sherhatfield

I'm headed over to Beijing next week and will be visiting the Great Wall on Thursday and Friday (March 22 & 23). I am aware that temps are cooler than in Beijing, but I can't seem to find a weather forecast to find out more. As of now, Beijing is forecasted to be low 60's/high 50's. Can anyone tell me what to expect around Mutianyu? 10 degrees cooler? 20 degrees?

In the interest of packing light, I'd rather not bring a heavy coat if I don't need one.

I realize that what I'm asking could be a stretch, but I'm hoping that someone can help!

pat

I want to know the same thing. I finally bought a short jacket from the burlington coat factory. Looks like the lows are still in the upper 30`s, (in Beijing) and I don`t want to be cold. I can just take the jacket off and tie it around my waist, if it gets too hot. I`d rather be prepared for cold. I`m trying to cut down on my packing too and I can always use the jacket (it`s nice and puffy) as a pillow on the plane.

Lindsey

We were there this exact same time a few years ago. It was chilly in Beijing and definitely cooler out at Mutianyu because it was windy once we got up on the wall. We took LL Bean jackets that were waterproof shells on the outside, with zip out down liners that were jackets on their own.....3 jackets in one, and we used them in all 3 ways during the trip. The day we went to Forbidden City, it was sunny and about 50F, so our photos show us with jackets open or tied around our waists. But the day we went to Summer Palace, it was overcast, windy and cold. Jackets zipped, hoods UP and hands in pockets! As Pat mentioned, the puffy liner is also a good pillow on the plane.
This time of year, I think the key is layers and flexibility. If you don't want to take a jacket, take plenty of layers, including fleece and some of those high tech fabrics.

Shanghainese

Cashmere turtlenecks can keep you warm, and you can always buy inexpensive hats and gloves in Beijing. I believe the frozen lakes/rivers are just thawing, and when the wind comes up, it feels icy.

sherhatfield

Thanks for the replies. I've packed a lot of clothes to layer, but since I HATE being cold I think I'll take a warm jacket as well as a heavier down coat. I'll just cross my fingers that the weather will cooperate and I won't need to wear the heavy one!

pat

Did you check out the 10 day weather forcast on www.weather.com? That might help you decide too.

abc88

I visited Mutianyu in December and the forecast high that day was 7 degrees celcius. I wore my thick thermal underwear, 2 jumpers and a medium zip up jacket. It was a bit cooler than in the city and there was a bit of wind some of the time. However, it was sunny, and after walking up the wall for about two hours I did actually get a bit of a sweat and didn't get too cold as you are walking alot. Best thing is to dress in layers as this will keep you warmer anyway and you can adjust according to the conditions.

sherhatfield

I checked the weather for Beijing, but anytime I put in the name of a spot near the wall, nothing is recognized. I've pulled up maps of areas surrounding the wall and tried all sorts of names, but nothing works. That's why I was hoping someone here would know!

rkkwan

The Great Wall isn't that high up, and not that far from Beijing. So, temperature shouldn't be that different. However, it's likely to be much windier.

sherhatfield

Now that I'm back from China, I wanted to update this post. On two different occasions, I went from Beijing to Mutianyu. I really didn't notice the temperature being any different at the wall than in the city. It's possible though that I just lucked out.

The advice to dress in layers is definitely the way to go. The first day, I wore a heavy coat and had to take it off after 10 minutes of walking up and down the steps. That meant I had to carry it the rest of the time because I couldn't tie it around my waist since it was too bulky. The next time we went, it was warmer and I wouldn't have needed such a heavy coat, but I still dressed in light layers. As I got warm, it was easy to take something off and put it in my backpack, then put it back on if it got cooler.

Some people had mentioned how windy Mutianyu can be, but the first day it wasn't at all. The next time, however, it was okay until we started climbing to the higher sections. At those spots it was pretty windy! Even though the sun was out, it is still chilly this time of year when that wind starts blowing.

pat

thanks for the update. I leave in 3 days, and it`s good to hear an up to date weather report.

chavala

Just to add my 2 cents: I did the walk from Jinshaling to Simatai yesterday (april 2, 2007) and it was much colder than Beijing -- the wind was freezing! That said, after about an hour of slogging up steps I was stripped down to a thermal undershirt. Wear layers and bring a daypack to put them in.