Great Wall at Mutianyu

Overview

Mutianyu is one of the best-restored and most scenic sections of the Great Wall near Beijing, stretching 5.4 kilometers along forested ridgelines about 70 km northeast of the city center. It sees far fewer visitors than Badaling while offering equally dramatic scenery.

Highlights

• 23 Watchtowers: The densest concentration of watchtowers on any Great Wall section, spaced remarkably close together along the ridgeline.
• Cable Car & Toboggan: A modern gondola lift to the wall and an exhilarating alpine toboggan ride back down through the forest.
• Autumn Colors: In October, the surrounding mountains blaze with red and gold foliage creating a spectacular backdrop.

History

Originally built in the Northern Qi dynasty (550–577 AD) and extensively rebuilt during the Ming dynasty under General Xu Da in 1569. It served as a key northern barrier protecting the capital and the Juyongguan pass.

Visitor Tips

• Getting There: Take bus 916 Express from Dongzhimen to Huairou, then a minibus to Mutianyu. Total journey is about 2 hours.
• Less Crowded: Walk east beyond Tower 20 for increasingly wild, unrestored sections with far fewer visitors.
• Duration: 3–4 hours.