1

I'd say it's about ten minutes walk to the S.W. entrance of Jianguomen station - though it's not covered. There aren't really any shopping malls in the area either, or notable shops ; though of course there would be plenty of small Chinese shops (convenience stores, small eateries etc..) dotted around, as with nearly everywhere, providing you walk through the alleyways instead of along the 2nd ring road side road.

It's a good general location geographically - but not the best if you're hoping to have lots of things in the immediate vicinity.

Badaling? I would seriously recommend considering an alternative section, such as Mutianyu at the very least. I don't know what is the going rate by taxi these days though : you wouldn't do this metered, but would negotiate a day price. Or you can look at some of the tourist bus routes, which have specific departure times for Mutianyu or some other sections.

2

Though this is a nice property and hotel, I have attended events there, its actually closer to the main Southern Train Station than anything, the area has a lot of typical Chinese eateries and such, and there is a small mall leading from the train station to the main road. Just a note on some things about this hotel, the City Wall is actually a restored area of the wall a few hundred meters long, had they not built a hotel there, you would walk right by it, I dont even know what other sections still exist in Beijing that are larger, sad to say. The other is the trains, a high room looking south will afford you a endless view of every type train every made in China I think, in every decade, its a mirage of colors and movement non stop 24/7, If I would of seen this view at 6 years old I would be working for the railroad by now, its pretty cool.

The next nearest mall would be a good 20 minutes away or a train to Sci Tech, a sos so Chinese mall with a Burberry and Armani as a anchor, and a grocery below, and just a bit further across street is the Silk Market. at the Yong An Li stop on Line 1. The Silk Market is the place to buy basic clothes cheap, knock off handbags etc...There are some nice western places to eat from Turkish Kababs to country diner, a TGIF across from the Pennisula Hotel as well. This is the embassy area, very high security and a great park to walk at Ritan and the the Russian market on the north end here.

The intersection near this hotel is a huge one, always busy and congested, traffic is tough in this area as its also the end of a feeder highway just south.

But, its is a good location for the main attractions with the Forbidden City and Great Hall. Also that train stop will get you easily to just about anywhere.

The JW Marriott further east is nice property, annexed next to a sister property the Ritz Carlton. This is a very well to do mall, all the designer boutiques are there, but not sure you want to buy designer in China with a 20% higher tax than in HK or back home. Below the mall is excellent food court as well, and also a western style grocery with a lot of imported food, a deli, take away section thats top notch, but the food court there is excellent, I ate there weekly and tried a new place every time. You would exit the Duwang Lu Line stop.

They have been building a lot of Marriott Courtyards in China as well, so check that brand, they are very nice in Asia.

If this does not work, but you want to a nice hotel, consider a great boutique hotel, the Hotel G, near Workers Stadium and the Sanitlun area, this is prime nightlife, cars, cafes and shopping, with everything from designer to Uni Glo and Nike and a Apple Store. The hotel is a great location, great breakfast and a nice wine bar and cafe, a hip scene, and the rooms are huge with spa showers/tubs.

http://www.hotel-g.com/

I cant comment on a taxi to Great Wall, but I would guess $100. You might want to do a tour. Also, as above points out, go to the other area of the wall that is not so nutty and touristy.

http://www.chinaculturecenter.org/tours/eventdetailbj.php?eventid=162

I also hung here across from Sci Tech.

http://www.timeoutbeijing.com/venue/Food__Drink-Chinese-Yunnan/11614/Moss.html