The Great Wall stretches for thousands of kilometres across northern China, but most visitors to Beijing see one of three accessible sections. Badaling is the closest and most restored — also the most crowded. Mutianyu offers a more dramatic landscape and a toboggan ride back down, which sounds gimmicky but is genuinely fun. Jinshanling is the wildest of the three, partially unrestored and far less visited, but requires more time and a hardier hike. A typical day trip from the city takes about eight hours door to door. Most hotels can arrange a private driver for around 600 RMB; the public bus from Dongzhimen is significantly cheaper but slower. Bring water, sun protection, and proper shoes — the steps are uneven and steep in places. The wall in winter, with snow on the watchtowers, is a sight worth braving the cold for. In spring and autumn the weather is most forgiving.