Beijing · Visitor Guide
Great Wall at Mutianyu (慕田峪长城, Mùtiányù Chángchéng)
"Mutianyu is the most scenic and best-restored section of the Great Wall, located in Huairou District about 70 km northeast of central Beijing. It has 22 watchtowers over 2.25 km of wall, with dramatic ridgeline views and far fewer crowds than the closer Badaling section.".
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Quick Answer
Is Great Wall at Mutianyu worth visiting?
"The best-preserved Great Wall section, 70 km from central Beijing. Cable car + toboggan slide. 3-4 hours including travel.".
Quick facts
| Ticket | ¥45 (Apr-Oct) / ¥35 (Nov-Mar). Round-trip cable car ¥120 or one-way cable car + toboggan ¥100. |
|---|---|
| Hours | 7:30-18:00 (Apr-Oct), 8:30-17:00 (Nov-Mar). Last entry 1 hour before close. |
| Recommended duration | 3-4 hours on the wall. Add 1-2 hours each way for transport. |
| Best time to visit | Spring (April-May) for green hills, autumn (September-October) for clear skies and foliage. Avoid Chinese holidays. |
| How to get there | Tour bus from Dongzhimen (¥80 round-trip), private car (¥600-800 round-trip), or DiDi (¥500+). |
| English signage | partial |
| Wheelchair accessible | no |
| Built | 6th century BC (Qin Dynasty); rebuilt Ming Dynasty 1569 |
| Length | 2.25 km open to visitors |
| Watchtowers | 22 |
| Altitude | 603-1,000 m |
| From Beijing | 70 km, 1.5-2 hours |
What to expect
The Great Wall at Mutianyu was built during the Northern Qi dynasty in the 6th century and substantially rebuilt by General Qi Jiguang in 1569 during the Ming Dynasty. The section connects Jinshanling to the east and is part of a continuous wall system that once extended 21,196 km.
The wall snakes along a steep mountain ridge with 22 watchtowers. The restored section is wide enough for 4-5 people to walk abreast, with smooth stone steps. Some parts of the unrepaired "wild wall" are accessible to experienced hikers.
Mutianyu is considered by many to be the most scenic section of the Great Wall — less crowded than Badaling, better preserved than Jiankou, and more dramatic than Juyongguan.
How to get there
Tour buses run from Dongzhimen Transport Hub (东直门) daily at 7:00 and 8:30 AM (return 3:00 and 4:30 PM). ¥80 round-trip. Private car or DiDi is more flexible. The new Beijing-Chengde expressway makes it 1.5 hours.
Best photo spots
- Tower #14 with the wall snaking into the distance
- Toboggan ride down (uniquely Mutianyu)
- Tower #6 with both restored and wild wall visible
- The first tower at the entry, with autumn or spring foliage
Tips
- Take the cable car up (20 min) and the toboggan down — a 2-minute slide, uniquely Mutianyu
- Walk west toward Tower #20 for fewer crowds and dramatic views
- Bring water and snacks — limited options on the wall
- Wear sturdy shoes — the steps are uneven and steep
- Allow 3 hours on the wall minimum; 4+ if hiking to Tower #20
Scams to avoid
- Cheap "Great Wall tours" at the airport that bundle souvenir shop visits
- Unofficial "guides" who claim the cable car is closed and offer alternative routes
- Souvenir sellers along the wall pressuring photos for money
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Mutianyu from Beijing?
Tour bus from Dongzhimen Transport Hub (7:00/8:30 AM, ¥80 round-trip) is the most common. Private car or DiDi: 1.5-2 hours, ¥500-800 round-trip. Some tour operators include lunch.
Is Mutianyu or Badaling better?
Mutianyu for scenery and fewer crowds. Badaling is closer (60 km vs 70 km) but more crowded. Jinshanling is the best for serious hikers. Mutianyu has the unique toboggan slide.
How much does Mutianyu cost?
¥45 entry (Apr-Oct) or ¥35 (Nov-Mar). Cable car round-trip ¥120, or one-way cable car + toboggan ¥100. Total with transport: ¥200-400 per person including bus and cable car.
Is the Great Wall wheelchair accessible?
The cable car at Mutianyu is wheelchair accessible (gondola-style). However, the wall itself has many steps and steep sections, making it very difficult to navigate the actual wall in a wheelchair. Juyongguan is the most accessible section.
How long does it take to climb Mutianyu?
Walking the entire restored section (22 towers, 2.25 km) takes 3-4 hours at moderate pace. If you take the cable car up, you can do a shorter 1-2 hour walk and still see the highlights.
When is the best time to visit?
April-May (green hills, mild weather) and September-October (clear skies, autumn colors) are best. Avoid weekends and Chinese holidays. Winter (Dec-Feb) is least crowded but cold; the wall with snow is famous.
Is Mutianyu suitable for kids?
Yes — the cable car + toboggan makes it accessible for most ages. The toboggan is a 2-minute ride down a stainless steel chute — kids love it. Children under 1.1 m can ride for free on parent's lap.
How is Mutianyu different from Jinshanling?
Mutianyu is fully restored (smooth, wide, easy walking). Jinshanling has about 70% restored and 30% wild wall — better for serious hikers who want the original crumbling stones. Mutianyu is better for first-timers; Jinshanling is better for repeat visitors wanting a more authentic experience.
Can I hike from Mutianyu to Jinshanling?
Yes — a popular full-day hike covering 10 km of wall through 22 towers. The hike takes 4-6 hours and passes through both restored and wild sections. Hire a local guide or join a tour; the route is not always well-marked.
Are drones allowed on the Great Wall?
No — drones are strictly prohibited at all Great Wall sections. Photography is allowed for personal use; tripods may require permission.
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