historicalBeijing
Mutianyu Great Wall
The Mutianyu section is one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall, featuring 23 watchtowers along its 5.4km stretch. Less crowded than Badaling, it offers stunning mountain views, cable car access, and a thrilling toboggan ride down. The wall here dates back to the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-577 AD) and was rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty.
Opening Hours
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Summer), 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM (Winter)
Ticket Price
¥40 (Cable car ¥100 round trip)
Location
Mutianyu, Huairou District, Beijing
Overview
Located in Huairou District, Beijing, Mutianyu Great Wall is less crowded and offers a more tranquil landscape compared to Badaling, earning it the reputation of "Mutianyu's unique beauty among the Great Wall." A visit of 3 to 5 hours is recommended. The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn (March-May and September-November), when the weather is pleasant and the autumn foliage is particularly spectacular. For foreign tourists, the scenic area offers convenient services such as multilingual online ticketing, passport-only entry, AI-powered smart navigation (Mu Ai), and even exclusive VIP customized tours.
How to Get There
The most convenient way to get to Mutianyu Great Wall is by taking a direct bus such as the Zanbus or Mubus, boarding near Dongsi Shitiao or Qianmen subway stations in the city center. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take the 916 express bus to Huairou and then transfer to bus H23 or H7. Once inside the scenic area, two classic options are recommended: First, take the cable car directly to Watchtower No. 14 and hike west to Watchtower No. 20, "Hero's Slope," for stunning views; second, take the cable car up to Watchtower No. 6 and then ride the thrilling toboggan down. Foreign tourists must bring their passports when purchasing tickets.
What to Expect
The walking trails at Mutianyu Great Wall are well-maintained, but be aware that the steps vary in height and some sections are steep; comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended. Modern restrooms are available at the foot of the mountain and along the Great Wall, and several gift shops and cafes offer rest areas halfway up the mountain and at the entrances/exits.
Practical Tips
- 1Bring layers - it's always windier at the top
- 2Watchtowers 14-20 offer the best photo opportunities
- 3The light is softest between 3 and 5 pm, making it the best time to take portraits.
- 4Bring water and light snacks, as there are few supply points on the mountain.
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