The Mutianyu Great Wall is one of the most beautiful and tourist-friendly sections of the Great Wall of China. It is located about 73 km northeast of central Beijing and is famous for its stunning mountain scenery, fewer crowds, and excellent facilities.
If you are staying in Beijing city center, there are several ways to reach Mutianyu Great Wall.
1. Going by Tourist Bus (Best & Easiest Option)
This is the easiest method for most international tourists.
Where to Take the Bus
Go to:
- Dongzhimen Transport Hub in central Beijing
Most tourist buses to Mutianyu leave from here.
Travel Time
- Around 1.5 hours
- Depending on traffic
Ticket Price
Usually:
- Around 80–150 RMB
- Some tickets include entrance fees
Advantages
- Direct bus to Mutianyu
- Comfortable
- Easy for first-time visitors
- No transfers needed
How to Find the Bus
Search on:
- Trip.com
- Klook
- GetYourGuide
Many buses include:
- Round-trip transportation
- English-speaking staff
- Entrance ticket options
2. Going by Public Bus (Cheapest Option)
This is the budget-friendly option.
Step 1: Go to Dongzhimen Bus Station
Take the subway to:
- Dongzhimen Station
Use Exit E.
Step 2: Take Bus 916 Express
Take:
- 916 Express Bus
Destination:
- Huairou District
Step 3: Get Off at Huairou North Avenue
Travel time:
- Around 1 hour
Cost:
- Very cheap (usually under 20 RMB total)
Step 4: Transfer to Local Bus
From Huairou:
Take one of these local buses:
- H23
- H24
- H35
- H36
These buses go near Mutianyu Great Wall.
Step 5: Walk or Take Shuttle
After arriving:
- Walk to entrance
or - Take shuttle bus
Total Travel Time
- Around 2–3 hours total
3. Going by Train + Taxi
This option is faster and more comfortable than public buses.
Step 1: Take Train from Beijing
You can depart from:
- Beijing North Railway Station
or - Qinghe Railway Station
Destination:
- Huairou North Railway Station
Step 2: Take Taxi to Mutianyu
From Huairou North:
- Taxi takes about 20–30 minutes
Taxi cost:
- Around 40–60 RMB
Total Travel Time
- Around 1.5–2 hours
4. Going by Private Car or Didi
This is the most comfortable option.
Using Didi (China’s Uber)
Open:
- Didi app
Destination:
- Mutianyu Great Wall
Travel time:
- Around 1.5 hours
Cost:
- Usually 250–400 RMB one way
Good for:
- Families
- Groups
- Travelers with luggage
Entrance Ticket Information
Ticket TypePriceEntrance ticketAround 40 RMBShuttle busAround 15 RMBCable carExtra feeToboggan rideExtra fee
Prices can change during peak seasons.
Cable Car & Toboggan
Mutianyu is famous for:
- Cable car
- Chairlift
- Toboggan slide
Cable Car
Best for:
- Families
- Elderly travelers
- Easy access
Toboggan Slide
One of the most fun experiences at the Great Wall.
You slide down the mountain on a metal track.
Best Time to Visit Mutianyu
Best Seasons
- Spring (April–June)
- Autumn (September–November)
Best Time of Day
- Early morning before 9 AM
Avoid:
- Weekends
- Chinese public holidays
Recommended Route Inside Mutianyu
Most visitors explore:
- Watchtower 14 to Watchtower 20
This area offers:
- Best scenery
- Beautiful mountain views
- Great photo spots
Important Tips
Bring These Items
- Passport
- Water bottle
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen
- Power bank
Mobile Apps Useful in China
- Alipay
- Didi
- Trip.com
Which Transport Option Is Best?
OptionBest ForTourist BusMost touristsPublic BusBudget travelersTrain + TaxiFaster travelPrivate Car/DidiComfort & convenience
Final Recommendation
For most travelers, the best option is:
Tourist Bus from Dongzhimen
Because it is:
- Easy
- Direct
- Affordable
- Tourist-friendly
But if you want the cheapest way:
- Use Bus 916 + local bus.
And if you want maximum comfort:
- Take Didi or private car.
Mutianyu is widely considered the most beautiful and enjoyable section of the Great Wall near Beijing, making it perfect for first-time visitors to China.
If you have any questions about my trip, don’t hesitate to ask them!
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