Thing to do
Shichahai and Houhai Lakes
Three linked lakes north of Beihai Park, once the end of the Grand Canal, surrounded by hutongs, princely mansions, bars and the Drum and Bell Towers.
Mutianyu Great Wall
A restored Ming section of the Great Wall about 70 km north-east of Beijing, with 22 watchtowers, a cable car, a chairlift and a toboggan ride down.
At a glance
- Type
- Great Wall section
- Area
- Huairou District, Beijing, China
- Official site
- en.mutianyugreatwall.com
Good to know
- Cable car
- Chairlift
- Toboggan descent
- Shuttle buses from central Beijing
- Online booking with ID
Why we recommend it
Mutianyu is one of the most visited sections of the Great Wall from Beijing, set in Huairou district about 70 kilometres north-east of the city centre. A wall was first built here under the Northern Qi in the mid-6th century. The present wall dates from the Ming dynasty, when it was built over the earlier line under the general Xu Da; a pass was added in 1404 and the wall was rebuilt in 1569. Restoration was approved in 1983, and the section opened to all visitors in 1988.
The restored stretch runs for about 2,250 metres and includes 22 watchtowers. There are more than 4,000 steps if you walk up, but most people use one of the lifts: a four-person gondola cable car or a two-person chairlift, both of which can also be used to come down. The other way down is a single-rider wheeled toboggan on a winding metal track to the valley floor.
The official site recommends allowing three to four hours and suggests arriving at opening or after 3.30pm to avoid the busiest times. Tickets can be booked online through the scenic area's official QR code, and you show your ID at the gate for quick entry. Children under 1.2 metres enter free. Opening hours change with the season, and ticket sales stop an hour before closing, so check the official site before you set out. There are restrooms at both the upper and lower cable car stations.
Getting there without a tour is straightforward. The official site lists several shuttle buses from central Beijing, including services from Dongzhimen and from the car park of the Regent Beijing on Jinbao Street, near Dengshikou station on Line 5. Seats need to be reserved by phone, some a day ahead. The public bus option is bus 916 from Dongzhimen to Huairou, then a local H-route bus to the wall. Drivers leave the Jingcheng Expressway at exit 13 and follow signs.
Mutianyu suits first-time visitors, families and anyone who wants a restored section with good facilities rather than a rough hike. If you want wilder wall, several Beijing hiking companies run walks that finish here from the unrestored Jiankou section.
Mutianyu Great Wall FAQs
How far is Mutianyu from Beijing?
About 70 kilometres north-east of the city centre, in Huairou district.
How do you get there by public transport?
Take bus 916 from Dongzhimen to Huairou, then change to a local H-route bus. Shuttle buses from central Beijing can also be reserved by phone.
Is there a cable car?
Yes. A four-person gondola and a two-person chairlift run up to the wall, and both can be used to descend.
Can you toboggan down?
Yes. A single-rider toboggan runs down a metal track to the valley.
How long should I allow?
The official site recommends three to four hours.
When is it least crowded?
Arrive at opening or after 3.30pm.
Do children pay?
Children under 1.2 metres enter free.
How many watchtowers are there?
The restored section has 22 watchtowers along about 2,250 metres of wall.