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Great Wall at Mutianyu
The best all-around Great Wall section: fully restored, scenic, less crowded than Badaling, with cable car and unique toboggan ride. 1.5-2 hours from central Beijing.
great-wall2026-10-27
At a glance
- Region
- Beijing (Huairou District)
- Category
- section
- Difficulty
- easy
- Best for
- First-timers, Families with kids, Photographers, Anyone short on time
- Tickets
- ¥45 (Apr-Oct) / ¥35 (Nov-Mar). Round-trip cable car ¥120. Cable car up + toboggan down ¥100. Audio guide ¥20 (Chinese only).
- Length
- 2.25 km open to visitors (22 watchtowers)
- Duration
- 3-4 hours on the wall. Add 1-2 hours each way for transport from Beijing.
- Category
- section
Overview
Mutianyu is considered by many to be the most scenic and best-preserved 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 restored wall, with dramatic ridgeline views and far fewer crowds than the closer Badaling section. The wall is wide enough for 4-5 people to walk abreast, with smooth stone steps. Mutianyu was built during the Northern Qi dynasty in the 6th century and substantially rebuilt by General Qi Jiguang in 1569.
Highlights
- 22 restored watchtowers over 2.25 km of wall
- Toboggan ride down — unique to Mutianyu, the only Great Wall section with one
- Tower #14 — the famous photo spot with the wall snaking into the distance
- Tower #20 — the westernmost, dramatically less crowded
- Multiple cable car options (north and south entrances)
- Mix of restored and lightly-unrestored sections
Tips
- Take the cable car up and the toboggan down — saves time and is fun
- Walk west toward Tower #20 for the least crowded and most dramatic views
- Bring water and snacks — limited options on the wall
- Wear sturdy shoes — the steps are uneven and steep in places
- Go in spring (April-May) for green hills or autumn (Sep-Oct) for fall colors
- Avoid weekends and Chinese holidays — Mutianyu is the best Beijing option but still gets crowded
FAQs
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. The tour bus returns 3:00/4:30 PM.
Is Mutianyu or Badaling better?
Mutianyu for scenery and fewer crowds. Badaling is closer (60 km vs 70 km) but more crowded (80,000+ daily visitors in peak season). Mutianyu has the unique toboggan slide. For first-timers, Mutianyu is the better choice; for those with limited time, Badaling is more accessible.
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.
How long should I spend at Mutianyu?
3 hours on the wall is ideal. Walk west toward Tower #20 (1 hour each way) for fewer crowds. The cable car saves 30 min each way. With transport from Beijing, plan a full day (8-10 hours including drive).
Is Mutianyu accessible for elderly travelers?
Yes — the cable car and toboggan make it accessible for most ages. The wall itself has some steep sections but most is walkable. Avoid for those with severe mobility issues or wheelchair users (the wall has many steps and uneven surfaces).
Can I see the wall without a tour?
Yes — independent travel to Mutianyu is fully supported. Take the tour bus from Dongzhimen, hire a DiDi, or join a half-day tour. The wall itself is self-guided after entry. Optional: rent the audio guide (¥20) at the entrance for context.