The Mutianyu Great Wall is located in Huairou District, Beijing. It connects with the Juyongguan Great Wall in the west and GuBeikou in the east. Since ancient times, it has been a military stronghold guarding Beijing and is known as the “dangerous ridge and majestic pass.” The architectural structure style of the Mutianyu Great Wall is unique, with dense watchtowers. Especially the Zhengguantai where three watchtowers stand on one platform is rare among the Great Wall.
Mutianyu Great Wall
22 densely packed watchtowers: The Mutianyu Great Wall is mostly built on the steep cliffs on the outer side, following the terrain and using danger to control danger. The wall body is seven or eight meters high, and the top of the wall is four or five meters wide. The building materials are mainly granite, majestic and solid. The Mutianyu Great Wall has dense watchtowers. In the currently open 2,250-meter section of the Great Wall, there are 22 watchtowers. Among them, in the distance of less than 500 meters from the first platform (Dajiaolou) to the fourth platform (Zhengguantai), there are four watchtowers. This dense distribution pattern of watchtowers is not found in other sections of the Great Wall.
I. Reference routes for climbing the Mutianyu Great Wall
Most tourists climb up the Great Wall along the climbing trails. There are two trails in the scenic area, starting from the north and south ticket checkpoints respectively. At the north ticket checkpoint, you can walk to climb the Great Wall from the 10th and 8th platforms; at the south ticket checkpoint, you can walk to climb the Great Wall from the 8th and 6th platforms. The distances of the two trails are similar, about 1,500 meters. If you don’t want to consume too much physical strength on the trails, you can choose to take the cableway next to the north ticket checkpoint. The upper station of the cableway is located near the 14th platform.
Tourist route map of Mutianyu Great Wall scenic area in Beijing
The currently open section of the Mutianyu Great Wall is about 2,250 meters. At the southeastern end is the first platform of Mutianyu, the Dajiaolou. Walking northwest, you can reach the 4th platform (Zhengguantai) and see the rare structure of three watchtowers standing on one platform. Continuing forward, the wall is relatively flat and easy to walk. You can walk all the way to the 22nd platform at the northwestern end. After that, you can take the cableway down the mountain from the 14th platform.
II. Transportation methods
- Airport bus + public transportation:
First, take the airport bus from Beijing Capital International Airport to Dongzhimen. In the airport, there will be clear signs guiding you to find the waiting point for the airport bus. You can choose the corresponding route according to the terminal you are in.
After reaching Dongzhimen, transfer to Subway Line 2 and get off at Xizhimen Station, then transfer to Subway Line 4 and get off at Gongzhufen Station.
After getting out of Gongzhufen Station, transfer to a public bus heading to the Mutianyu Great Wall. You can check the specific bus lines and schedules at the bus stop. Generally, you need to take it to Huairou Beidajie Station, and then transfer to Bus H23 to Mutianyu Roundabout. This method is relatively economical but takes a long time. The whole journey may take about 3 to 4 hours and requires multiple transfers. - Taxi/online car-hailing:
Taking a taxi directly from Beijing Capital International Airport to the Mutianyu Great Wall is the most convenient way, but the cost is relatively high. The whole journey is about 70 kilometers, and the driving time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The cost is probably around 200 to 300 yuan (the specific cost will be affected by traffic conditions and other factors). - Tourist special line:
At the Dongzhimenwai bus stop near the Dongzhimen transportation hub, there is a tourist special line for Mutianyu. Generally, it departs at 8:30 in the morning and goes directly to the Mutianyu Great Wall, with a one-way fare of about 30 yuan. However, it should be noted that the departure time of the tourist special line may be adjusted according to the season and passenger flow. It is recommended that you check the relevant information in advance.
You can also choose scenic area shuttle bus services such as “BusDa.” This method is more suitable for tourists who are not familiar with Beijing’s transportation. The bus will gather tourists at a designated place and then go directly to the Mutianyu Great Wall. There will also be tour guides on the bus to provide some explanations and help.
III. Accommodation suggestions
Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall Hotel
- Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall Hotel: Located inside the Mutianyu Great Wall scenic area, close to the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, with beautiful environment and fresh air. The hotel offers various types of guest rooms with complete facilities and considerate service. It is very convenient to go to the Great Wall from here, and you can reach the scenic area entrance on foot.
