Mutianyu Great Wall
An iconic ancient wonder, Mutianyu offers stunning, well-restored sections of the Great Wall with fewer crowds and fun transport options.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Mutianyu Great Wall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic ancient wonder, Mutianyu offers stunning, well-restored sections of the Great Wall with fewer crowds and fun transport options.
"Breathtakingly beautiful, but beware of the many very steep steps."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of steep steps! Good footwear is essential for exploring the wall comfortably.
🚠 Cable Car or Chairlift
Save energy by taking the cable car or chairlift up. The chairlift leads to the toboggan!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Toboggan Ride
Tower 6
Experience a thrilling, fun descent down the mountain after exploring the wall. A unique way to end your visit!
+1
Panoramic Views from Watchtowers
Various watchtowers
Climb to the top of watchtowers for breathtaking, sweeping vistas of the Great Wall snaking across the landscape.
Well-Restored Sections
Main wall path
Walk along the meticulously restored sections, marveling at the scale and engineering of this ancient wonder.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of steep steps! Good footwear is essential for exploring the wall comfortably.
🚠 Cable Car or Chairlift
Save energy by taking the cable car or chairlift up. The chairlift leads to the toboggan!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. There are vendors, but prices can be higher.
☀️ Sun Protection
A hat and sunscreen are a must, as there's little shade on the wall itself.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of steep steps! Good footwear is essential for exploring the wall comfortably.
🚠 Cable Car or Chairlift
Save energy by taking the cable car or chairlift up. The chairlift leads to the toboggan!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. There are vendors, but prices can be higher.
☀️ Sun Protection
A hat and sunscreen are a must, as there's little shade on the wall itself.
💰 Consider a Tour
Organized tours can simplify transport and logistics from Beijing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Mutianyu Great Wall for its breathtaking beauty, well-restored sections, and stunning panoramic views. Many highlight the convenience of the cable car and the fun toboggan ride as unique attractions. While the steep steps can be challenging, most agree the experience is well worth the effort and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"Breathtakingly beautiful, but beware of the many very steep steps. With good physical fitness, a longer section can be visited. About 1 hour by car from Beijing to Badaling, the most visited area of the Chinese Wall."
Jasmin M
"This is my third time climbing the Great Wall. It's amazing that I get to do this three times before I become to weak to do so.
Not that I am a fan of Mao Zedong but I also get to see his name carved onto a side of a mountain that you can see from the Great Wall.
By any standards this is a sight to see and a once in a lifetime experience that anyone should have. Being there makes one feel just how small we are..."
Dan Moh
"This was one of my bucket list places. We were in Beijing and it was only 1 hour from there. There were many people but the renovated part of the wall is very long so it wasn't crowded at all. There were so many stairs but it doesn't matter when you're at one of the biggest thing ever built by humanity."
Norbert Elek
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common ways are by private driver, organized tour, or ride-sharing apps like DiDi. Public buses are also an option but can be less direct. The journey typically takes about 1.5 hours. +1
Getting back can be trickier, especially if you don't have pre-arranged transport. Taxis might be scarce, so booking a return trip with your driver or tour is recommended.
Solo travelers often opt for organized tours for convenience and to meet other travelers. Ride-sharing apps are also a good option if you're comfortable navigating.
Yes, there's a shuttle bus that takes you from the parking lot to the base of the Great Wall, where you can then choose the cable car, chairlift, or walk.
The travel time is approximately 1.5 hours by car, but can be longer depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices typically include entry to the scenic area and access to the wall. Additional costs apply for the cable car, chairlift, and toboggan. Check official sources for current pricing.
Mutianyu is generally open year-round, with hours varying slightly by season. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
It's advisable to book tickets and any desired transport options (like cable cars) in advance, especially during peak season, to save time.
Yes, you can purchase tickets for the wall itself, and then separate tickets for the cable car, chairlift, and toboggan ride.
Some sources suggest that night visits might be possible, but it's not a standard offering. It's best to confirm with local tour operators or the official site.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Mutianyu is highly recommended for its fewer crowds and stunning views compared to other sections like Badaling. The restored sections offer a great walking experience. +1
Be prepared for a significant amount of walking and many steep steps. The length you cover depends on your fitness level and how far you choose to explore.
You can walk, take a shuttle bus, a cable car (to Tower 14), or a chairlift (to Tower 6, which is near the toboggan).
While the wall itself has many stairs, the cable car and chairlift make it accessible. The toboggan ride is also a hit with kids. However, very young children might need to be carried.
Yes, the hike from Jiankou to Mutianyu is a popular but challenging trek for experienced hikers, offering a more rugged and authentic experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The watchtowers offer incredible panoramic views. The winding paths and the sheer scale of the wall provide endless photo opportunities. Early morning or late afternoon light is ideal.
Yes, by visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and exploring further along the wall, you can find less crowded spots for your photos.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting. Midday can be harsh, but still offers great views.
Drone usage is generally restricted at major tourist attractions in China. It's best to check the latest regulations before flying one.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the wall. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 While there are many stairs, the well-maintained paths and the sheer wonder of the Great Wall can keep kids engaged. Consider bringing snacks and plenty of water, as options on the wall can be limited. 🚶 Solo Adventurers
+1 Taking an organized tour can be a good way to meet fellow travelers and simplify logistics. Alternatively, using ride-sharing apps or public transport offers flexibility. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon for the best light. Exploring further along the wall can help you find less crowded spots for unique compositions. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your Ascent: Cable Car vs. Chairlift
Alternatively, the chairlift takes you up to Tower 6. This is a more open-air experience and is particularly exciting because it's the starting point for the famous toboggan ride down! If you're looking for a bit more adventure and a unique way to descend, the chairlift is the way to go.
+2Both options save you a significant amount of walking, which can be strenuous given the steepness of the Great Wall. Consider your preference for comfort versus adventure when making your choice.
Navigating the Mutianyu Section
Once you're on the wall, you can explore for kilometers. The watchtowers are strategically placed along the wall and offer incredible vantage points for photos and to appreciate the sheer scale of this ancient fortification. Many visitors recommend walking as far as their energy allows to discover quieter spots and enjoy the panoramic views.
Be prepared for a significant number of steep steps. While the wall is well-maintained, it's a challenging climb in places. Wearing comfortable, sturdy shoes is crucial.
The Thrill of the Toboggan
+1The toboggan typically starts near Tower 6, accessible via the chairlift. It's a unique experience that adds an element of adventure to your visit, making it memorable for all ages.
+1While it's a fantastic way to end your visit, be aware that it's an additional cost. Many visitors find it well worth the price for the sheer fun and the unique perspective it offers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit