Day Trips from Beijing: Ming Tombs, the Great Wall & More — Which Is Worth It? (2026)

Once you’ve done the city-center sights, the best of Beijing is just outside it. Here are the day trips that actually earn a day of your trip — and how to combine them smartly.

#1 — The Great Wall (do this one for sure)

The Great Wall is the day trip. For most visitors Mutianyu is the best section — iconic views, fewer crowds, a cable car up and a toboggan down — about 1.5–2 hours each way by car, making the whole outing 5–6 hours. Badaling is closer (~1–1.5 hours) and easiest by public transport, but it’s the most crowded section.

Treat the Wall as your only big activity that day. (We have a full Mutianyu-vs-Badaling guide if you’re deciding.)

#2 — The Ming Tombs (great as an add-on)

The Ming Tombs (Changling) are the burial complex of 13 Ming emperors, out in Changping District. You can descend into the underground palace at the Dingling tomb. On their own they’re a moderate draw — but they sit on the way to the Great Wall, so they’re usually combined with a Great Wall day trip.

• Best move: pair the Ming Tombs with Mutianyu or Badaling in a single full day — most tours and drivers offer exactly this combo.
• Solo? If you’re choosing only one, the Wall wins; add the Tombs only if you have the appetite for a long day.

How to combine them in one day

A classic, efficient day:

1. Leave central Beijing early (by ~07:30) by car or small-group tour.
2. Ming Tombs first (1–2 hours, including the underground palace).
3. On to the Great Wall (Mutianyu or Badaling) for the main event.
4. Back in the city for dinner.

It’s a long but very doable day, and it knocks out two bucket-list sights at once.

Getting there & paying

• Easiest: a private car or small-group day tour — set your own pace, skip the logistics, and the Tombs+Wall combo is standard.
• Cheapest: public transport to Badaling (direct bus or S2 train); the Ming Tombs are harder to reach without a car.
• Set up Alipay / WeChat Pay for tickets, the cable car, snacks and the ride back.

Let us plan your day out

Tell our free Telegram assistant @beijing_travel_tutor_bot which day works and whether you want the Wall solo or the Wall + Ming Tombs combo — it’ll build the timing, transport and payment plan. Open Telegram and send /plan.