My extended family of 17 people is planning an extension night in Beijing on 31 Dec 2010 after our trip to Harbin. The tour is putting us at Dongcheng District and we intend to visit the Great Wall on 30 or 31 Dec. Understand that it will be very cold and the Mutianyu section is more scenic than Badaling. Pls advise how to get to the Mutianyu section. Is it accessible and convenient to use the bus route (did not want to follow day tour as they will bring us to Badaling, the jade factory, etc which is a waste of time). How long is the journey ?

Secondly, since it is so cold, do we have to wear boots ? Will wearing normal track shoes be unbearable in the cold weather ?

Any advice appreciated. Thanks.