The Mutianyu Great Wall is located about 70 kilometers (43.4 miles) northeast of Beijing. It connects the Jiankou Great Wall in the west and the Gubeikou Great Wall in the east.
Mutianyu Great Wall was a strategic pass built during the Ming Dynasty. The wall was built using slabs and gray bricks. This section was initially constructed 1,400 years ago during the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-589) and was later repaired, renovated, and expanded in the Ming Dynasty (1404).
General Xu Da of the Ming Dynasty began the construction of the Great Wall from Shanhaiguan Pass (Hebei Province) to Mutianyu between 1368 and 1404.
Other generals continued the work, making this section of the Great Wall higher and wider. The watchtowers in this section not only provided sufficient shelter for defending soldiers and storage for arms and ammunition but also offered solid defense.
The elevation at Mutianyu Pass is approximately 486 meters, while the highest point on the mountain exceeds 1,000 meters above sea level.
Facts about the Mutianyu Great Wall:
- Chinese: 慕田峪 /moo-tyen-yoo/
- Opening Hours: Year-round, 7:30 am–5:30 pm
- Location: About a 1½–2 hour drive from Beijing
- Facilities: Cable cars or chair lifts up/down, and toboggan down
- Suggested Visit Duration: 3-4 hours
Hi, I'm Helen. I have been living in Beijing for over 20 years. I initially came here because it is renowned as an international metropolis. As I gradually became familiar with the city, I found myself fascinated by its long history, rich cultural heritage, and progressive urban spirit. This inspired me to become a local tour guide—a messenger of cultural transmission—so that I could help more people experience the vibrant vitality of Beijing.
Content Preview
- Why Is Mutianyu Special
- Three Sections of Mutianyu
- How to Go Up and Down
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Get Tickets
- Is it Accessible for Seniors or Wheelchair Users
- How to Get to Mutianyu from Beijing
- Choose a Private or Group Tour
- Is It Necessary to Stay Overnight
- Mutianyu vs. Badaling
What Makes Mutianyu Special Compared to Other Sections of the Great Wall?
Compared to other sections of the Great Wall, the Mutianyu section has three unique features:
- It features double-sided battlements. Other parts of the Great Wall have battlements only on the outer side and parapets on the inner side, but this section has crenelated parapets on both sides, allowing soldiers to shoot at the enemy from either side.
- It includes branch walls located on the mountain ridge, which connect to the main wall. These branch walls controlled vantage points to protect the main part of the wall and played a significant role in the past.
- This section uniquely offers a chairlift up and a toboggan down. Taking the chairlift provides a stunning view of the surrounding mountains, while sliding down is a special experience.
Special toboggan experience in Mutianyu- 1-Day Beijing Highlights Private Tour with Mutianyu
- 1-Day Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking Tour
- 2-Day Great Wall Mutianyu-Simatai Day-Night Tour
Mutianyu Great Wall Includes Three Sections
The Mutianyu Great Wall has 20 watchtowers, divided into three sections: the eastern section, the western section, and the middle section. Most of our guests only visit one section or at most two sections.
- Watchtowers 1-6 are very steep, but you can see the dormitories where soldier leaders rested in ancient times. Climbing to the top, you can view the original brick walls preserved from the Ming Dynasty. It typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete one way.
- Watchtowers 6-14 are easier to climb, offering amazing views. It usually takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete one way.
- Climbing to watchtowers 14-20 leads to the Hero Platform, the highest point of the mountain. This route presents a greater challenge but rewards you with a better bird's-eye view of the Great Wall and a sense of achievement. typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete one way.
How to Go Up and Down the Mutianyu Great Wall?
After getting off your car, it takes about 10-12 minutes to walk to the shuttle bus entrance, followed by a 7-minute ride on the shuttle bus. After disembarking, you will need to walk for another 5-10 minutes to reach the Great Wall entrance. There are three different check-in counters:
- Chairlift entrance
- Hiking entrance
- Cable Car entrance
There are three ways to ascend the Great Wall: chairlift, cable car, and walking. The choice of method mainly depends on which section of the wall you wish to see. Personally, I favor the chairlift for its scenic ascent.
Chairlift: (leading to watchtower 6)
The chairlift takes about 10 minutes, and I highly recommend it if you look to see the views from watchtowers 1-6. My previous guests have found it to be a worthwhile option. After taking the chairlift up, I recommend sliding down on the toboggan.
Taking the Toboggan Down the Great Wall:
To slide down on the toboggan, you need to reach watchtower 6, which takes about 10 minutes to descend. This experience is fantastic, and all of our clients have enjoyed it immensely.
