I just learned that there are several sections of the Great Wall which can be visited from Beijing.

Jinshanling is my favorite section. It's not as crowded and you get get awesome views of the wall. If the chair lift is running, you can take that up. If you head to the right up on the wall, it's unrestored and eventually you can walk any further due to a military zone. Mutianyu is also a good section to visit but more touristy (shuttle bus takes you up to the cable car and chair lift section). I would do the cable car up (one way) hike to the right, and take the toboggan down. Have fun! Each section of the wall is different which makes visiting the different parts fun!

Hello Bre,

Thanks for the helpful information. Do you know how I can get from downtown Beijing to Jinshanling section? For instance can I go by public transportation or on a coach bus tour to Jinshanling?

Paul (Canada)

According to the official website, you can catch the tourist express at the bus stop on the opposite of East Wangjing Metro Station. This bus departs at 08:00 and return back from the scenic spot at 15:00. Notably, there is only one shuttle every day.
By the way, I have noticed that this scenic spot has been closed temporarily since June 1st, 2017, and the opening time is unsettled.

Hello Ann,

Thanks for all of your help and taking the time to respond to my questions.

I will try and get to a few different sections of the Great Wall of China. Are there any other sections that you would recommend I see? If so, what is the best way to travel there from downtown?

To my experience, you are advised to visit the Badaling, Mutianyu or Simatai Great Wall.
Badaling Great Wall is the most representative and popular section of the Great Wall of China, which is the best preserved section of steep landscape.
Mutianyu Great Wall has quite dense watchtowers. Besides, it has battlements built on both sides of the wall, which is different from the most Great Wall sections which only have battlements on one side.
Simatai Great Wall is the only section which keeps the original appearance of Ming Great Wall. This Great Wall is quite diverse in the forms of single face wall, double face wall and trapezoidal wall…
Most People will visit the Badaling Great Wall when they first arrive in China. You may choose the one you like.

Hello Ann,

Thanks again for your detailed reply.

Do you know of any (shuttle) buses or escorted day tours that go to these sections of the Great Wall from downtown area? Any information that you could provide me with would be most appreciated.

Well, Paul. I have been there once accompanied by TravelChinaGuide and they did provided me a wonderful day trip. If you are interested, you may connect them by traveltravelchinaguide.com.
Best wishes!

Greetings Ann,

Thanks for all of the information that you provided to me. Wishing you the very best in your future travels. Have a wonderful summer!