From September 20 to 21, 2025 (non-statutory holidays, Mid-Autumn Festival on September 18, National Day on October 1), crowd levels at the Great Wall will drop significantly compared to official holidays, though there will still be local and nearby tourists on the weekend. Popular sections (Badaling, Mutianyu): Moderate crowds; arrive before 8:00 AM to avoid the 10:00–14:00 small peak. Book tickets 1–3 days in advance via the "Changcheng Neiwai" APP. Lesser-known sections (Jinshanling, Simatai): Quiet with stunning scenery, ideal for in-depth visits. Simatai Night Great Wall (18:00–21:00) requires a separate ticket; nights can be cool after the Mid-Autumn Festival, so bring a jacket. Transportation: Take the high-speed train (Beijing North Railway Station → Badaling in 25 minutes) or scenic shuttle buses to avoid traffic congestion—expect a comfortable experience overall.