The Great Wall of China at Mutianyu Section

In ancient times, Mutianyu Great Wall was an important junction, which linked the Juyongguan and Gubeikou sections of the Great Wall. Today, it is a very popular destination for Great Wall enthusiasts. Located 40 miles from Beijing, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is a special place for visitors. Compared with other sections, Mutianyu Great Wall is less crowded, features beautiful sceneries, has an intensive amount of watchtowers, and is the longest fully restored section that is open to travelers.

Essentials

  • Chinese: 慕田峪长城 (mùtiányùchángchéng)
  • Location: Mutianyu Road, Huairou District, Beijing
  • History: It was built in the Northern Qi Dynasty and restored in the Ming Dynasty.
  • Length: 3.4 miles
  • Fitness level: ★★☆☆☆
  • Open: 7:30am to 5:30pm daily
  • Hiking hours: about 3–4 hours
  • Best times: April to June, September to October

Why Visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu?

Escape the crowds

As one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall, Mutianyu is a good destination for you especially as there are fewer visitors during the peak seasons.

A deeper exploration of the Great Wall

The Great Wall at Mutianyu is the longest fully restored section with 23 original watchtowers, some of which are rare types and very seldom seen along other sections.

An easy hiking trip with beautiful scenery.

A cable car, chairlift, and toboggan make your trip easier. Trees, flowers, and grass make the Great Wall more lively and beautiful.

High Level of Vegetation Cover

The Great Wall at Mutianyu is not only a wonderful place for you to explore the Great Wall, but is also surrounded by plants so you can enjoy breathing in the fresh air. Trees, flowers, and grass cover over 96% of the total mountainous area. The high level of vegetation cover makes this section of the Great wall more vivid, colorful, and beautiful.  Exploring the Great Wall while you enjoy the beautiful natural scenery is a very impressive experience.

Mutianyu Great Wall Mutianyu Great Wall

Unique and Rare Watchtowers

Throughout the Great Wall's history, some rare watchtowers have been constructed. Different from Juyong Pass, Shanhai Pass, and Jiayu Pass, Mutianyu's Zhengguan Terrace is comprised of three hollow watchtowers. Even more unique about its construction is that the gate is located on the east side of Zhengguan Terrace rather than in the middle of it. It is hard to find another one in other sections of the Great Wall.

What to See at Mutianyu Great Wall?

Double Crenellations

Because of this intelligent design, soldiers could shoot arrows at their enemy from both sides. Compared with the regular form, double crenellations played a very important role in military defense. That's why this design was so precious during ancient wars.

Intensive Amount of Watchtowers

The number of watchtowers is very intensive along the Great Wall at Mutianyu. There are 23 watchtowers distributed closely together along this section, with one located about every hundred meters.

Inner Branch and Outer Branch

Branch sections of the Great Wall were built on hill ridges to aid the main sections during the ancient wars. The Great Wall at Mutianyu is divided into an inner branch and an outer branch. The outer branch linkesanother section of the Great Wall, and the inner branch is called "tūwĕibābiān".

Zhengguan Terrace and Big Corner Tower

Zhengguan Terrace and Big Corner Tower are the most popular attractions at the Great Wall at Mutianyu. If you haven't visited them, you can't say that you have been to the Great Wall at Mutianyu.

Mutianyu Great Wall Mutianyu Great Wall

Zhengguan Terrace

Zhengguan Terrace is the symbol of the Great Wall at Mutianyu. In the architectural history of the Great Wall, it is rare to find three hollow watchtowers standing together. Zhengguan Terrace was built in the Ming Dynasty and played a very important military role due to its special location. One side of it was where the Huns were stationed, one side of it provided access to Beijing, and one side of it provided a shortcut to the imperial tombs. This two-story terrace was not only a defensive structure but was also a wonderful place to store grain and to station troops during times of war.

Big Corner Tower

Big Corner Tower is located on the east side of the Great Wall at Mutianyu. As the highest area of the Mutianyu section, the east of it is connected with Gubeikou and the south of it is connected with a 'branch city' wall. The name Big Corner Tower derives from the fact the tower looks like a corner from all angles. Big Corner Tower was also an important access point, being the only way to cross from Mutianyu Pass to Qilian Pass.

Hiking the Mutianyu Great Wall — Toboggan, Transportation, and Tips

Mutianyu Great Wall Toboggan on the Mutianyu Great Wall

Transportation

  • Go to Dongzhimen Station and take bus 3, 106, 107, 123, 131, 132, 401, 404, 416, 418, 852, 866, 915, 918, or 980.
  • Take bus 916 to Huairou North Avenue Station at a cost of 12 yuan.
  • Transfer to bus H23, H24, H35, or H36 to Mutianyu Roundabout.

Hiking Tips

  • Hiking from the north entrance: watchtowers 8 and 10
  • Hiking from the south entrance: watchtowers 6 and 8
  • The most beautiful section is between watchtowers 14 and 23.
  • The most famous attractions: Zhengguan Terrace and Big Corner Tower
  • The Mutianyu Toboggan ride: Riding the toboggan makes your Great Wall trip more convenient and fast. You can take a toboggan at Tower 6 of Mutianyu Great Wall. It's 60 RMB per person and the opening hour is from 8am to 5pm.

Equipment

  • Prepare water and food before your trip. If you want to spend a long time hiking, there are no restaurants or shops on the Great Wall. It's essential to take water and food with you.
  • Prepare your hiking equipment carefully. It's a challenging trip, so you have to check your equipment. It's best for you to take: a backpack, sports or hiking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, an alpenstock, gloves, and knee pads.
  • Pack a map. As well as those items, you can take a map to ensure you don't get lost when your mobile phone's signal is weak on the mountain.

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