Worth Visiting 2 Sections of the Great Wall?

Question

We are first timers to China. We have 2 boys, age 9 and 15. No elderly. Would like to ask if it will be "too much" visiting 2 different parts of the Wall within a relative short time in Beijing.

We arrive in Beijing on a 6+am flight. We are thinking to engage a driver to bring us to Mutianyu which we should arrive around lunchtime. The toboggan would be unique experience for the kids benefit. We then head to Gubei Water Town for 1 night. In the evening we have the night view of the Simatai section and again early next morning for some pics with minimum crowd.

While I've read that the sections are different, am looking for opinions whether I should just choose one section (which one) and whether this plan involves too much travelling from airport to Mutianyu to Gubei. This will be the last week of Nov so not sure if the colours and the cold would affect this consideration.

After Gubei we have 3 more nights in Beijing for the other sights, followed by 1 night in Pingyao, 3 nights in Xian and 3 nights in Chongqing. Thanks all.

Answer

Visiting two sections of the Great Wall in a short period in Beijing is feasible, especially since you are traveling with children who are relatively young and fit. Your plan—Mutianyu in the afternoon and Gubei Water Town/Simatai in the evening and next morning—can work, but there are some considerations regarding travel time, weather, and energy levels.

Travel and timing considerations:

Arriving at Beijing airport around 6+am, you will need to factor in immigration, luggage, and travel time to Mutianyu. The drive is roughly 1.5–2 hours, so arriving around lunchtime is realistic.
Mutianyu is suitable for families with children. The toboggan ride is indeed a highlight and a fun way to descend the wall, which can make the hike more enjoyable for your boys.
After Mutianyu, driving to Gubei Water Town takes about 1–1.5 hours. You can spend the evening exploring the town and enjoying the night view of Simatai, which is illuminated at night. This allows you to capture night photos with minimal crowd.
The next morning, visiting Simatai early gives you quieter views and cooler temperatures, which is perfect for photography and avoiding tourist crowds. The section is more rugged than Mutianyu, so take care with children, especially on steep parts.

Weather and seasonal considerations:

Late November in Beijing can be cold, with temperatures ranging from 0–10°C. Both Mutianyu and Simatai can be windy, so dress in layers and bring warm hats and gloves.
Autumn colors will mostly be fading by late November, so you may not experience vibrant fall foliage. However, the walls themselves and surrounding mountains still provide impressive scenery.

Alternative approach if concerned about time and energy:

Focus on just one Great Wall section to reduce travel stress. Mutianyu is more family-friendly with restored sections, cable cars, and toboggan, making it ideal for children.
If you want a combination of scenery and experience, your current plan works but consider reducing hiking intensity at Simatai or only walking selected segments.
Some families opt to skip the night visit and stay in Mutianyu area, returning to Beijing directly, which saves an overnight in Gubei and reduces logistical complexity.

Summary:

Your plan is ambitious but doable, particularly with a private driver to manage transportation. Mutianyu is excellent for kids, while Simatai offers unique photo opportunities and night views. Prepare for cold weather, manage hiking distances, and ensure the children are comfortable with early starts. If minimizing travel and maximizing comfort is a priority, visiting only Mutianyu might be the better choice, but your original plan offers a richer experience of two distinct sections of the Great Wall.

Worth Visiting 2 Sections of the Great Wall?

More Beijing Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions