Mutianyu Great Wall
About this experience
This section of the Great Wall stretches 5,400 meters along the Yanshan Mountain range, featuring 23 watchtowers that formed part of the Ming Dynasty's military defense system. You'll find double-sided battlements and the distinctive "Eagle Flies Facing Upward" structure—defensive features that set Mutianyu apart from other Great Wall sections. The Zhengguan Terrace stands out as a rare three-tower formation within the wall's architectural history.
Two routes let you explore different terrain and views. The western route runs from Watchtower 14 to Watchtower 22, taking you across the steep "Ox Horn Edge" and past the uniquely shaped "Arrow Nock" section. The eastern route stretches from Watchtower 6 to Watchtower 1, where the Big Corner Tower offers views across the surrounding mountains. A cable car reaches Watchtower 14, and you can ride a toboggan down from Watchtower 8.
Compared to more crowded sites around Beijing, this attraction has retained more of its historical character while offering modern facilities including cable cars and toboggan rides. The varied routes accommodate different fitness levels, whether you tackle the dramatic western slopes or take the gentler eastern path.
What to expect
You'll begin your visit by taking a cable car up to Watchtower 14, which gives you direct access to both routes. Most visitors head west first, where you'll encounter the steepest and most dramatic sections of the wall. The route to Watchtower 22 takes you across the challenging "Ox Horn Edge" and past the "Arrow Nock" formation, with views opening up across the Yanshan Mountains as you climb between watchtowers. The stone steps vary in height and width, reflecting the wall's original construction.
On your return, the eastern route offers a more gradual descent from Watchtower 6 down to Watchtower 1. You'll pass the Big Corner Tower, which provides one of the best vantage points for photographing the wall as it snakes across the mountain ridges. At Watchtower 8, you have the option to ride the toboggan down instead of walking the remaining steps. The complete circuit typically takes several hours depending on your pace and how much time you spend at the watchtowers.
Highlights
- Explore 5,400 meters of Ming Dynasty fortifications with 23 watchtowers along the Yanshan Mountain range
- See double-sided battlements and the distinctive "Eagle Flies Facing Upward" defensive structure
- Walk the steep western route from Watchtower 14 to 22, passing "Ox Horn Edge" and "Arrow Nock" sections
- View mountain scenery from the Big Corner Tower on the eastern route between Watchtower 6 and 1
- Ride the cable car to Watchtower 14 and descend via toboggan from Watchtower 8
- Visit the rare three-tower Zhengguan Terrace formation, unique within the Great Wall system
Things to note
- Wear sturdy walking shoes—the western route includes steep sections and uneven stone steps
- The service area sits 6 kilometers from the wall itself; shuttle service is available
- Bring your valid ID for entry and any additional services you plan to use
- Children 1.2 meters and under ride the cable car free; those over 1.2 meters pay full price
- Start with the western route for varied terrain, then return along the easier eastern path
- Arrive early to maximize your time exploring both routes and enjoying the mountain views
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Mutianyu Great Wall Postcard Ticket [Afternoon Session]
Location of use Entrance to Mutianyu Great Wall Scenic Area (Method to get the postcard: At the general ticket window) Time of use 08:00~17:00(Mond...
Non-refundable
From
$5.16
per person
About this ticket
Location of use Entrance to Mutianyu Great Wall Scenic Area (Method to get the postcard: At the general ticket window) Time of use 08:00~17:00(Monday - Friday (morning session));07:30~17:30(Nov. 16- Mar. 15 (Morning Session));07:30~18:00(Nov. 16- Mar. 15 (Afternoon Session));07:00~17:30(During the opening hours of the Great Wall at Night)
Location of use Entrance to Mutianyu Great Wall Scenic Area (Method to get the postcard: At the general ticket window) Time of use 08:00~17:00(Mond...
Mutianyu Great Wall Postcard Ticket [Morning Session]
Location of use Entrance to Mutianyu Great Wall Scenic Area (Method to get the postcard: At the general ticket window) Time of use 08:00~17:00(Mond...
Non-refundable
From
$5.16
per person
About this ticket
Location of use Entrance to Mutianyu Great Wall Scenic Area (Method to get the postcard: At the general ticket window) Time of use 08:00~17:00(Monday - Friday (morning session));07:30~17:30(Nov. 16- Mar. 15 (Morning Session));07:30~18:00(Nov. 16- Mar. 15 (Afternoon Session));07:00~17:30(During the opening hours of the Great Wall at Night)
Location of use Entrance to Mutianyu Great Wall Scenic Area (Method to get the postcard: At the general ticket window) Time of use 08:00~17:00(Mond...
Mutianyu Great Wall Official Chinese and English bilingual Private Guided Tour (Admission Ticket Not Included)
Location of use Information desk at the visitor center or attraction entrance Ticket gate Time of use 08:30~16:00(Choose your meeting time) What's ...
Non-refundable
From
$92.17
per person
About this ticket
Location of use Information desk at the visitor center or attraction entrance Ticket gate Time of use 08:30~16:00(Choose your meeting time) What's included Service provided by: Service provided by scenic spot Conditions Group size: Can be used by 1 person or 1-10 persons About this Tour Guide Duration: Based on the selected duration Language spoken: Chinese/English Guide Activity itinerary: Attraction visitor center - shuttle bus - Great Wall first cable car - No. 14 hollow enemy tower - No. 16 solid enemy tower Fee Exclusions: General admission ticket, attraction slideway, cable car, and other fees.
Location of use Information desk at the visitor center or attraction entrance Ticket gate Time of use 08:30~16:00(Choose your meeting time) What's ...
Mutianyu Great Wall Cable Car Round-Trip - Afternoon Session
Location of use Cable car entrance at MuTianYu Great Wall attraction Time of use 08:00~17:00(Off season);07:30~17:30(Peak season (weekdays));07:30~...
Non-refundable
From
$14.78
per person
About this ticket
Location of use Cable car entrance at MuTianYu Great Wall attraction Time of use 08:00~17:00(Off season);07:30~17:30(Peak season (weekdays));07:30~18:00(Peak season (weekend));07:00~17:30(During the Great Wall night tour opening period) Activity Itinerary Trip type: Two-way Trip details: Upward: Cable car entrance - Upper station No. 14 beacon tower ; Downward: No. 14 Beacon Tower at the upper station - Cable car entrance Duration: About 3 minutes
Location of use Cable car entrance at MuTianYu Great Wall attraction Time of use 08:00~17:00(Off season);07:30~17:30(Peak season (weekdays));07:30~...
Mutianyu Great Wall Cable Car Round-Trip - Morning Session
Location of use Cable car entrance at MuTianYu Great Wall attraction Time of use 08:00~17:00(Off season);07:30~17:30(Peak season (weekdays));07:30~...
Non-refundable
From
$14.78
per person
About this ticket
Location of use Cable car entrance at MuTianYu Great Wall attraction Time of use 08:00~17:00(Off season);07:30~17:30(Peak season (weekdays));07:30~18:00(Peak season (weekend));07:00~17:30(During the Great Wall night tour opening period) Activity Itinerary Trip type: Two-way Trip details: Upward: Cable car entrance - Upper station No. 14 beacon tower ; Downward: No. 14 Beacon Tower at the upper station - Cable car entrance Duration: About 3 minutes
Location of use Cable car entrance at MuTianYu Great Wall attraction Time of use 08:00~17:00(Off season);07:30~17:30(Peak season (weekdays));07:30~...
Mutianyu Great Wall Cable Car 1-Way - Afternoon Session
Location of use Cable car entrance at MuTianYu Great Wall attraction Time of use 08:00~17:00(Off season);07:30~17:30(Peak season (weekdays));07:30~...
Non-refundable
From
$10.65
per person
About this ticket
Location of use Cable car entrance at MuTianYu Great Wall attraction Time of use 08:00~17:00(Off season);07:30~17:30(Peak season (weekdays));07:30~18:00(Peak season (weekend));07:00~17:30(During the Great Wall night tour opening period) Activity Itinerary Trip type: One-way Trip details: Cable car entrance-No. 14 beacon tower at the upper station Duration: About 3 minutes
Location of use Cable car entrance at MuTianYu Great Wall attraction Time of use 08:00~17:00(Off season);07:30~17:30(Peak season (weekdays));07:30~...
Mutianyu Great Wall Cable Car 1-Way - Morning Session
Location of use Cable car entrance at MuTianYu Great Wall attraction Time of use 08:00~17:00(Off season);07:30~17:30(Peak season (weekdays));07:30~...
Non-refundable
From
$10.65
per person
About this ticket
Location of use Cable car entrance at MuTianYu Great Wall attraction Time of use 08:00~17:00(Off season);07:30~17:30(Peak season (weekdays));07:30~18:00(Peak season (weekend));07:00~17:30(During the Great Wall night tour opening period) Activity Itinerary Trip type: One-way Trip details: Cable car entrance-No. 14 beacon tower at the upper station Duration: About 3 minutes
Location of use Cable car entrance at MuTianYu Great Wall attraction Time of use 08:00~17:00(Off season);07:30~17:30(Peak season (weekdays));07:30~...
