Mutianyu Great Wall
Scenic Spot Introduction
The Mutianyu Great Wall, located in Huairou District, Beijing, is the best-preserved section of the Ming Great Wall. This section of the Great Wall was originally built during the Northern Qi Dynasty and rebuilt during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty. It spans 5.4 kilometers and features 23 watchtowers. It is renowned for its unique architectural style, beautiful natural scenery, and convenient transportation.
The Mutianyu Great Wall is famous for its unique “double-sided crenellations” design, which is rare in Great Wall architecture. This design serves both defensive and observation purposes. The average height of the wall is 7-8 meters, and the top width is 4-5 meters, allowing five horses to ride abreast. The watchtowers here are dense, and the architectural forms are diverse, including ordinary watchtowers as well as rare “three-eye towers” and “four-eye towers,” demonstrating the superb architectural skills of the Ming Dynasty.
As the Great Wall section with the highest vegetation coverage in the Beijing area, Mutianyu boasts different scenery in each season. In spring, the mountains are filled with flowers; in summer, the greenery is lush; in autumn, the forests are dyed in layers of color; and in winter, the landscape is covered in snow. Especially in autumn, the red leaves all over the mountains and the ancient Great Wall complement each other, forming a magnificent picture.
In recent years, the scenic area has continuously improved its tourism facilities, adding modern amenities such as cable cars and slides. These enhancements not only protect the cultural relics but also enhance the visitor experience. Additionally, events like the Great Wall Cultural Festival and Photography Competition are often held here, allowing visitors to deeply understand the Great Wall culture while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Must-Visit Attractions
Enemy Towers 1-5
- The starting section with a gentle slope
- Suitable for the elderly and children
- Suggested visiting time: 45 minutes
Enemy Towers 8-14
- The highlight section with the best scenery
- Offers distant views of the beautiful mountains
- Suggested visiting time: 60 minutes
Enemy Towers 20-23
- The highest point with an open view
- More challenging
- Suggested visiting time: 45 minutes
The Great Wall Slide
- A unique downhill experience
- Exciting and interesting
- Suggested experiencing time: 15 minutes
Visiting Suggestions
Best Touring Route
- Take the cable car up the mountain → Walk east to Enemy Tower 23 → Return → Take the slide down the mountain
- It is recommended to choose one direction for an in-depth tour
Visiting Schedule
- It is suggested to arrive in the morning to avoid large crowds
- Spring and autumn are the best seasons for climbing the Great Wall
- Open all year round, with different scenery in each season
Practical Tips
- You can choose to take the cable car up the mountain (100 yuan round trip)
- You can experience the Great Wall slide down the mountain (100 yuan one way)
- It is recommended to wear hiking boots and bring enough drinking water
Transportation Guide
- Dedicated tourist line: Dongzhimen 916 express bus
- Self-drive: Huairou exit of Jingcheng Expressway
- Chartered car: About 1.5 hours drive from the city
- Tour bus: Various travel agencies offer routes
Recommended Foods Nearby
- Farmhouse at the foot of the Great Wall
- Mutianyu Style Restaurant
- Huairou Farmhouse Cuisine
- Shuichangcheng Fish Village
Special Reminders
- The steps are steep, so do what you can
- There are more tourists in spring and autumn, so it is recommended to avoid peak hours
- It’s windy on the top of the mountain, so keep warm
- The road is slippery in rainy and snowy weather, so be careful when going
- It is recommended to carry a hiking stick
- The scenic area is equipped with a medical room and a rest area
- Photography lovers are advised to go in the morning or evening.