I've not been to Badaling, but I cant say enough positive things about Mutianyu. The weather was perfect and the views spectacular. Be aware though, to truly see this site in all its splendor, you have to walk up a very long and very steep section of the wall. I wasn't sure I'd make it all the way but I did. It was totally worth it. Highly recommended!
Arrived here early in the morning and went upto the wall by gondola. Last area of this section of the wall to the left as you look at it from bottom is very steep with uneven steps.
Shops selling souvenirs and places to eat are at the bottom as well as the squat style toilets
As per my title, no words for this attraction, of course a must see in China and more in particular in Beijing, but be prepared to a long and tough walk/climb, We did in the heat of August but luckily the sky was overcast, so tey to choose the roght season and climate and enjoy this unique place
Flying from Tokyo to Germany, I was offered a short stop-over in Bejing of 3 hours or a longer one of 13 hours. We went for the latter, so that we could visit Bejing. We arranged for a private tour guide through an acquantance : Beijing Brother (Tom Dong - Guide and driver / email can be obtained ) who waited for us at the airport and drove us through Bejing and to the Great Wall for 11 hours at a cheap 150 euros (car, highway-toll,etc...incl.). That's a mere 12 euro/hour for a family of 4 people! The city is what it is : like it or hate it. Coming from polite, well-disciplined Japan it was quite a contrast, and I must admit that I did not like it very much ( but of course the "rush" and the short time prevented us from forming a more in-depth opinion). But what struck me was chaos, unruliness, and rudeness. What a contrast with the second part of our trip : the Wall. It was more glorious, more beautiful and more amazing than I couold have imagined. No wonder it appears in the short list of Wonders of the World. I can only recommend it as the No.1 thing to do, when (briefly) in Beijing. (By the way : if you are on stop-over shorter than 72 hours you can apply for a short-visit visum at the airport - free of charge).
Only got to spend two hours in the wall however very impressed. Walked from station six to station 14 and back. Very arduous in 35+ degrees Celsius temperature and 90% humidity. Views are amazing and the history associated with the wall is incredible. Definitely recommend.
