As a cornerstone of China’s historical heritage, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall offers a less crowded, richly rewarding experience.
This “Mutianyu Great Wall Travel Tips” guide aims to provide essential, up-to-date travel tips to help you navigate your visit effectively. For Night Tour of Mutianyu, please check out Mutianyu Great Wall Night Tour: A Complete Guide for Summer Evenings.
Exploring the Ancient Charm
Mutianyu is the essence of the Ming Dynasty’s Great Wall, boasting well-preserved stretches that exude an ancient charm.
In recent years, the Mutianyu Great Wall has soared in popularity, attracting both domestic and international tourists who come to marvel at its grandeur and scenic beauty.
Located about 80 km north of downtown Beijing, this section is famed for its lush surroundings and fewer crowds, providing a more intimate glimpse into China’s storied past.
Transportation Options to Mutianyu Great Wall
By Public Bus (东直门公交车）
Bus boarding point in Dongzhimen Transportation Hub (东直门交通枢纽). Tourists take 916 Express Bus in Dongzhimen, get off at the North Street Station ( 北大街）in Huairou District；it takes about two hours to get to Huairou District. Bus one-way fare is 12 yuan.
Then walk to the opposite station waiting for H23 bus, H23 is Huairou District branch line, about 30-40 minutes for one bus. Take this bus about 40 minutes for 5 yuan, you can reach the Mutianyu Ring Island from Huairou North Street, Then walk to the Mutianyu Great Wall. The total bus time is about 3 hours, which is a long time.
by Tourist Special Bus at Dongzhimen 东直门旅游专线
A special tourist bus line from downtown Beijing to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall (东直门旅游专线) is much more convenient than the public bus that requires a transfer. This shuttle is also at the Dongzhimen Bus Station, but with a different boarding location.
Tourist Special Bus Station: Dongzhimen Wai Bus Station 东直门外公交车站
Mutianyu Great Wall Special Line Tourist Bus 东直门旅游专线
Start time:
Depart from Dongzhimen Wai Station at 8:30 am
Return time: 4:00 PM Mutianyu at No. 01 Parking Lot (P1)
Ticket price: 30 yuan (one way) ;Transport card is not accepted
Ticket purchase method: cash on board
Tickets go on sale half an hour in advance, buses leave full.
Note: The bus ride takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Just wait at the sign and basically sometimes a lady in uniform will direct you to the right bus. (Be vigilant and do not ride on any “black” buses or vans.)
For enquiries, please call 96166
So, there is only one 8:30 in the morning to the Mutianyu Great Wall, the return time of the tourist line is 16:00. Take this tourist special line can go directly to the Mutianyu Great Wall.
by Tourist Special Bus at Distribution Center 前门集散中心
Departure Point: Distribution Center Bus Tour Line at Qianmen Street North
Departure time: 7:30 8:30 9:30 10:30 15:00 Evening Show (14:40)
Return: 14:30 15:30 16:30 21:00 (Night show)
Ticket sales: Qianmen Distribution Center on-site ticket sales, Beijing Tourism Distribution Center wechat account booking
For more information, call 010-83531111
The above content is for reference only, the specific information is subject to the Qianmen distribution Center,
by MUBUS ( 慕巴士 )
Departure point: Swiss Apartment gate (Starbucks gate) ( take Metro Line 2 and get off at Dongsishitiao Station, then exit at Exit C and walk 100 meters east)
Departure time: 8:00, 10:00, 15:30 (evening show)
Return: 20:30 (Night show)
Ticketing method: Mobus official website, Mobus official wechat public number, Ctrip network
For more information, call: 4006603560, 13381132891
by BUSDA ( 巴士达 )
On the basis of years of experience in the tourism industry, BUSDA launched the Great Wall shuttle bus in 2019, The BUSDA plans a mature itinerary with a semi-self-service travel method, and provides more intimate and unique services.
Visitors can first gather at Exit B of Heping Xiqiao Subway Station (和平西桥地铁站B口处集合) to wait for departure, which is close to the highway, and you can enter the highway in 5 minutes after getting on the train to avoid congestion in Beijing.
With four departure times (8am / 9am / 10am / 12am), visitors have a more flexible schedule. After arriving at the scenic area, the shuttle bus will leave you enough time to visit the scenic area, allowing you to enjoy the Mutianyu Great Wall for 5 hours.
Tickets: adults 80 yuan/person, 0-3 years old tickets free, and 4-10 years old tickets half price.
Private Car or Taxi
This is the most convenient option but also the most expensive. Hire a private car or taxi that can take you directly from your accommodation in downtown Beijing to Mutianyu Great Wall.
Negotiate the fare with the driver or hire through a reputable car rental service.
Preparation Tips for Visiting Mutianyu Great Wall
1) Ticket reservation: Visitors can buy tickets and reservations in Mutianyu Great Wall official website or ticketing platform. Tickets are sold out faster in the peak season, so tourists need to prepare in advance, otherwise it may affect the planned itinerary.
2) Document preparation: After cancelling the paper ticket, Mutianyu Great Wall Scenic Spot now implements electronic ticket entry. Therefore, visitors need to use a valid ID when booking ferry bus tickets, Great Wall tickets, slide tickets or lift tickets. When entering the scenic spot, check the ID card and check the ticket, and children without ID cards need to bring other valid documents.
3) Food preparation: Climbing the city takes a long time, on the way you are easy to thirsty or hungery, so it is recommended that tourists can prepare some drinking water, bread or snacks, when necessary to satisfy hunger and replenish water.
4) Clothing advice: Mutianyu Great Wall is snaking high on the ridge, and the temperature is relatively low and the wind is strong, it is recommended that tourists prepare a coat of appropriate thickness for wind protection and warmth.
And, climbing the Great Wall needs walking a large number of steps, the road are twists and turns with uneven terrain, tourists must wear sports shoes, travel shoes and other more comfortable shoes, so as not to be injured when climbing the Great Wall.
Opening Hours and Ticketing
Peak season: March 16th to November 15th
Off-peak season: November 16th to March 15th of the following year
Peak season: Monday to Friday 7:30-18:00 Saturday and Sunday: 7:30-18:30
Off-peak season: 8:00-17:30
Ticket sales stop 1 hour before the park closes, and ticket inspections stop half an hour.
Ticket Price and Booking at the official website: Mutianyu Great Wall Ticket Booking.
The Mutianyu Great Wall is not just a monument but a living testament to China’s enduring strength and architectural ingenuity. Its location outside Beijing makes choosing the right transportation crucial for a comfortable journey. Opting for a tourist bus or shuttle service is recommended for efficiency and convenience. Should you have any inquiries, our lines are always open for assistance.
This detailed ”Mutianyu Great Wall Travel Tips” guide ensures that your visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall is not only enjoyable but also steeped in the rich history and breathtaking landscapes that this iconic landmark
If you have any questions or queries, then please feel free to drop us a line.
