Mutianyu Great Wall – Most Popular Among Foreign Tourists

With over 24,000 reviews and maintaining a 5-star rating, the Mutianyu Great Wall is consistently ranked as China’s No.1 Sight on TripAdvisor. Its stellar reviews and accolades make it a must-visit attraction.

Built in 5400 m long, it is regarded as the "Essence of Great Wall in Ming Dynasty". This section of the Great wall, linking Gubeikou (古北口) in the east and Juyongguan (居庸关) in the west, was served as the vital military strategic point from the ancient time. Moreover, Mutianyu section is the “longest great wall in China” so far and since protection work is well done here, tourists can now see its original appearance and enjoy the real ancient culture of great wall. Also, spectacular natural scenery in Mutianyu Great Wall always impresses visitors here for its abundant vegetation.

Mutianyu Great Wall has its features both in the architecture and the sightseeing, which is why it is called the outstanding great wall. And with much fewer tourists, you can totally appreciate the beauty of this good place.

Precious Great Wall from Ming Dynasty

Great Wall of the Ming dynasty is a world miracle for its magnificent vigor. Differing from other great walls, especially the Great Wall built by the first Emperor of Qin, great wall of the Ming dynasty is built to prevent the disturbance of the rulers of nomadic people from the northern China. It is also the unique one of longest construction period, hugest project, and the most complete defense system in Chinese history. And Mutianyu Great Wall is regarded as the “Essence of Great Wall of the Ming dynasty” for its imposing and very solid characters.

Densely Placed Watchtowers

The distance between the Great Watchtower and Zhengguantai (正关台) is only less than 500 m, but there sets 4 watchtowers. And there are even 25 watchtowers of different purpose built within the only 3,000 m section. It is rare to see a watchtower about every 100 m in a section of a great wall.

Charming Scenery

Mutianyu Great Wall enjoys diverse beautiful scenery in four seasons for its very high vegetation coverage of over 96 %. In spring, you can appreciate the flower sea of many kinds and multiple colors; when summer comes, the whole scenic area is changed into green with running streams, which is a super spot for eye-pleasure and soul-cooling; In the fall, all the red leaves on the mountain paint Mutianyu a charming shining place and delicious fruits are ripe, and people call it the golden Beijing; While in winter, the white snow cover this area into a gorgeous lady in a silver evening gown, and it is a great time to see the beauty of northern China.

Most Well-preserved Primate Great Wall

Most sections of Mutianyu Great Wall are perfectly protected since long ago. Therefore, visitors can see the authentic look of this kind of historic site, from the magnificent watchtowers, walls of layers of bricks to the ancient pass paved by the hardworking ancients. Walking on the old way, you can both know the strong culture of great wall and the wisdom of ancient Chinese people and feel the labor and pain while constructing this great project.

Full Stereoscopic Impression

Another feature of Mutianyu Great Wall shows in its stereoscopic impression upon visitors, since it was built near the mountains and this is the real essence. Some parts rise for 533 m within 10 towers. Though some sections are gently fluctuate, the whole great wall rises and falls like a flying giant dragon.

Zheng Guan Tai (正关台)

Zheng Guan Tai, also known as Mutianyu Gate, is a remarkable feature in the architectural history of the Great Wall. This gate is unique due to its three side-by-side watchtowers, a rare design in the entire Great Wall. Constructed in 1404 AD, it measures 40 meters in length, 30 meters in width, and 20 meters in height. It occupied a crucial strategic position in ancient times, with one side facing the garrison of the Xiongnu (匈奴) people outside the Great Wall, another side providing a route to the downtown area of ancient Beijing city, and the third side serving as a shortcut to the Imperial Mausoleum.

The Great Watchtower (Da Jiao Lou, 大角楼)

The Great Watchtower, located at a commanding height to the east of Mutianyu Gate, is a very prominent spot in this scenic area. This watchtower is distinctive because it has walls on three sides, making it resemble the corner of a city gate from any angle. Due to its elevated position, it offers a comprehensive panoramic view of both the inside and outside of the Great Wall. The strategic placement of this watchtower allowed ancient defenders to monitor a vast area, making it a vital lookout point.

