Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour from Beijing
- Duration8 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Fair, honest prices
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Overview
This day tour takes you from central Beijing to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall by air-conditioned coach. The option selected by default includes the return transfer, your entry ticket, the shuttle bus up to the wall, an English-speaking guide and a village-style buffet lunch. Other options drop the lunch, leave early or at sunset, add the Summer Palace, or make it a guided five-kilometre hike. The cable car and toboggan are paid separately. You join at a meeting point, not with hotel pickup.
Highlights
- Mutianyu, a restored Ming-dynasty section of the Great Wall set in green hills
- Return coach transfer from central Beijing and entry ticket included in the default option
- Village-style buffet lunch in the default option
- Choose an early start, a sunset departure or a Summer Palace combination
- Guided five-kilometre hike option with the cable car ride up
- Free time on the wall to walk between watchtowers at your own pace
- Complimentary bottled water, tea and snacks and luggage storage
Full Description
The Mutianyu Great Wall
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall lies in the hills of Huairou district, roughly seventy kilometres north of central Beijing. First built in the sixth century and rebuilt in the Ming dynasty, it was reinforced under the general Qi Jiguang and became one of the best preserved stretches of the wall. Around two kilometres of restored wall run along wooded ridges, with more than twenty watchtowers.
If you are wondering whether a Mutianyu Great Wall tour is worth it, the answer is that this section combines good preservation with far fewer crowds than Badaling and beautiful scenery in every season. It is one of the most popular choices for a Great Wall day trip from Beijing, and the guide explains how the wall was built and defended.
Watchtowers, cable car and the toboggan
A shuttle bus takes you from the car park up to the entrance area, and your ticket includes one uphill and downhill ride on it. From there you can climb the steps, take the cable car or chairlift, or choose the toboggan for a fun descent. The cable car and toboggan are not included and are paid on site, and the guide can help you buy them.
Most walkers head to the middle stretch of towers, which has the steepest steps and the best views along the ridges. Take your time on the stairs, because some sections are uneven. Allow around five hours in total for the outing, including time on the wall, lunch and the drive out of the city.
Early, sunset and hiking departures
The early departure at 6:30 am is designed to reach the wall before the crowds arrive, giving you quiet, almost empty views along the ridge. It suits photographers and anyone who prefers cooler hours in summer. The afternoon departure at 1:00 pm lets you enjoy the wall in the golden light of late day.
For active travellers, there is the guided five-kilometre hike option, which follows the wall for roughly four hours with the cable car ride up and an experienced guide. It covers more watchtowers and stays away from the busiest sections. If you want the best time to visit the Great Wall, spring and autumn bring clear air and gentle temperatures, while summer mornings are pleasantly cool.
Adding the Summer Palace
One option combines Mutianyu with the Summer Palace, a lakeside imperial garden in northwest Beijing that is listed by UNESCO. Built for the Qing court around Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, it features a long painted corridor, pavilions, bridges and a marble boat. It shows the graceful, leisurely side of imperial life in contrast to the military wall.
This longer option lasts around ten hours and includes bus transport and entry tickets to both places, while the cable car and boat rides are extra. It is a strong choice for a first visit to Beijing when you want two highlights in one day, and the guide keeps the schedule efficient.
Itinerary
- Meet in central BeijingGather at the meeting point and board the air-conditioned coach; the transfer takes about an hour and a half.
- Arrive at MutianyuEnter the visitor area and take the shuttle bus up to the wall.
- Great Wall visitClimb to the watchtowers with free time to walk, photograph and, if you wish, use the cable car or toboggan.
- Village-style buffet lunchHave lunch near the wall in the default option before the return ride.
- Return to BeijingRide back to the city centre, arriving in the late afternoon or evening depending on the option.
What's included
- Round-trip coach transfer from central Beijing
- Mutianyu Great Wall entrance ticket
- Mutianyu shuttle bus up and down (once)
- English-speaking guide
- Bottled water, tea and snacks at the visitor centre
- Luggage storage
Not included
- Cable car or toboggan (can be bought on site)
- Lunch
- Tips
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 4–12
- History and culture lovers
- Food lovers
- Travellers who want the view from the air
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- Walking is difficult for you — expect active parts
- You are afraid of heights
Not suitable for
- Travellers who cannot climb steep and uneven steps
- Wheelchair users, as the wall involves many stairs
- Anyone who wants hotel pickup, which is not part of the group options
Meeting point
The group options meet at a central Beijing meeting point given in your confirmation, together with the exact departure time. Departures are early in the morning, at 6:30 for the early option and around 1:00 pm for the sunset option. Hotel pickup is not included in the group options.
Important information
- Wear sturdy walking shoes with good grip, as the steps can be steep and uneven
- Bring sun protection, a hat and water in summer and warm layers in winter
- Carry your passport or ID, as it may be needed for entry
- Cable car or toboggan rides are not included and are paid on site
- Tips for the guide are not included
- Toilets and luggage storage are available at the visitor centre, not on the wall
- The Great Wall can be cold and windy, so check the forecast before you go
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Mutianyu Great Wall tour cost?
The price depends on the option you choose, for example the early departure, the sunset departure, the hike or the Summer Palace combination. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, for adults and children.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. The group options meet at a central Beijing point given in your confirmation.
How long is the Mutianyu Great Wall tour?
Around eight hours for most options, seven hours for the sunset departure and around ten hours when the Summer Palace is added.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can join and the booking panel shows the age bands. Steps are steep in places, so young children need supervision.
What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable, grippy shoes, layers, sun protection and water. Bring your passport or ID, and cash for the cable car or toboggan.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes. Choose the date in the booking panel, and if it is open you can book it.
What is the difference between the options?
The default option includes the entry ticket and a buffet lunch. Others leave out the lunch, leave at 6:30 am or 1:00 pm, add the Summer Palace or include a guided five-kilometre hike with the cable car up.
Are the cable car and toboggan included?
No. They are paid separately on site, and your guide can help you buy them. The shuttle bus up to the wall is included.
How do I get from Beijing to the Mutianyu Great Wall?
The easiest way is on this tour, because the coach transfer is included and the driver knows the route. Getting there independently means a separate bus and taxi arrangement.
Is Mutianyu better than Badaling?
Many travellers prefer Mutianyu for its greener setting, restored towers and lighter crowds, although both are impressive. The choice depends on your interests and timing.
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