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Mutianyu Great Wall History
With a history of 1400 years, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is believed to have been first built during the mid-6th century under the rule of the Northern Qi. It predates the more popular Badaling section of the wall. During the Ming Dynasty, General Xu Da supervised the construction of the present wall, which was built over the previous one. In 1404, a pass was added to the wall. Later, in 1569, the Mutianyu Great Wall was rebuilt and it remains well-preserved to this day. Among all sections of the Great Wall, the Mutianyu section has the largest construction scale and the best quality.
Mutianyu Great Wall Layout, Structures & What to See
The Mutianyu Great Wall, linking Gubeikou Great Wall in the east and Juyong Pass in the west, is a complete and tightly constructed military defense system, consisting of walls, watchtowers, gates, beacon towers, and other structures.
The Mutianyu Great Wall has a high concentration of watchtowers. Within a distance of less than 500 meters from the first tower (the Big Corner Tower) to the fourth tower (the Zhengguan Terrace), there are four watchtowers. Along a length of only 3,000 meters from the first tower to the twentieth tower, there are a total of 23 watchtowers, enemy platforms, wall platforms, and barracks. This section of the wall, with a watchtower every hundred meters or so, is a rare sight.
Watchtowers: The Mutianyu Great Wall has 23 watchtowers, each with its unique design and purpose. These towers served as lookout posts for the military, enabling them to spot approaching enemies and send warning signals along the wall.
Beacon Towers: In addition to the watchtowers, the Mutianyu Great Wall also has three beacon towers. These towers were used for sending smoke signals, which could be seen from great distances.
Zhengguan Terrace: The Zhengguan Terrace is a large platform that served as a command center for the military. It has a unique design and offers a great vantage point for taking in the scenery.
Big Corner Tower: The Big Corner Tower was used for storing weapons and supplies. It has a distinctive architecture and is one of the most recognizable structures on the Mutianyu Great Wall.
Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking - 3 Ways for Hiking Experience
Hiking is a must-do activity when visiting the Mutianyu Great Wall, and there are several ways to choose the hiking trails.
1) Energy-Saving & Hike the Most Scenic Part: Visitors are recommended to take the cable car up the Great Wall to the 14th watchtower and start hiking on the most scenic part of the Mutianyu Great Wall up to the 20th watchtower. They can admire the impressive engineering and architectural achievements and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the top of the wall. It takes about 2.5 hours and very suitable for family with kids and the aged.
2) Energy-Challenging & Hike All the Way: There is a hiking trail starting from the ticket entrance, and visitors can hike up all the way to the 10th watchtower. On the wall, they can hike from the 10th watchtower to the 20th watchtower and then return. They can take the cable car down at the 14th watchtower or take the toboggan at the 6th watchtower. It takes about 3.5-5 hours for this route.
3) Jiankou Great Wall to Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking
Route: Xizhazi Village - Zhengbei Tower (the highest point) - Ox Horn Edge Wall (the most difficult part) - MutianyuDistance: 10kmTime: 5 hoursDifficulty: This route is considered moderate to challengingNote: It requires a decent fitness level, and an experienced hiker and is not recommended for the elderly or children.Visitors can start hiking the Great Wall from the rugged and untouched Jiankou section to the well-restored beauty of the Mutianyu section. The entire hike will take approximately 5 hours for a 10km trek.
Mutianyu Great Wall Cable Car & Toboggan
Mutianyu Great Wall Cable Car (or Chairlift)
Fee: 140 Yuan/p.p. for round trip; 100 Yuan/p.p for single way.
Travelers can take a cable car near the entrance of the Mutianyu Great Wall Scenic Area. They can choose from two-rider chairlifts or four-rider cable cars to ascend or descend. The cable car ride takes approximately 5-7 minutes to reach the 14th watchtower, which is the highest point that the cable car goes. During the ride, travelers can enjoy panoramic views of the Mutianyu Great Wall and the surrounding mountainous area, providing a unique perspective that cannot be obtained from hiking.
Mutianyu Great Wall Toboggan (Descend the Great Wall)
Fee: 100 Yuan/p.p for single way
For those who want to trek even further for the ultimate experience, single-rider toboggans are available to descend at a safe speed from the east end of the wall to the valley. The toboggan station is located near the 6th watchtower, and the ride takes approximately 5-10 minutes to descend from the 6th watchtower to the bottom of the mountain. Visitors should note that children under the age of six and visitors over 70 years old are not allowed to ride the toboggan, and riders must also be at least 1.2 meters tall.
Best Time to Visit Mutianyu Great Wall
Mutianyu Great Wall can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and comfortable, with average temperature around 9℃-20℃. Summers can be hot and humid, with average temperature around 18.0℃-29.0℃ and you need to take proper sun protection measures.
If you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mutianyu Great Wall, it's best to visit during the fall when the leaves change color and the foliage is at its peak. If you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to visit during the offseason, such as winter or early spring.
