Great Wall Mutianyu
Experience the majestic Great Wall at Mutianyu, known for its stunning scenery, fewer crowds, and thrilling toboggan ride down.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Great Wall Mutianyu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the majestic Great Wall at Mutianyu, known for its stunning scenery, fewer crowds, and thrilling toboggan ride down.
"Mutianyu is the best section of the Great Wall of China to visit – fewer crowds, stunning views, and a toboggan ride down!"
🎯 Toboggan Down!
Don't miss the exhilarating toboggan ride down for a unique and fun experience. :roller_coaster:
🚶♀️ Hike the East Route
Consider hiking from Tower 14 to Tower 20 for stunning views, then toboggan down from Tower 6.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Toboggan Ride
Tower 6
Experience a thrilling descent down the mountainside on a fun toboggan slide. A unique way to end your Great Wall adventure!
Panoramic Views
Watchtowers 14-20
Hike between watchtowers for breathtaking, unobstructed views of the winding Great Wall snaking through lush green mountains.
Cable Car & Chairlift
Base to Watchtower 14 (Cable Car) / Tower 6 (Chairlift)
Choose your ascent! The cable car offers enclosed comfort, while the chairlift provides open-air views on your way up.
+1Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Toboggan Down!
Don't miss the exhilarating toboggan ride down for a unique and fun experience. :roller_coaster:
🚶♀️ Hike the East Route
Consider hiking from Tower 14 to Tower 20 for stunning views, then toboggan down from Tower 6. +1
🚗 DiDi for Convenience
Hiring a DiDi (ride-sharing app) is a popular and convenient way to get to Mutianyu from Beijing. +1
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by booking your entrance tickets and cable car/chairlift passes in advance online.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Toboggan Down!
Don't miss the exhilarating toboggan ride down for a unique and fun experience. :roller_coaster:
🚶♀️ Hike the East Route
Consider hiking from Tower 14 to Tower 20 for stunning views, then toboggan down from Tower 6. +1
🚗 DiDi for Convenience
Hiring a DiDi (ride-sharing app) is a popular and convenient way to get to Mutianyu from Beijing. +1
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by booking your entrance tickets and cable car/chairlift passes in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing, so comfortable footwear is essential.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mutianyu is widely praised for its stunning scenery, well-preserved fortifications, and the unique toboggan ride. Visitors appreciate that it's generally less crowded than other sections of the Great Wall, offering a more enjoyable experience. Some find the transport options a bit confusing, and ticket prices for cable cars can add up.
"Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall
We visited with our family early in the morning around 8 AM and were able to get up to the Wall without any queues. It was peaceful, with no crowds, and we enjoyed a relaxing walk along this section. The scenic mountain views were absolutely stunning. A light breeze and pleasant weather made the experience even more enjoyable. We truly loved it."
Barista
"We went here on a weekday. We arrived 10:00am and there is no queue. This is a way better than Badaling. Amazing historical place! Prepare for long walk and make sure to use comfortable shoes. The western part for me has a better view than the eastern part. Use cable car going up and try the toboggan going down. Don’t also forget to try the ice cream 😀Amazing experience"
Terence Joe
"Unbelievable Views It's Almost Surreal Your Standing On This Ancient Place. Make Sure You Choose The East Side For An Easier Walking Experience Take The Chair Lift Up & Toboggan Down It's Absolutely So Much Fun."
Michael Ireland
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Many travelers opt for a private driver or a ride-sharing app like DiDi, which can take about 1.5-2 hours. Some also use the Mubus or public transport combined with a short DiDi ride. +2 The subway to Future Science City North station followed by a DiDi is also a cost-effective option.
Yes, it's possible. You can take the subway to a station like Dongzhimen and then catch a bus, or use the subway to Future Science City North station and then a DiDi. +1 However, some find the public transport route time-consuming.
Prices can vary, but expect to pay around 800 RMB for a driver for the day. Some hotels can arrange this for you. +1
The journey typically takes between 1.5 to 2 hours by car, depending on traffic conditions. +1
Yes, once you arrive at the parking lot, there's a shuttle bus that takes you to the main entrance and ticket area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees typically include access to the wall itself. Additional costs apply for the cable car, chairlift, and toboggan. Expect around 40-45 RMB for entry.
Yes, you can purchase tickets for the cable car, chairlift, and toboggan at the site. However, booking online in advance can save time.
Mutianyu is generally open from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Many visitors find it easy to explore Mutianyu independently, especially if using ride-sharing apps. Tours can be convenient but may involve upsells. +1
While not strictly mandatory, booking tickets and transport in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to avoid queues and ensure availability.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
A popular route is to take the cable car up to Tower 14, hike to Tower 20, and then take the toboggan down from Tower 6. This offers great views and a fun descent. +1
Most visitors spend 2-4 hours exploring Mutianyu, depending on how much they hike and if they use the cable car or toboggan. +1
The cable car and chairlift make it accessible. There are also shuttle buses. However, the wall itself involves many stairs and uneven terrain.
Watchtowers 14 to 20 are highly recommended for their stunning views and fewer crowds. Tower 6 is the starting point for the toboggan. +1
Absolutely! Mutianyu offers incredible photo opportunities, especially if you visit during the less crowded times. The winding wall against the landscape is iconic.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, with fewer crowds and softer shadows.
The higher watchtowers, particularly between 14 and 20, provide expansive views of the wall stretching across the mountains.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the wall and landscape. A zoom lens can be useful for details. Don't forget extra batteries!
Visit on a weekday, arrive early, or explore further along the wall away from the main entry points.
Drone usage is generally restricted at major tourist attractions in China, including the Great Wall. It's best to check current regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Pack plenty of snacks and water, as options on the wall can be limited and pricier. Comfortable shoes are a must for little feet, and consider bringing a carrier for very young children if they might tire easily. The relatively fewer crowds compared to other sections also make it a more manageable experience for families.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To save money on the wall itself, consider hiking up instead of taking the cable car or chairlift. You can purchase an entrance ticket and then decide on your descent method, perhaps opting for the toboggan for a fun, one-time cost.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
To get those iconic shots without crowds, try to visit on a weekday and arrive as early as possible. Exploring further along the wall can also lead you to more secluded spots for unique compositions.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your Ascent: Cable Car, Chairlift, or Hike?
+1 For those seeking a more open-air experience, the chairlift ascends to Tower 6, which is also the starting point for the popular toboggan ride down. +1Alternatively, you can choose to hike up from the base. This is the most physically demanding option but allows for a more immersive experience and the chance to discover less-trodden paths. Many visitors combine these options, for example, taking the cable car up and the toboggan down, or hiking a section and then using a cable car for descent.
The Thrill of the Toboggan
While the toboggan is a highlight, it's important to note that it's a one-way descent. You'll need to plan your ascent using the cable car, chairlift, or by hiking. The experience is generally safe, but riders are advised to control their speed.
Navigating Mutianyu: Routes and Timings
For those who enjoy hiking, exploring further along the wall, perhaps towards towers 20 or beyond, offers more solitude and spectacular views.
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