Mutianyu Great Wall
Are you looking for a less crowed section of the Great Wall? Then Mutianyu Great Wall is your best choice, which enjoys the “Of the Great Wall, Mutianyu Section is the Best” reputation. A little further away from central Beijing than the most popular Badaling Great Wall and other popular sections of the Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall will give you a nice sense of tranquility and spectacularity.
Quick Mutianyu Great Wall Facts
Brief Introduction
Located 43 miles (70 km) northeast of Beijing, Mutianyu Great Wall is 1.4 miles (2,250m) long, 26 feet (7-8m) high and 20 feet (4-6m) wide. It is also the longest fully-restored section of the Great Wall open to tourists. Its specialty relays on 23 original-style blockhouses and watchtowers on it. Climbing up into a number of watchtowers, tourists can have a bird's eye view of the snake wall and its surrounding area. Moreover, it makes up a perfect day-trip in Beijing combining with Ming Tombs.
History of Mutianyu Great Wall
Over 1400 years ago, the Mutianyu Great Wall was first built in the mid-6th century during the Northern Qi (550-577), older than the Badaling section of the Great Wall. In the early years of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), under the supervision of General Xu Da, the present wall was rebuilt on the site of the old wall. And in 1569, in order to strengthen its defensive force, the patriotic general Qi Jiguang started to renovate 2 kilometers long Great Wall, including the Mutianyu Section. And that’s when the material of the Great Wall construction changed from earth to bricks. It became a strong protective barrier which could keep out invaders from the north.
Top Things to Do on Mutianyu Great Wall
Enjoy the fresh air that natural oxygen bar offers
More than 96% of vegetation coverage, the Mutianyu Great Wall is like a big natural oxygen bar. Due to the warm and humid climate in Beijing, an abundant of plants spread over the mountains, and species are various. While you climb the Mutianyu Great Wall, you will encounter different plants in different seasons. Apricot flowers, peach flowers, lilac flowers, pear flowers, magnolia flowers, azalea brushes and other wild flowers will start to bloom one after another all over the mountains when the spring comes.
Hike the particular landscape features of Mutianyu Great Wall
The watchtowers on the Mutianyu Great Wall are clearly different from Juyongguan, Shanhaiguan, Jiayuguan or other Great Wall sections. The famous spots on Mutianyu Great Wall include:
Zhengguan Pass (正关台, Zhengguan Tai in Chinese): Also known as Mutianyu Gate or Three Watchtowers, Zhengguan Pass is unique with three watchtowers and two floors, which is rarely seen.
Big Corner Tower (大角楼, Da Jiao Lou in Chinese): Located on the commanding heights on the east end of Mutianyu section, it holds important military role, and its internal structure is conducive to combat.
Hero Slope (英雄台, Ying Xiong Tai): The renowned Hero Slope (No. 20 Watchtower) is one of the most challenging parts of the Mutianyu Section with a steep 80-degree incline. If you are brave enough to conquer, you’ll be granted with the most incredible view.
Flying Eagles Face Upward (鹰飞倒仰, Ying Fei Yang in Chinese): It is the most famous and the most dangerous section of the wall. Each step is only a few fingers wide, and both sides of the wall are cliff and steep.
Other interesting ways to tour the Mutianyu Great Wall
Except for hiking on the Mutianyu Great Wall, you can also choose to take a cable car (which also provide convenient for the disabled and elderly people) or speed slide or toboggan. Each of these tour ways will give you a different experience and save your energy as well. Meanwhile, riding the toboggan is so much funny, and kids will absolutely love it. This will be a perfect Mutianyu Great Wall Family Tour.
Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking Routes
The Mutianyu Great Wall is divided into 3 sections, the eastern, the western, and the middle section. In general, most regular visitors only walk one or two sections of Mutianyu. Hiking enthusiasts may choose to hike the whole Mutianyu.
