Hiking – Beijing

In the mountains north of Beijing, restored and wild sections of the Great Wall invite hikers. In the city, parks such as Jingshan, Beihai and the Summer Palace offer easy, scenic walks.

Map

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Places

  1. Mutianyu Great Wall

    Outside the city – about 1.5 hours

    A well-restored, forested and relatively quiet section of the Great Wall.

    Category
    Trail
    Duration
    4 h
    Price
    $$
    Best time
    Spring and autumn
    Distance
    4 km
    Difficulty
    Moderate
    Time
    3 h
    Starting point
    Mutianyu cable car / visitor center
    Elevation gain
    350 m

    Tip: Arrange a day tour or private car to reach the Great Wall.

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  2. Badaling Great Wall

    Outside the city – about 1.5 hours

    The most visited and easily reached Great Wall section, with broad stairs.

    Category
    Trail
    Duration
    3.5 h
    Price
    $$
    Best time
    Weekday mornings
    Distance
    3.5 km
    Difficulty
    Moderate
    Time
    2.5 h
    Starting point
    Badaling railway station (S2 line)
    Elevation gain
    300 m

    Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds.

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  3. Summer Palace Kunming Lake

    A long walk along Kunming Lake, the Long Corridor and Longevity Hill.

    Category
    Lake
    Duration
    4 h
    Price
    $$
    Best time
    Weekday mornings
    Distance
    8 km
    Difficulty
    Easy
    Time
    3 h
    Starting point
    Summer Palace east gate
    Elevation gain
    120 m

    Tip: Buy tickets online in advance.

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  4. Fragrant Hills Park

    Outside the city – about 0.75 hours

    A hilly park with trails, famous for red leaves in autumn.

    Category
    Mountain
    Duration
    3 h
    Price
    $
    Best time
    September to November
    Distance
    6 km
    Difficulty
    Moderate
    Time
    3 h
    Starting point
    Fragrant Hills Park north gate
    Elevation gain
    500 m

    Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds.

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  5. Jingshan Park

    An imperial park whose short climb gives a view over the Forbidden City roofs.

    Category
    Viewpoint
    Duration
    1 h
    Price
    $
    Best time
    Sunset
    Distance
    1.2 km
    Difficulty
    Easy
    Time
    1 h
    Starting point
    Jingshan Park south gate
    Elevation gain
    45 m

    Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds.

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  6. Shichahai Lakes Walk

    An evening walk linking hutongs, old homes and the lakes.

    Category
    Lake
    Duration
    1.5 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Evening
    Distance
    5 km
    Difficulty
    Easy
    Time
    1.5 h
    Starting point
    Yinding Bridge (Houhai)
    Elevation gain
    10 m

    Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds.

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  7. Beihai Park Loop

    An easy stroll around the lake and the White Dagoba.

    Category
    Lake
    Duration
    2 h
    Price
    $
    Best time
    Morning
    Distance
    3 km
    Difficulty
    Easy
    Time
    1.5 h
    Starting point
    Beihai Park south gate
    Elevation gain
    40 m

    Tip: A small fee applies; have mobile payment ready.

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  8. Olympic Forest Park

    Beijing's largest urban green space, with lakes and running trails.

    Category
    Park
    Duration
    2 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Morning
    Distance
    10 km
    Difficulty
    Easy
    Time
    3 h
    Starting point
    South gate (Olympic Park metro)
    Elevation gain
    60 m

    Tip: Bring plenty of water and sun protection.

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Last updated:

Please verify with official sources before your visit.

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