Mutianyu Great Wall
Have you get tired of the noisy crowd? 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 and other sections of the Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall will give you a nice sense of tranquility and spectacularity.
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 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.
What to See & Do
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, 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 and explore the particular landscape features of Mutianyu Great Wall
The watchtowers on the Mutianyu Great Wall are clearly different from Juyongguan, Shanhaiguan, jiayuguan or other sections. The famous attractions like Zhengguantai (also known as Mutianyuguan or Three Buildings), Dilou Towers (densely built, approximately one Dilou Tower within 100 meters), Double Crenels (Other sections of the Great Wall only have crenels on the outer wall, while the Mutianyu Section has crenels on both sides.), Branch City (The outside stretch connects the Muzi 11th of the Great Wall, and the inner stretch is known as “Bald Tail Side”.), Ox Horn Edge (The Great Wall here rises and falls along the mountain ridges from north to west, resembles a horn, so it is commonly known as the “Ox Horn Edge”.), and Flying Eagles Face Up (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.
When to Visit
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)
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
How to Get There
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.
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.
