Breakfast→Departure→Great Wall→Return→Leisure Massage→Dinner→Bar
If you choose the 08:00 shuttle, please try to arrive at Exit B1 of Dongzhimen Station on Line 2 by 07:40. If you choose the 10:00 shuttle, please follow this pattern. Remember to bring your passport and other identification. Breakfast options: If you do not want to have breakfast at the hotel, we have the following breakfast recommendations. If you want a quick breakfast, there are McDonald's and Tastin' China nearby. If you want a cup of coffee, there is Luckin Coffee here.
For the next one and a half hours, you can relax and rest. There will be a bilingual guide on the bus to introduce basic information about Mutianyu. They will provide you with many tips and information about the attractions. On the bus, you can ask the guide to help you purchase cable car tickets. The cable car and toboggan may sometimes be closed due to weather conditions, so it is recommended to buy tickets on the day. Here is some information to help you decide whether to buy tickets: Mutianyu has three cable car routes: West Line, Central Line, and East Line, each corresponding to different tour routes. We recommend the West Line, which is also the most popular choice among tourists, for three reasons: 1. Its endpoint, Tower 20, is at the highest point of Mutianyu Great Wall, known as "Hero Slope." The most beautiful scenery of Mutianyu Great Wall is concentrated on the West Line. When you reach the highest point, you can overlook the magnificent panorama of Mutianyu Great Wall. 2. It has many classic photo spots along the way, representing the essence of Mutianyu Great Wall. 3. It does not require much physical effort. If you choose this route, we recommend buying a 100 RMB cable car ticket because there are 700 steps from Tower 1 to Tower 6, equivalent to 35 floors. From Tower 6 to Tower 20, it takes at least 3-4 hours round trip. The entire route from Tower 1 to Tower 20 is 5.4 kilometers long. Considering that visiting the Great Wall is just part of your Beijing trip, there is no need to exhaust yourself here. You can take the cable car directly to Tower 14, then hike to Hero Slope, and enjoy a leisurely downhill walk back, taking in the beautiful scenery of the West Line. If you want to try something exciting, you can hike to Tower 6 and take the toboggan down. There is a 1580-meter stainless steel slide. Children under 10 or shorter than 1.2 meters need to be accompanied by an adult, and people over 60 are restricted from riding. If you feel tired on the way down, you can also buy a ticket to take the cable car down for an additional 40 RMB. If you are confident in your physical strength or traveling with elderly or children, it is recommended to buy a 140 RMB round-trip ticket to save time and avoid queuing for tickets.
After a one and a half hour bus ride, you will typically arrive at the Mutianyu parking lot around 10:30 AM. From here, you can take a free shuttle bus to the scenic area entrance. Be sure to remember these locations, as you will need to follow the same route on your return journey. Near the entrance to the scenic area, there are public restrooms. It is highly recommended to use them before heading up the mountain, as restrooms are scarce once you start your climb. The service hall and the rest area of the bus station offer free luggage storage. Climbing the Great Wall is physically demanding, so try to carry only the essentials such as your phone, power bank, passport, food, water, sunglasses, sun protection clothing, jacket, and hat. Leave unnecessary items behind. A few important reminders: Children under 1.2 meters (approximately 3.9 feet) ride the cable car, chairlift, and toboggan for free. For those above 1.2 meters, the ticket price is the same as for adults. The cable car accommodates eight people per car, with an actual queue time of about 30-45 minutes, making it the fastest option. The toboggan ride is thrilling, easy to operate, and a lot of fun. However, the waiting time can be long, sometimes reaching or exceeding one hour. Considering the queue times, the total time for hiking and taking the chairlift is roughly the same. Pay close attention to your ticket information and distinguish between the chairlift and the toboggan. Also, be aware of the ticket requirements. Many people have spent a significant amount of time in line only to realize at the ticket check that they made a mistake or that their age exceeds the limit, which can be very frustrating! Now, let's begin our journey to the Mutianyu Great Wall!
