Mutianyu is where most first-time visitors should meet the Great Wall, and it rarely disappoints. The wall here was rebuilt by the Ming dynasty along a steep, forested ridge in Huairou district, about 70 kilometres northeast of the city centre, and the restored section strings together a long run of stone watchtowers with views over folded hills in every direction. It is far less crowded than Badaling, the section nearest the city, and much easier going than the wild, crumbling stretches further out. The great advantage of Mutianyu is choice: you can walk up from the bottom, ride a cable car or an open chairlift to the ridge, and come down the way you went up or on a toboggan that slides down a metal track through the trees, which children and many adults love. This page links to the MuBus day trip on Viator, a shared bus from central Beijing rated 4.9 from more than 3,000 reviews, with options to add entry and the lifts.
How to visit: Mutianyu is about an hour and a half from central Beijing by road, depending on traffic. A shuttle bus carries visitors about three kilometres from the visitor centre to the base of the lifts, and from there you choose the cable car, the chairlift or the steps. The site opens early in the morning, and ticket sales stop in the late afternoon, an hour or so earlier on weekdays than at weekends. Entry is inexpensive; the shuttle, the cable car and the toboggan cost extra. Tickets are sold on a real-name basis, so carry your passport. The MuBus trip handles the transport for a low price, which makes it the simplest way to go without a private driver.
What to expect: the wall is steep in places, with uneven steps and some sections that are close to a scramble. There is little shade, so bring water, sun protection and good shoes. Most people spend two to three hours on the wall, walking between towers before heading down.
Making the most of it: arrive early, before the tour groups, and walk away from the lift stations, where the crowds thin out quickly. November brings clear, cold days and bare trees that show the line of the wall well; the toboggan runs only in suitable weather, so treat it as a bonus rather than the plan.
What to expect
The experience
A day trip by bus or car to the wall, a shuttle to the lifts, then two to three hours walking between restored watchtowers on the ridge.
Best time
Early on a weekday in spring or autumn, and on clear, crisp days in November, when the views are sharpest and the crowds are thinner.
How long
Two to three hours on the wall, and most of a day including the drive from Beijing.
Tips
Carry your passport for the real-name ticket, wear shoes with grip, bring water and snacks, and walk away from the lift stations to escape the crowds.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want a beautiful, manageable stretch of the Great Wall without the crowds of Badaling.
- Families
- The cable car, the chairlift and the toboggan make it the most child-friendly section of the Wall near Beijing.
- Couples
- Walk out to the quieter towers at either end of the restored section for a view of the Wall rolling over the hills.
- Pair with
- The Forbidden City the next day, or the all-inclusive day tour that combines both in one long day.
- Time needed
- A full day, leaving Beijing in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.
Good questions
How far is Mutianyu from Beijing?+
Mutianyu is about 70 kilometres from central Beijing, roughly an hour and a half by road depending on traffic. A shared bus such as MuBus or a private car with a driver are the easiest ways to get there.
Is there a cable car at Mutianyu?+
Yes, Mutianyu has a cable car and an open chairlift up to the wall, and a toboggan that slides back down. They cost extra on top of the entry ticket, and the toboggan depends on the weather.
Do I need my passport for the Great Wall?+
Bring it, because tickets at Mutianyu are sold on a real-name basis and many tours ask for passport details when you book. It is also needed at most of Beijing’s major sights.
Is Mutianyu better than Badaling?+
For most visitors, yes: Mutianyu is less crowded, greener and has the toboggan, while Badaling is closer but much busier. Badaling suits those short of time, and Jinshanling suits keen hikers.
How long should I spend on the wall at Mutianyu?+
Two to three hours is enough to walk a good stretch between towers and enjoy the views. Allow a full day including the travel from Beijing.