Western Route
The western section (from Watchtower 14 to Watchtower 20) is the most popular route, suitable for families with kids. You can take the cable car up to Watchtower 14, and walk about 1.5 hours to Watchtower 20. The walk from Watchtower 14 to 19 is not hard. The climb from Watchtower 19 to 20 is demanding because Watchtower 20 (the Hero Slope) is the highest point of Mutianyu Great Wall, but you’ll be rewarded with an epic view of the winding stretches of the Great Wall.
Middle Route
The middle section (from Watchtower 6 to Watchtower 14) is easy to walk because it’s relatively flat, suitable for senior travelers and families with younger kids. You can take the cable car to Watchtower 14, walk the gentle slopes, and take a toboggan down.
Eastern Route
The eastern section (from Watchtower 1 to Watchtower 6) is the most challenging part of Mutianyu Great Wall compared with the other two sections, ideal for experienced hikers. This section forms a V shape, so you can imagine how steep it can be. It’s recommended to take the cable car up to Watchtower 6, and hike about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Watchtower 1.
Best Time to Visit Mutianyu Great Wall
Mutianyu Great Wall can be visited all year round. In spring, you can expect plum blossoms. Summer at Mutianyu embrace lush greenery. Autumn fall foliage is perfect for photography. In winter, it’s less crowded and the snowscape is also captivating. But it’s suggested that you should avoid public holidays in China.
Recommended Beijing Tours to Mutianyu Great Wall:
● Half Day Great Wall Tour to Mutianyu
● 1-day Private Beijing Great Wall Day Tour
● 4-day Beijing Highlights Tour Package
How to Get to Mutianyu Great Wall from Beijing
Located in Huairou District, Mutianyu Great Wall is about 75 kilometers from Beijing downtown (approximately a 2-hour drive). You can reach Mutianyu Great Wall tourist center by taxi, rental car, and public transfer.
By Bus
Take No. 916 Bus from Dongzhimen Bus Station to Huairou North Street, and then take local minibus to reach the Mutianyu Great Wall.
By Special Tourism Line
Line 1
Departure Location: Qianmen Tourist Center (Metro Line 2 Qianmen Station C port south 30 meters can be reached.)
Departure Time: 9:00 a.m.
Line 2
Departure Location: Dongzhimenwai Bus Station
Departure Time: 8:30 a.m.
By Taix or Private Car
There may be language barriers or other uncertain situations if taking public transportation. It’s recommended to take taxi or book a private Mutianyu Great Wall tour with us. We provide guided tours to Mutianyu and other sections of the Great Wall, with private transfer, English-speaking guide, and flexible departures.
Mutianyu Great Wall Opening Hours
General Opening Hours
08:00-17:00 (November 16th – March 15th of next year, from Monday to Sunday)
07:30-18:00 (March 16th – November 15th, from Monday to Friday)
07:30-18:30 (March 16th – November 15th, from Saturday to Sunday)
Cable Car Business Hours
08:00-17:00 (Summer Season)
08:30-16:30 (Winter Season)
Speed Slide Business Hours
08:00-16:50 (From Monday to Friday)
08:00-17:00 (From Saturday to Sunday)
Mutianyu Great Wall Ticket Price
The Mutianyu Great Wall
Adult Ticket: 40 RMB per person
Adult Postcard Commemorative Ticket: 45 RMB per person
Cable Car
Adult Round-trip Cable Car: 120 RMB per person
Adult One-way Cable Car: 100 RMB per person
Children Round-trip Cable Car: 60 RMB per person
Children One-way Cable Car: 50 RMB per person
Speed Slide
Adult Round-trip Speed Slide: 120 RMB per person
Adult One-way Speed Slide: 100 RMB per person
Children Round-trip Speed Slide: 60 RMB per person
Mutianyu Great Wall Travel Tips
1. Mutianyu Great Wall is harder to climb to the top. The stairs are steeper, so it will require higher fitness level to complete the climbing.
2. Bring enough water and snacks with you when you visit, the food booth on the top of wall is a little expensive.
3. Wear sun screen, sun glasses and a hat, when you visit Mutianyu Great Wall in summer. Bring one more jacket when you visit here in autumn or spring.
4. Toilets are a pain point. They either do not exist, or when they do, you may have to bring toilet papers by yourself.
