Quick compare
- Mutianyu — own English site; quieter; shuttle/cable combos clear; full guide.
- Badaling — closer, busier; on badaling.cn use 外籍人购票 → Trip.com; full guide.
Pitfall: Tapping 预约购票 on Badaling’s homepage — that QR is for domestic WeChat users, not the foreigner path.
FAQ
How do foreigners buy Badaling tickets?
On badaling.cn click 外籍人购票 (Foreigner ticket purchase). It opens the official Trip.com listing. Skip the domestic WeChat QR.
Mutianyu or Badaling?
Badaling is closer to Beijing and busier. Mutianyu is usually quieter and has its own English booking site.
Is a reservation required for Badaling?
Visit Beijing says tickets can be bought on site; the official site also pushes real-name booking — book ahead for weekends and holidays.