The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is a fantastic option for those looking to experience one of China’s most iconic landmarks. Often less crowded than Badaling, Mutianyu provides a more relaxed visit with equally impressive views.
We recently took a full-day guided tour from Beijing and wanted to share our experience, along with some insights for anyone thinking of making this trip independently.
Overview
The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic structures in the world, stretching over 13,000 miles and built over several dynasties to protect against invasions.
The Mutianyu section, originally constructed during the Northern Qi dynasty (550–577) and later rebuilt under the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), is known for its strategic importance as a military defence point.
Mutianyu has been meticulously restored, making it one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lush forests. Its relative quietness compared to the popular Badaling section makes it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the wall without the overwhelming crowds.
How to Get to Mutianyu from Beijing
There are a few ways to reach Mutianyu from Beijing. We opted for a guided tour through Klook, which made the logistics seamless. The tour included a morning hotel pick-up, lift chair & toboggan, lunch, and convenient departures every hour from 1-5 pm, which fit perfectly with our wider Beijing itinerary.
If you prefer to go independently, there are also buses that connect to Mutianyu, but it also depends on how you can navigate yourself there. Choosing between a tour and independent travel really depends on how much flexibility you want, and for us, the tour’s convenience won out.
Easiest and most convenient option to go to Mutianyu is by taxi however, at the time of writing you could be looking at $35 one way. We could defintely see how this could work for a smaller group of 3-4 people.
Comparing Mutianyu and Badaling: Which should you choose?
Before heading to the Great Wall of China, we debated whether to visit Mutianyu or Badaling. The Badaling section is the most popular, which means it’s often packed with tourists.
In contrast, Mutianyu is typically quieter, with fewer crowds, which was one of the main reasons we chose it. Mutianyu also offers some thrilling experiences, like a toboggan ride and cable cars, which made the day feel even more special.
Our Day at Mutianyu Great Wall
Our tour included the chair lift/toboggan return tickets and the entrance to the wall. The added benefit was that the tour guide was able to sell us the gondola as an add-on on the bus at no extra charge to us, which made it convenient.
If travelling independently, you don’t need to reserve your tickets but you can buy them online or on the spot.
1. East Section
We arrived at Mutianyu just before noon and started by taking the chair lift up to the wall. The guide told us where the coaches will be and the times on the way out and left us to our own devices.
As we stepped out, we were greeted with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape—a moment that made all the hassle of planning completely worth it.
On the eastern side section you can see the officers tower (Zhengguan Pass) and afterwards you can climb on the fairly steep way to the Grand Turret.
A word of advice, this section to the Grand Turret is very steep and in parts it feels like climbing a ladder. The reason for this is because this was a security feature in case the enemy breached the wall. As a result, we would suggest you brings sportswear with you on the trip.
After snapping some photos, we decided to make our way down using the toboggan ride, which added a fun twist to the experience. In fact this was a real highlight of the trip and we would strongly suggest you take the toboggan.
Whilst the queue is non-existent in the morning, after midday, you could be looking at a 30 minutes or more wait time, so do plan ahead.
It’s definitely something we recommend if you’re looking for a playful way to descend from the wall.
2. West Section
Afterwards, we went up again, this time on the western side via the gondola. The entrance to the gondola is a few minutes up from the chairlift.
This section provided an even better perspective of the wall’s steep terrain, particularly the Hero Slope, known for its dramatic incline.
The views of Inner Mongolia here were breath-taking, especially as we looked out over the steep paths that seemed to stretch endlessly along the ridgelines.
However, we decided not to attempt the Hero Slope—the climb looked a bit too intense for our afternoon energy levels. The Heroes section is one of the most challenging parts of the Mutianyu Wall, with a steep incline that almost feels vertical at points.
It is said that only true ‘heroes’ can conquer this part of the wall, and for good reason—it’s a physically demanding climb, with uneven steps and sharp ridges. However, for those who make it, the views are absolutely worth it, offering a stunning panorama of the wall stretching across the mountains in both directions.
This section is the best section at Mutianyu to take photos. It’s great to see the scenery and simply enjoy the day for yourself, we know, we did for sure!
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3. Lunch and the Wrap-Up
We ended up having a late lunch at 4pm, with the tour providing a simple but satisfying meal. It wasn’t the highlight of the day, but it did the job after all the climbing and exploring.
At 4:45pm, we boarded the bus and headed back, with a drop-off at Wangfujing Street in Beijing. This worked perfectly for us, as it gave us a chance to explore Wangfujing’s famous night market afterwards.
Best Time to Visit Mutianyu
The best time to visit Mutianyu is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons.
During these months, the weather is generally mild, making it comfortable for climbing and exploring the wall. In spring, you can enjoy beautiful blossoms, while autumn offers stunning foliage with vibrant shades of red and orange, adding an extra layer of beauty to your visit.
Summer (July and August) can be quite hot, with temperatures often reaching above 30°C (86°F). The heat, combined with the physical exertion of climbing, can make the experience more challenging.
However, if you do visit in summer, try to arrive early in the morning to avoid the peak heat of the day, and be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Winter (December to February) brings a different charm, with the potential for snow-covered walls creating a picturesque scene.
However, it can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing. If you don’t mind the cold and want to avoid crowds entirely, winter can be a good option, but be prepared with appropriate winter clothing.
Travel Tips for Visiting Mutianyu
- Arrive Early: To make the most of your visit, try to arrive early in the day. This way, you can beat the crowds and have more time to explore the wall at your own pace. The morning light is also ideal for photography, providing a softer, more flattering glow.
- Bring your passport: you will need your passport to be able to go to the Great Wall of China as this is your ticket. You will be asked to scan your passport before boarding the shuttle bus to go to the gondola/chair lift.