Hero Terrace (Ying Xiong Tai, 英雄台)

Hero Terrace, situated at an altitude of 1,039 meters, is the easternmost watchtower in the accessible area of the Mutianyu Great Wall. As the highest watchtower in this section, it provides breathtaking views of the winding stretches of the Great Wall. Reaching Hero Terrace is a physical challenge due to the narrow and steep ascent known as Great Man Slope. The terrace gets its name because ascending this demanding slope is a true test of strength and determination, much like the qualities of a hero. Visitors who make the climb are rewarded with an unparalleled perspective of the Great Wall and the surrounding landscapes, making the effort truly worthwhile.

Exploring the Mutianyu Great Wall offers a variety of activities that provide both historical insight and memorable experiences. From hiking the ancient paths to capturing stunning photographs, each activity allows visitors to fully appreciate the beauty and significance of this remarkable structure.

Hiking

Hiking on the Mutianyu Great Wall is a meaningful and unforgettable experience. As you climb higher, you can feel the immense effort and dedication of the ancient laborers who painstakingly laid each heavy brick to create this architectural masterpiece. The hike is not only a journey through history but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery along the way. Depending on the season, you might find yourself surrounded by blooming flowers in spring, lush green trees in summer, stunning views of autumn foliage, or the serene beauty of snow-covered landscapes in winter. Each step brings you closer to the heart of this magnificent structure, allowing you to appreciate its grandeur and the natural beauty that envelops it.

Photography

For photography enthusiasts, the Mutianyu Great Wall offers a treasure trove of opportunities. The well-preserved historic architecture provides a stunning backdrop for capturing the essence of ancient China. Photographers can take close-up shots of the intricate details of the watchtowers, walls, and pathways, all of which tell a story of the past. The changing seasons add a dynamic element to your photography, with vibrant blossoms in spring, the lush greenery of summer, the golden hues of autumn, and the pristine white of winter snow. Each season presents a unique palette of colors and textures, ensuring that every visit yields a new and captivating perspective. Whether you're an amateur or a professional photographer, the Mutianyu Great Wall will inspire and satisfy your creative vision.

The walking steps to the Great Wall do not offer many scenic views, so it is strongly recommended to take a cable car to ascend the Great Wall and descend by either a cable car or toboggan. This approach not only saves time, allowing for a longer exploration of the Wall itself, but also provides a unique and enjoyable experience.

There are two cable car routes from the entrances of the Mutianyu Great Wall to the hillside section of the Wall, each offering a different experience. One route features an enclosed cable car that connects the entrance to Tower 14, providing a comfortable and secure ride, ideal for seniors and children. The other route uses a chairlift cable car connecting the entrance to Tower 6, offering a more thrilling experience as your feet dangling above the forest below.

For those seeking an exhilarating descent, the toboggan ride is a must-try. The Mutianyu Great Wall Scenic Area features a standard slideway for tourists, allowing you to glide down the mountain. Given the steep topography of this section of the Great Wall, the toboggan ride is an exciting adventure, with rises and falls along the way. This safe and fun activity not only adds an element of excitement to your visit but also helps relieve stress, making your time at the Great Wall even more enjoyable.

Ticket Tips:

Enclosed Cable Car: CNY 100 for a single trip and CNY 140 for a round trip.
Chairlift Cable Car: CNY 100 for a single trip and CNY 140 for a round trip (available to descend using the toboggan).

The enclosed cable car and chairlift cable car are operated by two different companies. The chairlift cable car and the toboggan are operated by the same company. Therefore, a round-trip ticket for the chairlift cable car allows you to descend the Great Wall by toboggan. If you want to take the enclosed cable car up and either the chairlift cable car or toboggan down, you will need to buy two separate single tickets, totaling CNY 200.

Helpful Links: Mutianyu Great Wall Cable Car | Mutianyu Great Wall Toboggan

Mutianyu Great Wall is beautiful all year round, with each season offering unique scenery. In spring, enjoy the sight of blooming peach flowers. Summer brings lush greenery, while autumn transforms the landscape with colorful leaves. Winter offers a stunning snowscape. For the most comfortable climate, visit between April and June or September and October. However, be sure to avoid visiting during Chinese holidays to avoid long queues, particularly for the toboggan, which can have wait times of up to 2 hours.