The Great Wall of China is the longest historical construction and the largest ancient defensive project in the world, which was already referred to as one of the 'Seven Wonders of the Medieval World' along with the Colosseum and the Lighthouse of Alexandria in the 16th century. Its construction history can be traced back to the system of walled cities during the Western Zhou Dynasty (7th century BC). After Qin Shi Huang unified China, he connected the northern walls into a continuous military barrier that stretched across 16 longitudes. According to the 'Records of the Grand Historian', 300,000 soldiers and civilians were mobilized during the Qin Dynasty, creating a deep defense model centered around walls. The defensive targets of the Great Wall changed with the migrations of northern tribes: In the Han Dynasty, to resist the Xiongnu, the Hexi section of the Great Wall was constructed with a density of 'one beacon tower every 2500 meters, one outpost every 5000 meters', effectively controlling the Silk Road by igniting beacon fires for warnings. In the Ming Dynasty, to fend off Mongolian cavalry, the famous general Qi Jiguang established a hollow enemy tower defense system in Jizhen, with spacing strictly adhering to the effective firing range of cannons, and the wall profile was trapezoidal (6 meters at the base, 4.7 meters at the top), using robust brick and stone structures that were nearly invulnerable to the technology of the time. Today, the Great Wall we see is predominantly the Ming Great Wall, with a total length of 8851.8 kilometers, while the entire length of the Great Wall constructed during the Ming Dynasty exceeds 21,000 kilometers, making it the largest in terms of engineering volume throughout history. If the bricks, stones, and earth used to build the Ming Great Wall were used to construct a wall 1 meter wide and 5 meters high, it could encircle the Earth more than once. Because of the high quality of the engineering, it still stands strong over 650 years later. The engineering wisdom displayed here, compared to contemporary European fortresses, emphasizes the organic integration with the terrain. The curves of the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall follow the ridges of the mountains, showcasing the ancient Chinese military geography thought of 'using mountains as cities and rivers as moats'. Aside from military defense, the Great Wall serves as a bond of cultural exchange: The Sogdian travel documents (certificates) excavated at Yangguan and Yumenguan from the Han Dynasty confirm its role as a trading hub on the Silk Road; the Northern Wei established 'Five Markets' along the Great Wall line of the Six Towns, promoting the exchange of grassland horses with Central Plains tea; the trading post in Youzhou (Hebei) during the Liao Dynasty achieved an annual trade volume of over one million guan (approximately 100 million USD today) through the Great Wall checkpoints. This substantiates the material and cultural flows that transcended ethnic groups in the Great Wall region. The battles and exchanges surrounding the Great Wall have woven the tapestry of Chinese history. The 'Great Wall Spirit' derived from the Great Wall has evolved into an important symbol of Chinese civilization, representing essential aspects of the spirit of the Chinese nation, imbued with deep meanings of 'self-improvement, unity, resilience, and the defense of peace'. Because of the Great Wall's esteemed status in the hearts of the Chinese people, every friend who visits China develops a strong interest in the Great Wall. Foreign leaders such as Nixon, Reagan, Clinton, Bush, Obama, Thatcher, and Elizabeth have all visited the Great Wall during their trips to China, echoing the words of China's first chairman Mao Zedong: 'You are not a true man if you don't reach the Great Wall.'
Mutianyu is divided into three routes: the west line, the east line, and the middle line. Among them, the west line is the first choice for 70% of people because it features the most beautiful scenery, and the highest point, 'Haohanpo', is also located here, making it a great spot for people to check in.
After getting off the shuttle bus, continue walking 200 meters forward to reach the 'North Ticket Checkpoint'. Beyond that is the cable car station. The fully enclosed cable car is very safe, and the scenery is beautiful. After getting off the cable car, let's head directly to the No. 14 Enemy Tower. The Enemy Tower is not a beacon tower, but is connected to the city wall, serving functions such as garrisoning, grain storage, and shooting, equivalent to a modern military base's 'comprehensive combat fortress'.
