Great Wall Itinerary -- Jinshanling & Jiankou/Mutianyu?

Question

If I have 2 days to visit the Great Wall, what would be best?

I planned to spend a day at Jinshanling, and then a separate day hiking from Jiankou to Mutianyu.

Are there better sections to see than those?

Thanks

Answer

If you have 2 days to explore the Great Wall, your plan to visit Jinshanling for one day and hike from Jiankou to Mutianyu on another day is quite solid, as it covers both restored and wild sections, offering a mix of scenery, history, and challenge.

Day 1: Jinshanling

Jinshanling is a partially restored section, famous for its watchtowers, beautiful scenery, and relative tranquility compared to Badaling. It is suitable for moderate hiking and photography.

Pros: Scenic views, less crowded, well-preserved watchtowers, good for photography.
Cons: Can be chilly and windy, limited facilities, you may need to hire a local guide or driver to reach the trailhead.

Day 2: Jiankou to Mutianyu

This route is one of the most famous hikes: Jiankou is wild and rugged, while Mutianyu is fully restored with cable car access. The combination gives you a sense of adventure as well as comfort at the end.

Pros: Dramatic and photogenic wild Wall at Jiankou, smoother walk down to Mutianyu with cable car, good for adventurous hikers.
Cons: Jiankou is challenging and can be dangerous in sections; requires proper footwear and caution. Not ideal for beginners or in wet weather.

Alternative Options

Simatai: Another partially restored section, known for its steep climbs and excellent night tours. Less crowded than Jinshanling and can combine well with Jinshanling for two days if you prefer more adventure.
Huanghuacheng: Scenic section with lakes, good for moderate hiking. Less touristy, easier than Jiankou, but not as iconic for photography.
Badaling: Fully restored, easy access from Beijing, very crowded, mainly suitable if you have limited time and want convenience.

Overall, your plan of Jinshanling + Jiankou to Mutianyu is excellent for a 2-day itinerary, balancing scenic beauty, adventure, and accessibility. Make sure to start early both days, bring plenty of water, snacks, and check weather conditions, especially for the Jiankou section.