪ Features: Gubeikou is an unrestored, wild section of the Wall that once guarded a key pass to Beijing from the northern Mongol territories. It was the site of over 130 historic battles.

▪ Activities: Hiking

▪ Facilities: None

7. Juyongguan - A Majestic Great Wall Fortress

▪ Location: 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Beijing, around 1½ hours' drive.

▪ Features: Located closest to Beijing, this section is wheelchair accessible, making it ideal for travelers with mobility challenges. As one of the most formidable forts defending ancient Beijing, it holds historical significance, with Genghis Khan having led his forces through Juyong Pass during his conquest of China.

▪ Activities: Hiking

▪ Typical Tour Duration: 1½–2 hours

8. Huangyaguan - Home to the Annual Great Wall Marathon

▪ Location: Ji County, Tianjin, approximately 3 hours' drive from Beijing.

▪ Features: Huangyaguan is famous for hosting the Great Wall Marathon each May, attracting runners from around the world.

▪ Typical Tour Duration: 2–3 hours

▪ Facilities: Sightseeing buses to the mountain top

9. Shanhaiguan - Where the Great Wall Meets the Sea

▪ Location: Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, about 3½ hours' drive from Beijing.

▪ Features: Shanhaiguan was a key strategic pass in the Great Wall, serving as a frontier defense against the Manchus. It marks the eastern end of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, where the Wall meets the sea.

▪ Tour Duration: One day

10. Badaling - The Most Visited Section by Chinese Tourists

▪ Location: 72 kilometers (45 miles) from Beijing, about 2 hours' drive.

▪ Features: As the most popular section for Chinese tourist groups, Badaling tends to be very crowded.

▪ Facilities: Cable cars, Great Wall Museum, circular-screen cinema, and some wheelchair access.

▪ Tour Duration: Half a day.