The Golden Week is approaching rapidly in China, a week-long holiday where the nation celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. If you're traveling in China, or you want to escape the city for a day or two, the Great Wall is your best bet. In fall, temperatures are pleasurable, with crisp mornings and warm afternoons. Autumn leaves paint the wall's surroundings golden and crimson, and by the time they fall to the ground, you'll have long fallen in love with the Great Wall of China. Here's a guide to the seven best spots near Beijing for all types of travelers.

1. For photographers: Jinshanling

If you got only one chance in your life to see the Great Wall, make it Jinshanling – the Golden Mountain Ridge. It is the most picturesque and arguably the most beautiful section of the Great Wall near Beijing. On a clear day, the wall appears to be meandering into infinity from hilltop to hilltop until it vanishes at the horizon. During the golden hour, you don't need a telephoto lens, just a simple smartphone, to give you the most stunning pictures of one of the greatest man-made wonders on the earth. Since it's about 130 kilometers away from downtown Beijing, there are no crowds. It's worth staying overnight in one of the farmstays, hotels or an Airbnb nearby to admire the wall from afar as it is illuminated every evening until 11 p.m. Let your gaze wander upwards to enjoy a sky full of stars stretching out up and beyond the wall.

Access: There's a direct bus from Dongzhimen Wai or Wangjing West Long-Distance Bus Station. The earliest departs at 7:40 a.m., the last returns at 4 p.m. Ticket fare: 50 yuan one-way.

Entrance fee: 60 yuan (one-way cable car: 40 yuan)

Fitness level: Intermediate

2. For challenge seekers: Jiankou

Jiankou is a wild, completely unrestored gem of the Great Wall. It's deep in the countryside, and to reach it you have to ascend through a dreamy mountain valley. You can choose to only hike up to Zhengbei watchtower from Xizhazi Village to enjoy the magnificent view and head down again for a fresh farm meal or roasted fish in one of the valley restaurants. Or, if you are a pure hiking soul, you may do the difficult, but incredibly rewarding six-hour climb to Mutianyu section. Make sure you wear proper hiking shoes and are physically fit since the hike includes incredibly steep slopes across rocks and can be dangerous if you're unprepared.

Access: Take Express bus 916 from Dongzhimen Wai Long-Distance Bus Station to Huairou, the final stop. The earliest departs at 8:30 a.m., the last returns at 4 p.m. Then, hail a cab to Xizhazi Village. Ticket fare: 36 yuan one-way.

Entrance fee: 60 yuan (one-way cable car: 40 yuan)

Fitness level: Advanced

3. For fall freaks: Huanghuacheng

If you're into scented candles, comfy sweaters, and a cup of hot chocolate, you're going to love Huanghuacheng or Water Great Wall. The wall stretches out next to a lake, and a chestnut garden, with autumn leaves wherever you look. Romantic!

Access: Take No. 916 (Express) from Dongzhimen Wai Long-Distance Bus Station to the final stop, Huairou. The earliest departs at 8:30, the last returns at 4 p.m. After getting off the bus, walk 150 meters to the west, cross the road and transfer to the bus Huairou-Water Great Wall, or hail a cab. (Ticket fares: 36 and 9 yuan one-way)

Entrance fee: 60 yuan

Fitness level: Easy

4. For wilderness lovers: Gubeikou

Gubeikou is an unrestored section of the Great Wall but not as wild and challenging as Jiankou. So if you want the wilderness without the danger, head there!

Access: Take No. 980 (Express) from Dongzhimen Wai to the final stop, Miyun. The earliest departs at 4.30 a.m., the last returns at 6 p.m. After getting off the bus, walk 100 meters to the west and transfer to the local bus No. 25. It's recommended to rent a car or hail a cab instead as the bus hours are irregular and there are frequent stops. (Ticket fares: 17 and 7 yuan one-way)

Entrance fee: 25 yuan

Fitness level: Advanced

5. For families: Mutianyu

Mutianyu is often called the best-preserved part of the Great Wall, but Beijing Daily earlier in September found that a few sections were badly maintained. The scenic spot responded quickly and repaired them overnight. The highlight for kids: there's a toboggan to ride down from the Great Wall!

Access: It's recommended to take the direct shuttle bus from Beijing to Mutianyu, Mu Bus, which departs at 8 a.m. at the Hong Kong and Macao Center and returns at 4.30 p.m. (Ticket fares: 80 yuan return, 40 for children)

Entrance fee: 40 yuan (Toboggan, chairlift and cable car: 100 yuan one-way)

Fitness level: Intermediate

6. For night owls: Simatai

At the foot of the Simatai section of the Great Wall, Gubei Water Town lures travelers with spa hotels, restaurants, and cafes. It's recommended you spend the night there to go on a walk on the original Ming-Dynasty Great Wall when it's dark, an unforgettable experience that only Simatai can offer. The lighting is soft and subtle, but sufficient to ensure safety.

Access: There's a direct bus that leaves 3-4 times daily from Dongzhimen Outer Street to Gubei Water Town. The earliest departs at 9 a.m., the last returns at 9 p.m. (Bus ticket fare: 48 yuan one-way)

Entrance fee: 170 yuan for both Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall (cable car: 80 yuan one-way)

Fitness level: Intermediate

7.  For idle travelers: Badaling

Do you want to tick the Great Wall off your bucket list without a big hassle? Then Badaling is your go-to section. Let's be honest, if you don't drive a car, and hiring a driver is not an option, it can be a headache to reach the Great Wall from Beijing by a combination of bus and taxis. Not with Badaling, which lies closest to Beijing, is well restored, and has got easy access by train! On the downside, it's very touristy. Remember those videos where you can't see the wall as it is swamped by people? That's Badaling during public holidays. So if you want a nice shot to post on your social media and you are not particularly fond of large crowds, try one of the other sections during the Golden Week.

Access: Take an S2 train from Beijing Huangtudian Railway Station, the earliest departing at 7:46 a.m. and the last returning at 9:12 p.m. (Ticket fare: 6 yuan one-way)

Entrance fee: 40 yuan (cable car: 100 yuan; pulley: 80 yuan one-way)

Fitness level: Easy

(Cover: The Gubeikou section of the Great Wall at sunset. /VCG Photo)