Warm Tips: Individuals over 60 years old are not allowed to slide down, and children under the age of 10 should slide with their families.
Take a chairlift up or downCable Car: (leading to watchtower 14)
The cost of the cable car is similar to that of the chairlift. This is a wise option if you visit the western section from watchtowers 14-20. It takes about 10 minutes to reach the 14th watchtower, and there is an elevator at the cable car entrance for elderly visitors or those using wheelchairs.
I recommend taking the cable car to ascend and then either the toboggan or the chairlift to descend.
Cable car in MutianyuWalking: (leading to watchtowers 6-10)
If you prefer to climb the Great Wall on foot, you should start from the second ticket entrance gate. It takes about 35-40 minutes to reach watchtowers 6 or 8. However, I recommend taking the cable car or chairlift to conserve energy for exploring the Great Wall.
After visiting Mutianyu, there are several restaurants at the foot of the Great Wall, including coffee shops, Burger King, buffets, dumpling restaurants, and other dining options.
Enjoy your walking tour on the Mutianyu Great WallBest Times to Visit the Mutianyu Great Wall
The Mutianyu section offers beautiful scenery year-round. The best month to visit is April when the mountains are adorned with colorful flowers and green leaves. Personally, I enjoy visiting during this time.
- Spring (March to May): The mountains are decorated with peach and plum blossoms, with temperatures around 15-20°C.
Mutianyu in spring- Summer (June to August): Lush green trees and grass cover the mountains, with temperatures around 25-35°C.
Mutianyu Great Wall in summer- Autumn (September to October): Golden hues from tree leaves and chestnut fruits are visible, with temperatures around 15°C.
Mutianyu in autumn- Winter (November to February): Snow creates a captivating scene over the Great Wall, with temperatures below -3°C. Even if it snows, the staff will clear the paths, ensuring safety. The snow scenery is most prominent in December and January.
Mutianyu in winterApril and October are the busiest months for Beijing tourism including visiting the Great Wall. It is advisable to arrive early, between 7:30 and 9:00 am, to avoid crowds during peak times.
How to Get Mutianyu Great Wall Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online or at the visitor center by showing your passport or ID.
Is the Mutianyu Great Wall Accessible for Seniors or Wheelchair Users?
While there are some challenges for seniors, such as the long uphill climb and uneven paths, the cable car provides wheelchair access via an elevator.
In my opinion, this section is the best choice for wheelchair users, even though they can only explore the platform at the 14th watchtower. The path from the parking lot to the cable car entrance is wheelchair-friendly.
Contact us to tailor-make your itinerary if you have any requirements.
How to Get to the Mutianyu Great Wall from Beijing
Mutianyu is about a 1½ to 2-hour drive from downtown Beijing. Public transportation options are limited in this area.
Traveling independently may involve various challenges, such as language barriers, ticket queues, and finding the best routes. China's public buses to rural areas are often crowded, so if you choose this option, be prepared for difficulties in securing a seat, as no English is spoken.
Should I Take a Private or Group Tour to Visit the Mutianyu Great Wall?
Many companies provide one-day group tours to Mutianyu, often including a visit to the Ming Tombs in the afternoon. These tours may include stops at souvenir factories for commissions. A group tour typically involves traveling with a coach full of Chinese tourists, requiring you to gather at a designated hotel and walk at the pace of a noisy crowd on the wall.
Unlike group tours, the private tour offers more flexibility. Your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel lobby and transport you to the wall in an air-conditioned vehicle. Your guide will handle your entry tickets in advance, saving you time and hassle. Although Mutianyu can be crowded at times, your guides know how to avoid crowds and traffic.
Since the wall tends to be crowded in the morning, we usually visit the Mutianyu in the afternoon to minimize crowds and traffic delays. Our experienced guides will help you discover the history and culture of the Great Wall, maximizing your visit.
Visit Mutianyu with China HighlightIs It Necessary to Stay Overnight?
If you wish to stay near the Great Wall, you can enjoy the sunrise and sunset views. There are accommodations like the Mutianyu Great Wall Hotel and various homestays. Personally, I prefer a one-day tour.
Sunrise and sunset times vary, so check them against the park's opening and closing hours.
Mutianyu vs. Badaling: Which Is More Recommended?
Personally, I favor Mutianyu for its scenic beauty and less commercial atmosphere. Compared to Badaling, it has fewer crowds and better-preserved walls. Additionally, the toboggan ride offers a unique experience.
You could find more facts on Badaling Vs Mutianyu: Which One Is Better for Visiting