If you cannot exercise for long periods or feel low on energy that day, you can choose the East Route or Middle Route tours—both are quite distinctive and will not disappoint. Enter through the south ticket gate, and follow the signs to find the open-air cable car entrance. Take the open-air cable car up to Enemy Tower No. 6, then visit the Great Corner Tower (Dajiaolou) and Zhengguan Platform. Afterward, return to Enemy Tower No. 6, where you can choose to descend by cable car or slide. While waiting in line for the cable car, if you look up, you can see a stone statue of an ancient general. This is the statue of Qi Jiguang, a famous general in ancient China. Who is Qi Jiguang? Qi Jiguang (1528—1587) was a renowned military strategist and national hero, praised as "the first great patriotic hero in five thousand years of Chinese civilization to resist foreign aggression and achieve victory." He devoted his life to resisting foreign invasions of China. Not only did he achieve illustrious military feats, but he also left an enduring legacy in military theory and national defense engineering. Qi Jiguang was born into a military family in Penglai, Shandong. He often listened to his father's battlefield stories and enjoyed building city walls with mud and making weapons from bamboo poles, simulating battles in the courtyard. In 1555, Qi Jiguang was transferred to Zhejiang. At that time, China was harassed by coastal pirates (mainly composed of Japanese pirates). The Ming Dynasty army was poorly disciplined, with soldiers often fleeing in battle and even officers embezzling military pay. In one battle, 800 pirates routed thousands of Ming troops. Qi Jiguang was heartbroken and determined to build a completely new army. He went to Yiwu, Zhejiang, and recruited 3,000 farmers and miners. These people could barely read, but they were hardworking, resilient, and fearless in battle. Qi Jiguang told them: "From today onward, you are no longer farmers or miners—you are soldiers defending your home and country!" He created the "Yuanyang Formation" (Mandarin Duck Formation): groups of 12 soldiers, with long and short weapons working in coordination—shields blocking swords, long spears stabbing, short knives finishing blows. This formation was highly effective. Six years later, Taizhou in Zhejiang came under a major pirate attack. Qi Jiguang led the "Qi Family Army" to nine consecutive victories, killing thousands of pirates and rescuing tens of thousands of abducted civilians. From then on, he won every battle he fought, ending the pirate problem that had plagued China's southeastern coast for over two hundred years in less than a decade. Qi Jiguang had "Three Iron Rules" for managing his army: 1. Do not disturb the people: Any soldier who cut down a civilian's tree or burned a house was beheaded without exception. Once, during a march in the rain, civilians invited him to take shelter, but he said: "The soldiers are all in the rain—how can I hide indoors alone?" 2. Clear rewards and punishments: In one battle, his uncle retreated in fear. Ignoring their family bond, Qi Jiguang had him publicly executed. From then on, no one in the army dared to disobey orders. 3. Lead by example: In every battle, he was always the first to charge up the city walls, never leaving the front line even when wounded and bleeding. His soldiers said: "Following General Qi, we would die willingly!" After achieving great merit, he was promoted by the emperor and sent to the north to defend against nomadic invasions. During this time, he oversaw the reinforcement of the Mutianyu Great Wall. He raised and widened the original low, thin earthen walls, using rectangular granite for the wall surfaces and grey bricks for the tops of enemy towers, making the walls "as solid as an iron fortress." Addressing the drawback of the old Great Wall's "solid enemy towers unable to support each other," Qi Jiguang innovatively designed hollow enemy towers. These towers had two levels: the lower level was hollow, serving as a place for soldiers to garrison, store grain and weapons; the upper level had crenellations, arrow windows, and observation posts, facilitating enemy observation and shooting. The 22 surviving hollow enemy towers at Mutianyu Great Wall (such as Zhengguan Platform and Great Corner Tower) were all personally designed by Qi Jiguang, greatly enhancing the Great Wall's offensive and defensive capabilities. Despite his illustrious military achievements, Qi Jiguang lived a life of poverty. When he retired and returned home in his later years, his family owned only a few acres of poor farmland, and when he fell ill, he even had to borrow money from friends to buy medicine. In 1588, at the age of 61, Qi Jiguang passed away from illness in his hometown in Shandong. His two military works, "Jixiao Xinshu" (New Book of Effective Discipline) and "Lianbing Shiji" (Practical Records of Troop Training), remain textbooks at military academies to this day.
Take the cable car to Tower 14, but instead of climbing to Tower 20, head down to Tower 6, then choose either the chairlift or toboggan to descend. Note that the toboggan is not recommended for the elderly or very young children. This route can also be completed in about 2.5 hours.