How to Get to Mutianyu Great Wall from Beijing
Mutianyu Great Wall is located in Huairou District, about 73 kilometers northeast of Beijing City. Travelers are recommended to take taxi or go with Asia Odyssey Travel to Mutianyu Great Wall. It takes about 1.5-2 hours for driving from downtown Beijing.
Consider booking a guided tour, which includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance tickets, and possibly meals. This is the most hassle-free way to explore Mutianyu Great Wall, and Asia Odyssey Travel can provide an experienced English-speaking guide throughout your journey. Contact us for the transfer service >>
Mutianyu vs Badaling
| Mutianyu | Badaling | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Beijing | 73 kilometers from Beijing, 1.5-2 hours' drive(private car) | 72 kilometers from Beijing, 1.5 hours' drive(private car) |
| Crowds | ★★☆ | ★★★ |
| Features | 1.Better architecture: densely spaced watchtowers2. Longest fully-restored Great Wall section open to tourists3. Most child-friendly section4. Most popular among foreign travelers5. Beautiful scenery | 1. Most popular section2. Most representative and magnificent section of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty3. Well renovated4. First to be opened to foreign guests |
| Recommended Reasons | 1. Less crowded2. More authentic | 1. Easily accessible2. Most famous |
| Activities | Hiking, sightseeing | Hiking |
| Time needed | Half a day | Half a day |
As a result, we recommend foreign travelers to visit Mutianyu Great Wall instead of Badaling. Firstly, while both sections offer breathtaking scenery, Badaling tends to be overcrowded, especially during peak season (April to October). This is the primary explanation for the preference. Secondly, Mutianyu offers a more authentic hiking experience with steeper steps and winding paths. Thirdly, due to its higher altitude, visitors to Mutianyu will have a more extensive view from the top. Finally, the well-preserved watchtowers that are densely scattered throughout Mutianyu are an added advantage for visitors.
Tips for Traveling to Mutianyu Great Wall
1. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing: The Great Wall can be challenging to climb, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing that are suitable for hiking. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
2. Bring water and some snacks: It's important to stay hydrated during your trip, so bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you energized.
3. Take the cable car or chairlift: If you want to save time and energy, consider taking the cable car or chairlift up to the Great Wall. This can help you avoid the steep climb and give you more time to explore the wall itself.
4. Take your time and enjoy the scenery: The Great Wall is a beautiful and historic site, so take your time and enjoy the scenery. Don't rush and take breaks as needed to rest and take in the views.
How to Plan a Great Wall Hiking Tour
Planning a Great Wall hiking tour can seem like a daunting task at first glance. To make it easy, Asia Odyssey Travel has handpicked three of the most popular hiking routes for different preferences and skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned hiker looking for a challenge or a casual traveler looking to soak in the beauty and history of the Great Wall, Asia Odyssey Travel has got you covered.
1. Most Challenging Section - Jiankou to Mutianyu: Difficult
This route is for thrill-seekers and seasoned hikers looking for a challenge. It takes you through some of the most rugged, steep, and unrestored sections of the Great Wall, providing a raw and authentic experience. The hike takes about 4-5 hours, covering a 10km trek.
2. Most Rural and Historical Section - Gubeikou to Jinshanling: Moderate
Perfect for history buffs and those wanting to escape the city's hustle and bustle, this route offers a trip through time. It takes you from Gubeikou, a less touristy section abundant with historical sites, to Jinshanling, known for its beautifully preserved watchtowers and broad views. This hike is a moderate challenge and can take 4-5 hours, covering a 10km trek.
3. Most Photogenic Section - Jinshanling to Simatai West: Easy
This route is a paradise for photographers. Both Jinshanling and Simatai West sections offer some of the Great Wall's best views, with their well-preserved structures set against stunning natural scenery. The hike is moderate and takes about 3-4 hours, covering a 5km trek.
Explore Beijing & Great Wall with Asia Odyssey Travel
Based in China with our office located in Beijing, our local team at Asia Odyssey Travel provides the best service to ensure an authentic and unforgettable experience for those who want to visit Beijing. We offer a variety of carefully designed Beijing tours, including Classic Beijing Tours, Great Wall Tours, Hutong Tours, Layover Tours, Day Tours, and Visa-free Tours, that cater to your needs and desires. Whether you prefer a private tours with a flexible itinerary or a budget-friendly group tours without compromising on quality, Asia Odyssey Travel has a tour to suit you, ensuring that your journey to Beijing is an enjoyable vacation.
lf you're looking to extend your Beijing trip into a longer vacation, Asia Odyssey Travel also offers a range of inspiring ideas through our China Tours from Beijing. Our professional travel consultants are ready to help you customize a tailor-made Beijing tour at the best local price. Don't hesitate to contact us to start planning your dream trip to Beijing today!
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