Great WallMutianyu Great Wall
🏛️ What It Is
The Great Wall is China’s greatest ancient defensive structure, stretching over 21,000 kilometers. The most worthwhile section near Beijing is Mutianyu—just as spectacular but much less crowded than Badaling.
✨ Why Visit
Standing on the Great Wall and gazing into the distance, the wall winds along the ridgeline stretching far into the distance—one of the most spectacular achievements in the history of human engineering.
Tips for Visitors
Choose Mutianyu over Badaling
Badaling is the most famous but also the most crowded. Mutianyu is just as spectacular, less crowded, and offers a toboggan run for the descent. For foreign tourists, Mutianyu is the best choice.
We recommend taking the scenic area shuttle bus (Bada Bus/Mu Bus).
Board at Exit B of Hepingxiqiao Station on Metro Line 5. Prices start at about 98 yuan, which includes round-trip bus fare, admission, and shuttle service. It’s a direct one-stop ride taking about 1–1.5 hours.
Take the cable car to Watchtower 14 → proceed to Hero’s Slope (Watchtower 20) → descend via the toboggan run
The most classic route: Take the cable car up to Watchtower No. 14 → Walk west to the vantage point at No. 20 → Walk back to Watchtower No. 6 → Descend via the slide. Takes about 2.5 hours.
Common Mistakes
❌ Visit Badaling on the weekend
Most tourists automatically choose Badaling because it’s the most famous.
Consequence: It’s so crowded you can barely move. Go to Mutianyu instead.
❌ Took an unlicensed taxi for a “Great Wall Day Tour”
People around Tiananmen Square hawk “cheap Great Wall tours.”
Consequence: They’ll take you to the “Wild Great Wall” or stop along the way to sell you jade. Take official direct buses like the “Da” line instead.
Ticket Information
- Price
- Admission: 40 yuan + shuttle bus: 15 yuan (round-trip, required) + cable car: 140 yuan (round-trip)
- Foreign Visitor Price
- Same price as domestic visitors
- Student Discount
- ✅ Yes
- Booking
- ✅ No Booking Needed
- Book in Advance
- Book 1 days in advance
Location
Mutianyu Village, Bohai Town, Huairou District, Beijing (about 73 kilometers from downtown)
Opening hours
Open 7:30–18:00 (summer) / 7:30–17:00 (winter), daily
Best Time to Visit
Arrive before 8:30 a.m. on weekdays. Spring (April–May) and fall (mid-October to early November, during the autumn foliage season) offer the most beautiful scenery.