If you arrive at the Mutianyu Great Wall scenic area at 10:30 AM, you can complete your tour by around 1:00-2:00 PM. The bus departs at 3:30 PM, giving you about an hour and a half for free activities. If you have already eaten something on the Wall, you can explore the area. If you are hungry, you can visit the scenic area's restaurants. Unfortunately, most scenic areas do not have restaurants that meet our recommended standards, and this one is no exception. However, this might also be part of the travel experience. Let's start exploring! Most restaurants here have English menus, so you can use your culinary intuition to try some interesting dishes, which should be quite fun. Remember to show this picture before paying, as some places offer discounts. If you are unsure what to eat, "MUBUS Family" offers a Chinese and Western buffet. If you have purchased the MUBUS service, the price is 60 RMB per person; otherwise, it is 100 RMB per person. The buffet includes 12 hot dishes, two soups, staple foods, fruit platters, and beverages. The taste is worth the price, and you will be full. Remember not to eat too much, and be sure to arrive at the bus station's rest area before the departure time. Bus Schedule: • 08:00 Departure - 14:30 Return Gathering - 16:00 Arrival at Bird's Nest • 09:00 Departure - 15:30 Return Gathering - 17:00 Arrival at Bird's Nest • 10:00 Departure - 16:30 Return Gathering - 18:00 Arrival at Bird's Nest Mutianyu Bus Schedule: • 08:00 Departure - 15:00 Return Gathering - 16:30 Return to Departure Point • 10:00 Departure - 17:00 Return Gathering - 18:30 Return to Departure Point
On your way back, you can take a nap in the comfortable seats, and the tour guide will wake you up when it's time to get off the bus. The return points for Bus Da and Mu Bus are different, so we have different leisure arrangements accordingly. Bus Da will return to the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) in Beijing. If you want to visit the Bird's Nest but prefer to take Mu Bus, you can purchase our "Splendid Ancient and Modern" tour, which includes a visit to the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube. Mu Bus will return to Dongzhimen, which is close to Gui Jie, the heart of Beijing's culinary scene. This street is packed with numerous restaurants offering high-quality food, though be prepared for long queues due to their popularity. We have 2 options of dinners for you which depends on which bus you took and when did you take it.
If you choose the 10:00 bus, then the return time to Dongzhimen should be 18:30. At this time, a hearty dinner will be very helpful, so let's set off! Let's come to the famous “Guijie” in Beijing. This is a food street in Dongcheng District of Beijing that operates 24 hours, with a total length of about 1.5 kilometers, gathering nearly 200 restaurants. Even at 3 a.m., you can still see people lining up. Guijie is also known as “Ghost Street,” and there are several explanations for this name. One theory is that this street was previously called “Ghost Market,” because Dongzhimen was a place specialized in transporting the deceased during the Qing Dynasty, which led to the name “Ghost Street.” Another theory is that the restaurants on this street often operate at night, with bright lights and bustling crowds, giving people a “ghost market” feeling. Guijie is not only loved by locals but also attracts a large number of foreign tourists and foreigners working in Beijing. Due to the presence of many embassies in the area, foreign visitors can easily taste authentic Chinese cuisine. The density of restaurants on Guijie is hard to match anywhere else in the capital, making it renowned as a dining street in Beijing. The popularity here stems from the signature dish, spicy crayfish, introduced from Xuyi, Jiangsu in 1999. This street consumes over 10 tons of crayfish daily, and a single crayfish can sell for 20 yuan. Of course, this kind of food can be troublesome to eat and may not necessarily suit your taste, so we recommend other delicious options; you can definitely enjoy a feast. If you think since you’re here, why not try the most famous crayfish, then heading to “Hu Da Restaurant” would be a sound choice. There are four Hu Da restaurants on Guijie, all authentic and delicious. We will include it in the dinner recommendations. However, the problem is that it requires a long wait, and the cost-effectiveness is slightly lower.
After dinner, let’s relax with a Chinese massage and foot reflexology, which are very helpful for your sore legs and feet. After a long day of touring the Great Wall, why not indulge in these traditional therapies? Chinese massage is renowned for its deep tissue techniques, which help improve blood circulation and relieve muscle tension. On the other hand, foot reflexology focuses on specific pressure points in the feet to promote overall relaxation and health. These therapies can provide a revitalizing experience, ensuring you feel refreshed and ready for your next adventure.
After a day of feasting and exploring, you might think it's time to call it a night. But if you're still craving a bit more adventure, why not dive into the enchanting nightlife of Beijing? Here are some top spots to consider:
As the vibrant nightlife winds down, imagine a skilled masseuse easing away the day's fatigue. Reflect on your Great Wall adventure—what moments stand out? Was it the silent mountains bathed in sunlight, the ancient battle scars on the bricks, the triumph of reaching the summit, or the challenges of the weather? Perhaps it was the exquisite meals, the soothing massage, the intoxicating music and drinks, or the soft, clean bed. All these experiences are gifts of human civilization, safeguarded by countless guardians throughout history. They might have laid a brick 3,000 years ago, shot an arrow 2,000 years ago, collected taxes at the gate, or gazed at the moon, longing for home centuries ago. Today, they might not be on the walls but in hospitals, fire stations, airports, space stations—everywhere, seen and unseen, silently protecting us. And among them, perhaps, is you. This is the Great Wall. This is guardianship. As this bustling day comes to an end, rest well to ensure you're ready for tomorrow's adventures. If you're feeling tired, we recommend our "Leisurely Stroll" itinerary for a relaxed morning and a laid-back day, perfect after a day of excitement. Good night. If you enjoyed today's itinerary, please consider leaving us a positive review. It helps other travelers planning their trips to China. If there's anything you're dissatisfied with, please let us know promptly so we can improve our services. Thank you very much. Good night.
