The Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall of China is one of the most scenic places to experience this majestic architectural wonder. Located about 70 kilometers from Beijing, it’s surrounded by lush forests and rolling green hills. Unlike Badaling or Juyongguan, Mutianyu tends to attract fewer tourists, making it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the Wall in a more peaceful and relaxed setting.
This section is also well-equipped, offering a cable car ride up and even a toboggan ride down — a fun option for visitors of all ages. Originally built in the 6th century, the wall at Mutianyu was restored during the Ming Dynasty in the 16th century.
We’ve put together a complete guide for you — including how to get there from Beijing, tour options, ticket prices, opening hours, the best time to visit, and a detailed comparison between Mutianyu and Badaling to help you choose the section that suits you best.
How to Get to the Mutianyu Section from Beijing
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located about 80 kilometers from downtown Beijing. The journey usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours. It’s entirely possible to get there on your own, with several transport options available.
Join a Tour to Mutianyu
The most convenient and comfortable way to visit Mutianyu is by booking a guided tour. This allows you to enjoy the experience without worrying about transportation logistics — saving both time and energy, which is especially valuable if it’s your first time in Beijing.
Most tours include additional stops, such as Jingshan Park, historic parts of Beijing, or a traditional tea tasting. You can choose the package that suits you best and book it online. Find all the details and complete your booking here.
Shuttle Bus from Qianmen Station
Shuttle buses depart daily between 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM, with departures based on when the buses fill up. They arrive at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall between 10:00 AM and noon. A round-trip ticket costs 80 yuan and can be purchased directly from the driver.
Return trips to Beijing begin at 2:00 PM and continue until 4:00 PM. Please note: departure times back to Beijing may vary, and the exact time will be announced upon your arrival at Mutianyu.
To catch the shuttle, go to the Beijing Tourist Distribution Center, located near Qianmen subway station (Line 2). After exiting the metro, follow the signs to the bus stop.
By Bus from Dongzhimen Station
You can also get to Mutianyu on your own from Dongzhimen Station (东直门) — [click here to see the map]. This station is served by Beijing Metro Lines 2 and 13.
Take Exit C and make sure to arrive before 7:50 AM, as that’s when the bus usually departs. The return trip ends at the National Art Museum subway station, located about one kilometer from Jingshan Park.
By following the link, you can book a round-trip bus ticket, an entrance ticket to the Wall, and even a cable car ticket in advance.
Note: During peak tourist season, additional buses to Mutianyu depart from various locations around Beijing, including Shaoyaoju Station, Chaoyang Station, and several other pickup points.
From Dongzhimen, it’s also possible to take Bus 916, but this route does not go directly to Mutianyu. You’ll need to transfer at Huairou North Avenue, and the total journey can take up to 2.5 hours. From Huairou Beidajie, you can transfer to one of the following local buses: H23, H24, H35, or H36. The full trip costs around 12 yuan.
Private Transfer to Mutianyu
Taking a taxi from Beijing to Mutianyu is not recommended, as drivers rarely use the meter for long-distance trips. You’ll often have to haggle over the fare, which can be time-consuming and not very cost-effective.
A much better option is to book a private transfer, ideal for two or more people. You’ll be picked up directly from your hotel, driven to Mutianyu, and brought back once your visit is over. You can choose how long you’d like to stay on the Wall — either 5 or 8 hours, depending on your preference. Full details and current prices are available via the link shared.
Highlights of the Mutianyu Section
The Mutianyu section winds its way along dramatic mountain ridges covered in dense forest. In spring and summer, the hillsides burst with vibrant greenery, while in autumn, the entire landscape transforms into a sea of brilliant reds and golds. It’s considered one of the most photogenic parts of the Great Wall.
Fully restored in the 1980s, this section is now known as one of the best-preserved. The wall here looks grand and imposing, yet is perfectly safe and accessible for walking. The watchtowers and connecting segments have been meticulously reconstructed with great attention to historical detail.
How to Climb the Wall
From the main tourist center, there’s still a bit of a journey to reach the Wall. There are several ways to get there. The first — and definitely the most physically demanding — is to hike up. To access the Wall on foot, you’ll need to climb around 600 steps, which can take up to an hour, depending on your fitness level.
A more comfortable option is to take the open-air chairlift, which brings you up to Tower 6. This is also where the toboggan ride down begins — a fun and unique way to descend.
Alternatively, you can take the enclosed cable car, which takes you up to Tower 14. After walking along the Wall, you can choose to ride the toboggan down, adding a touch of adventure to the end of your visit.
Tickets for the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall of China
The entrance ticket costs 40 yuan per person. Seniors aged 60 and over, as well as children aged 6 to 18, benefit from a discounted rate of 20 yuan. It’s recommended to purchase your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line at the ticket office.
In addition to the standard entrance ticket, there are combo tickets available that include access to the cable car, chairlift, toboggan, and round-trip bus transportation from Beijing. You can check current prices and make your reservation online.
It’s also possible to book a guided tour to Mutianyu from Beijing through this page.
Opening Hours
The Mutianyu section is open:
- From March 16 to November 14: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- From November 15 to March 15: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Operating hours for the cable car, chairlift, and toboggan are the same as the opening hours for the Wall itself.
Recommended Route for Visiting the Mutianyu Section
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall features 20 watchtowers and is divided into three main areas: east, west, and central. Most visitors explore just one part, depending on how much time they have and their physical condition.
The stretch between Towers 1 and 6 is known to be the steepest and most challenging. However, those who take it on are rewarded with views of original brickwork that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Walking this route can take up to two hours.
The most popular and accessible section lies between Towers 6 and 14. Walking one way typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace.
For a truly breathtaking panoramic view, head to the highest point known as Hero Platform. The hike up takes about 1.5 hours. To get back down, the toboggan ride is the most convenient — and definitely the most fun option, especially for kids and teens.
Mutianyu or Badaling – Which One to Choose?
If you’re unsure whether to visit Mutianyu or Badaling, the comparison below might help you decide. Both sections of the Great Wall are well-restored, easily accessible from Beijing, and offer impressive experiences.
Badaling, located about 70 km from central Beijing, is the most famous and tourist-friendly section. It’s been thoroughly renovated and doesn’t require much physical effort to walk. It’s considered one of the best-preserved parts of the Wall and offers excellent accessibility, with direct train connections from Beijing.
You can even take a high-speed train, reaching Badaling from central Beijing in just 25–30 minutes. So, if you’re short on time or don’t want to spend hours traveling, Badaling is likely your best bet. The main downside? Crowds — especially during weekends and peak tourist season.
Mutianyu, on the other hand, is a more peaceful and scenic part of the Wall, surrounded by lush forests and mountain views. It’s far less crowded, particularly if you visit early on a weekday. While it’s a bit more challenging to reach on your own, guided tours make the trip convenient. The terrain is steeper in some areas, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended.
In summary:
- Badaling: great for quick, easy access and iconic sights — but expect lots of people.
- Mutianyu: ideal for those seeking a quieter, more natural setting — with a touch of adventure.