- Huazhu She · Beijing Huairou Lanting Hot Spring Resort Hotel (Mutianyu Great Wall Store): It is relatively close to the Mutianyu Great Wall scenic area and can be reached on foot. The hotel has an elegant environment and provides hot spring services. After visiting the Great Wall, you can return to the hotel to soak in the hot spring and relax. The rooms are exquisitely decorated, with high-end facilities and a rich breakfast.
- Great Wall Station Castle Homestay: It has a unique architectural style. The rooms are spacious and bright, and the view outside the window is pleasant. The homestay provides considerate service, making you feel at home. It is also not far from the Mutianyu Great Wall scenic area, which is convenient for you to visit.
- Hotels in Huairou urban area:
If you want more accommodation choices and convenient living facilities, you can choose to stay in Huairou urban area. Huairou urban area is a certain distance from the Mutianyu Great Wall, but the transportation is relatively convenient. You can take a bus or take a taxi to go to the Great Wall. There are various types of hotels in the urban area, ranging from economy to luxury, which can meet the needs of different budgets. For example, some chain hotels in Huairou have moderate prices, complete facilities, and convenient transportation.
Taking a bus from Mutianyu Great Wall to Huairou urban area: Bus H23 transfer to Express Bus 916: Get on the bus at Mutianyu Roundabout Station and take Bus H23 in the direction of Yujia Garden. After taking 17 stops to Huairou Beidajie bus stop. Then walk 62 meters to Huairou Beidajie Station and transfer to Express Bus 916 in the direction of Dongzhimen Bus Terminal to reach Huairou urban area. However, this method takes a long time and requires multiple transfers, but the cost is low.
Mutianyu Great Wall
IV. Opening hours
From November 16 to March 15: Open from 08:00 to 17:30.
From March 16 to November 15: Open from 07:30 to 18:00 on weekdays.
From March 16 to November 15: Open from 07:30 to 18:30 on weekends.
During Chinese festivals: Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day: Open from 07:30 to 21:30.
Note: The cable car operating hours are the same as the scenic area’s business hours. During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day night sessions, the business hours are adjusted in time according to sunset.
Supplementary note: For the shuttle bus and cable car, those under 1.2 meters (inclusive) are free. People over 1.2 meters (exclusive) need to purchase full-price tickets (there are no discounts for children, the elderly, disabled people, etc.).
V. Tickets
- Ticket price: 45 yuan.
- Round-trip shuttle bus fare: 15 yuan.
- Cable car from north ticket checkpoint to reach the 14th beacon tower: One-way fare is 100 yuan, round-trip ticket is 140 yuan.
Cable car of Mutianyu Great Wall
- Ropeway + slide from south ticket checkpoint to reach the 6th beacon tower: One-way fare is 100 yuan, round-trip ticket is 140 yuan.
Ropeway of Mutianyu Great Wall
Slide of Mutianyu Great Wall
The routes are the same. There is a ropeway above and a slide below.
Pay attention to the operating hours. If you miss the last ride, you can only walk down the mountain.
People over 60 years old are prohibited from taking the slide. Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by parents.
VI. Precautions
Mutianyu Great Wall
- The tour time of Mutianyu Great Wall needs 3 to 4 hours, but the specific time varies from person to person.
- The slide will be closed on rainy days. If it rains the day before, it will affect the opening time of the slide.
- Be sure to bring water and food to replenish energy, especially water. Because the things sold by vendors on the road are not cheap because labor costs need to be added.
- The shuttle bus must be purchased unless you are an outdoor enthusiast.
- The slide is very fun, but you need to reserve one and a half hours for queuing, otherwise you will miss the return bus.
- It is best to avoid going on weekends. The traffic in Beijing is really congested, especially on the return journey.
V. Service facilities
Transportation in the park: One-way: 10 yuan/person, round-trip: 15 yuan/person. Address: At the end to the west of the comprehensive service area. For the service area to the tourist area, whether adults or children, a fee is charged if they occupy a seat.
Restrooms: There are multiple restrooms in Mutianyu Great Wall. Near the tourist service center, the Great Wall cableway station, etc., there are eye-catching signs.
Scenic area service phone numbers: 010-61626022 or 010-61626505.
Transportation in the park: One-way: 10 yuan/person, round-trip: 15 yuan/person. Address: At the end to the west of the comprehensive service area. For the service area to the tourist area, whether adults or children, a fee is charged if they occupy a seat.
Restrooms: There are multiple restrooms in Mutianyu Great Wall. Near the tourist service center, the Great Wall cableway station, etc., there are eye-catching signs.
Scenic area service phone numbers: 010-61626022 or 010-61626505.