Thorn Tree travel forum

1

don't know the huanhua section,
simatai is another good option, the crowds are not that big

do one thing everyday that scares you

2

We just did Mutianyu. It was great. But, have not been to any of the other sections. There were no crowds at all...actually, hardly anyone. We went on a weekday. Some pushy vendors at the bottom, but the ones on top were actually quite nice...not pushy at all.

Views were great. And even though it says you can't walk any further cause the path is closed, just go anyway. Some great views if you keep on walking...and no people at all.

I recommend taking the cable car up that is further from where the busses park. Not the one with the sled ride down. That part is higher and it is (somewhat) downhill from there. We took the first one and then had to walk up to that section, down again, and then back up the other part (it is somewhat of a U shape).

Don't forget the summer palace. Really beautiful there...but very crowded...

Life without socks, time without a watch. 68 countries and counting!

3

It is the May holiday so as you note people will be a problem. I went last May and the numbers on the wall weren't that bad but the traffic getting there was horrific. Took nearly 3 hours to Mutianyu (usually under an hour). Sorry I can't help you decide which section, I'm just warning you to maybe build in some extra transit time.

A real man does not think of victory or defeat. He plunges recklessly towards an irrational death (The Tale of the 47 Ronin).

4

Under 1 hour to Mutianyu? We started from near the Forbidden City and took about 1.5-2 hours to get there.
Cheers!