- Choose Your Climbing Route: Mutianyu has several access points, including the chair lift, gondola, and stairway path if you want to actually hike all the way up. If you want a more relaxed ascent, the chair lift or gondola are great options. For those looking for more of a challenge, the stairs will give you a solid workout.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that allow you to move freely. The wall can be quite steep in places, and you’ll want to be prepared for climbing uneven steps. A hat and sunscreen are also important, especially during the warmer months.
- Bring Snacks and Water: While there are some vendors near the entrance and at certain points along the wall, it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and water. Exploring the wall is physically demanding, and staying hydrated is essential. Pack light, though—you’ll have to carry whatever you bring. Once you are up there, you will find some cafes and eateries but as you can imagine they will be overpriced and not very good quality.
- Consider Weather Conditions: The weather can significantly impact your experience. On a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views, but on a rainy or foggy day, visibility may be limited, and the steps can become slippery. Check the forecast and plan accordingly. We were fortunate enough to have an amazing day with a clear sunny sky.
- Avoid Peak Times: Weekends and national holidays tend to be busier, as locals and tourists alike flock to the wall. Visiting on a weekday will likely mean fewer crowds, giving you a more peaceful experience. Early October might be the worst of the shoulder months as there are several Chinese holidays.
- Be Prepared for the Toboggan Ride: If you plan to take the toboggan ride down, know that it’s a fun but somewhat bumpy descent. Listen carefully to the instructions, and go at a pace that feels comfortable. It’s a great way to cap off your visit, adding an element of adventure to the experience.
- Time Your Lunch Wisely: If you are on a guided tour, lunch may be at an odd time, as it was for us. We chose to have our lunch at 4pm because we didn’t want to waste time going up and down to the restaurant. Bringing snacks was essential to keep our energy levels up until then. If you go independently, you have the flexibility to time your meal as you prefer, but we recommend eating after exploring the wall so that you can fully enjoy the experience without feeling too full.
Things to Keep in Mind
For those planning a trip to Mutianyu, consider the timing of your visit. We chose a guided tour for the convenience of hotel pick-up and lunch, but there are pros and cons to both independent and tour travel.
Independent travel offers more freedom, but it may take more effort to arrange transport, especially if you don’t speak Chinese. The tour, on the other hand, takes care of all the logistics, leaving you to simply enjoy the wall.
Another thing we appreciated at Mutianyu was the variety of ways to experience the wall. The chair lift and gondola offer different vantage points, while the toboggan ride adds a playful element that makes the descent memorable.
If you’re up for a physical challenge, sections like the Heroes segment are there to conquer, but for us, simply enjoying the views and the general atmosphere was enough.
Most people for some reason seem to choose one section of the wall however, we suggest you do both east and west as they are perfectly doable in a day.
Proposed Itinerary for Mutianyu Wall
After our trip, we realised we could have done this better. Here is our proposed itinerary to experience the Mutianyu part of the Great Wall of China:
- Buy a single journey with the gondola: Start your day by purchasing a single journey ticket for the gondola. This is the most convenient way to reach the wall in the morning, allowing you to save energy for exploring.
- Go up in the morning with the gondola: Take the gondola up in the morning when the temperatures are cooler, and the lighting is perfect for photos. This also helps you avoid the larger crowds that tend to arrive later in the day.
- Explore the western side of the wall: Begin by exploring the western section of the wall. This area offers some of the most dramatic views, including the steep Heroes section, which is a sight to behold even if you don’t plan on climbing it.
- Walk down the wall to the eastern side: After exploring the west section, walk down towards the eastern side of the wall. This walk is mostly downhill, making it a more leisurely experience, and it gives you the chance to appreciate different sections of the wall at your own pace.
- Explore the officers tower and nearby areas: Once you reach the eastern side, take some time to explore the officers tower and nearby points of interest. This area is rich in history and provides great opportunities for photos.
- Buy a one-way ticket for the toboggan or chairlift: If the toboggan is operating, buy a one-way ticket for a fun and unique way to descend. There is a ticket desk at the top. Alternatively, take the chairlift down if you prefer a more relaxed descent.
- Go for lunch and then head back to Beijing: After descending, enjoy a well-deserved lunch. We recommend having lunch before leaving Mutianyu to avoid hunger on the return journey. After lunch, head back to Beijing, ideally with a drop-off that fits into your wider itinerary.
Final Thoughts
Overall, we found Mutianyu to be a brilliant choice for visiting the Great Wall of China and found that the time spent there was enough. The combination of convenience, fewer crowds, and unique experiences like the toboggan ride made it a standout section for us.
Whether you choose to visit with a tour or on your own, this section of the wall offers both adventure and breath-taking views, all without the overwhelming crowds of Badaling.
Ready to book? Below are some recommendations to get your trip started:
- Flights – we use flight aggregators such as Skyscanner and Google flights to find the best options. You can find more information about finding cheap flights here.
- Accommodation – would recommend booking your accommodation through an aggregator such as Booking.com, Trip.com or Agoda to get the best rates. We also use TripAdvisor to read reviews.
- Transport – consider Rentalcars.com for car renting or if you rely on public transport, you can use Omio for trains, coaches, ferries, airport transfers and even flights.
- Activities – a great option is GetYourGuide, Klook or Viator for tours, excursions, experiences and tickets to many tourist attractions.
- Travel money – we have Starling Bank accounts (UK residents only) with 0% fees on FX and a good Mastercard exchange rate. Revolut is another good option.
- Internet abroad – with Airalo or Nomad you can access a wide range of eSIMs (digital SIM cards) available for different countries and regions.
- Luggage storage – if you need to store your bags whilst exploring the destination, you can use Radical Storage to find your closest luggage storage and enjoy your journey until the very end.
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