1.unknown nodeClimbing the Great Wall requires walking up and down thousands of steps, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes such as sneakers, running shoes, or hiking boots. Avoid wearing high heels or formal dress shoes at all costs.
2.unknown nodeSafety is paramount. Follow the signs and guidelines within the scenic area and resist the urge to explore out of curiosity. Unopened or unrepaired sections may be dangerous, so please do not attempt to access them.
3.unknown nodeWhen descending, maintain a steady pace and use a trekking pole if necessary to alleviate pressure on your knees and leg muscles. Avoid walking or running quickly, as this can easily lead to injury. There have been instances of tourists fracturing bones due to this.
4.unknown nodeProtect yourself from the sun, stay hydrated, and be cautious of heatstroke.
5.unknown nodeDo not smoke on the Great Wall to prevent forest fires.
6.unknown nodeIf you encounter wild animals such as stray cats, keep your distance to avoid injury.
7.unknown nodeDo not trust drivers soliciting business at the entrance of the scenic area; their prices are often inflated. Opt for official transportation methods instead.
8.unknown nodeThe Great Wall often has significant elevation changes, leading to temperature differences. Bring a light jacket to stay warm and protect against the wind.
9.unknown nodeMake sure you are standing firmly before taking photos.
10.unknown nodeIf someone offers to take your photo on the Great Wall, be aware that they charge 60 yuan per picture. It is more economical to ask a fellow tourist to take your photo.
11.unknown nodeAvoid buying souvenirs on the Great Wall. At the exit, similar items that cost tens or hundreds of yuan on the Wall can be purchased for just 5 yuan each, and you can even have them engraved.
12.unknown nodeEach of these tips is based on real incidents, so please remember them carefully.
13. Please try to bring a power bank to ensure your phone stays charged.
Sign in to the EasyGo China app with the email you used at checkout. Your purchase appears in My Trips.
Your route stays available in the app for 2 days after purchase.
Admission and reservations may be separate. Check the official attraction information before travel.
★ 5.0 / 5 · 6 reviews from app travelers
National Day at Mutianyu was busier than I hoped, but still nothing like Badaling. The wall itself was stunning — the West Line gives you long views of the watchtowers snaking over the ridges, and the light in the late afternoon was golden. Yes, we queued for the cable car, but it moved fast. My advice for golden week: come as early as possible, then enjoy the quieter eastern stretch after lunch.
Mutianyu was the right choice with kids. The cable car up saved our legs, and the restored sections are walkable enough that our 8-year-old made it happily along the West Line. Lunch after the descent plus the foot massage finished us off properly — exactly the pace a family needs. Weather was clear, and the views over the Yan mountains were huge.
Avec deux enfants de 6 et 9 ans, j'avais peur de la Grande Muraille — Mutianyu l'a rendue facile. Le téléphérique évite la montée épuisante avant le plaisir, et les enfants ont traité les tours de guet comme des châteaux forts. La ligne Est convenait parfaitement à leurs petites jambes. Ensuite, le déjeuner local et la pause massage ont été un vrai moment de détente. Voilà comment on fait la Grande Muraille en famille : calme, joli, sans stress.
Mutianyu is greener than I expected and easier to walk than you’d think. Cable car or toboggan, your choice; the routes come with explanations, you pace yourself, you follow nobody.
Mutianyu ist grüner, als ich dachte. Mit der Seilbahn hoch, dann ein Stück in eigenem Tempo laufen, und wenn die Beine müde sind, geht es mit der Rodelbahn runter – die Intensität bestimmt man komplett selbst. Sogar mein Siebenjähriger hat die ganze Strecke geschafft.
Mutianyu has far fewer people than Badaling. With kids we took the west line, saved energy with the cable car, and my son refused to leave the toboggan. The itinerary even marked toilets, restaurants and rest points — with kids you don’t want to research anything yourself, and that mattered more than anything.
More ideas for a day you’ll remember.
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour
Self-guided tour