If visiting Mutainyu Great Wall in summer, sunscreen and a hat can help protect you from the sunlight, especially during summer visits. If visiting in winter, bring enough warm clothing as temperatures on the mountain are lower than in downtown Beijing.

The Mutianyu Great Wall is divided into three sections: the Eastern Route (No. 1 Watchtower to No. 6 Watchtower), the Middle Route (No. 6 Watchtower to No. 14 Watchtower), and the Western Route (No. 14 Watchtower to No. 20 Watchtower).

Eastern Route

The Eastern Route forms a "V" shape, beginning with a descent from Watchtower 6 to Watchtower 4, followed by a steep ascent from Watchtower 4 to Watchtower 1. This section requires a fair amount of strength and determination due to its challenging terrain. The round trip from Watchtower 6 to Watchtower 1 and back generally takes around 1.5 hours. The effort is rewarded with stunning views and a profound sense of achievement as you conquer this historic path.

Middle Route

The Middle Route is relatively flat and slightly longer than the other sections, making it accessible yet rewarding. To maximize your visit, take a cable car up to No. 14 Watchtower. From there, you can walk down to No. 6 Watchtower, a journey that takes about 2 hours. The path is mostly downhill and not too steep, allowing you to comfortably enjoy the scenic views and historical structures along the way. At No. 6 Watchtower, you can choose to descend via a chair-lift cable car or experience the thrilling toboggan ride, adding a unique and fun element to your visit.

Western Route

The Western Route presents a round trip from No. 14 Watchtower up to No. 20 Watchtower. It's a relative relaxing climb from No. 14 Watchtower to No. 19 WatchTower. The most demanding part is the Great Man Slope between No. 19 Watchtower and No. 20 Watchtower, which requires both courage and stamina to conquer. This steep and rigorous section tests your physical limits but rewards you with breathtaking views and a deep connection to the ancient builders who once stood in the same spot. After reaching No. 20 Watchtower, you will need to return to No. 14 Watchtower. The round trip from No. 14 Watchtower to No. 20 Watchtower and back typically takes around 1.5 hours.

For a comprehensive experience, start by taking the cable car to Watchtower 14 on the Middle Route. Walk down to Watchtower 6 and then either take the chair-lift cable car or the toboggan for your descent. For those seeking more adventure, consider tackling the challenging Western Route up to Watchtower 20 and back. If time and energy permit, the Eastern Route offers an additional rewarding hike with its unique V-shaped route.

Located in Baohai Town, Huairou District, Beijing, Mutianyu Great Wall is

• 75 km (about 2 hours’ drive)away from Beijing City Center;
• 60 km (about 2 hours drive) away from Beijing Capital Airport;
• 82 km (about 2.5 hours’ drive) away from Beijing West Railway Station;
• 85 km (about 2.5 hours’ drive) away from Beijing South Railway Station;
• 120 km (about 2.5 hours’ drive) away from Beijing Daxing International Airport.

Travel with China Discovery

If you want to get rid of hustle of public transportation and troublesome navigation, you can book a private tour package which covers sightseeing, dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to Mutianyu Great Wall with speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on sightseeing.

Public Transfer

Option 1: Take a shuttle bus from Beijing Tourist Distribution Center (北京旅游集散中心, Qianmen Center) directly to Mutianyu Great Wall. This journey takes approximately 2 hours.

Option 2: Use public buses. Note that this option requires making transfers and involves several walks.

Option 3: Take a train from Beijing Railway North Station to Huairou North Railway Station. From there, you can take a bus or call a taxi to reach Mutianyu Great Wall.

To explore Beijing's highlights, such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall (with Mutianyu as the top recommendation), the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, and the Beijing Hutongs - plan for about 4 days, including arrival and departure.

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If you have extra days, consider hiking the scenic Jinshanling Great Wall, enjoying the stunning night views of Simatai Great Wall, or visiting other sections like Huanghuacheng, Gubeikou, and Juyongguan.

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As a major transportation hub, Beijing offers easy access to other top destinations in China by flight or train, such as Xi'an, Shanghai, Guilin, Chengdu, and Tibet. China Discovery provides a variety of tour packages from Beijing, or we can customize an itinerary to suit your preferences.

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