Spending 10 days in Beijing

Question

Hi I am trying to plan a solo trip to beijing.

First I would like to enquire if it is at all possible to spend 10 days in Beijing and go to JSL and Mutiamyu Great Wall by public transport

I just read a post that say it is not easy .

Wonder if anyone has done it and can help me.

Once I know it can be done using public transport then I can plan my itinery and trip.

My aim in Beijing is to,spend 2 to 3 days visiting the forbidden city slowly as I know it is both crowded and big and a lot of walking. I just want to see forbidden city at my own pace.

I was there a long time ago via a tour group. We only spend 30 mins there.

I visit some websites that merely tell me to join a day tour to the Great Wall.

Hope someone who have done it can guide me.

Thank you

Regds

Ysh

Answer

Yes, it is definitely possible to spend 10 days in Beijing and visit both the Juyong Pass (JSL) and Mutianyu sections of the Great Wall using public transport. While many guides suggest joining organized tours for convenience, independent travel is feasible with some planning.

Public Transport to the Great Wall:

Mutianyu: Take a bus from Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station in Beijing to Huairou, then transfer to local buses or a taxi to Mutianyu. Alternatively, some travelers take the airport shuttle from Dongzhimen to Mutianyu. The journey usually takes 1.5–2 hours one way.
Juyong Pass (JSL): This is closer to Beijing. You can take subway Line 13 to Longze Station and then a short taxi or bus ride to the Wall entrance. The trip is around 1–1.5 hours from central Beijing.

Tips for Visiting the Forbidden City:

Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and take your time exploring the palace complex.
Consider splitting your visit over two days if you want a relaxed pace, as it is a large area with extensive walking.
Bring comfortable shoes and a stroller or mobility aid if needed; the main courtyards are quite walkable, though some steps may be steep.

General Travel Tips for Public Transport:

Use a Beijing Transportation Smart Card (Yikatong) or mobile payment via Alipay/WeChat for buses and subways.
For Great Wall trips, check the latest bus schedules in advance, as departure times can change seasonally.
If you prefer, you can also book a private driver or ride-hailing service for a day, which can save time but costs more.

Overall, with careful planning, public transport is sufficient for a 10-day independent Beijing itinerary. You can spend several days exploring central Beijing (Forbidden City, Tiananmen, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace) and allocate separate day trips for Mutianyu and Juyong Pass.

Additionally, public transport in Beijing is reliable and extensive, so combining subway, bus, and occasional taxis is practical for both city sightseeing and day trips.

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