Top 8 Things to Do on the Mutianyu Great Wall
As one of the most famous sections of the Great Wall of China, Mutianyu should be added to your bucket list for its well preserved walls, dense watchtowers and charming scenery around. Compared with other sections, it is also close to downtown Beijing and can be approached easily. On the 5,400 meters (5,900 yards) long majestic structure, you can try more things besides ordinary hiking. Here are the 8 things you should not miss on the Mutianyu Great Wall of China, offering a more interesting Great Wall travel experience.
Embarking on a cable car journey at the Mutianyu Great Wall unfolds an experience that etches itself indelibly in memory. As the cable car ascends, passengers are treated to a gradually unfolding bird's-eye view of the Great Wall. The ancient structure snakes its way across the mountains, its every curve and turn clearly visible. The lush vegetation below and the clear blue sky above create a perfect backdrop, making it a visual feast that leaves a lasting impression.
No. 20 Watchtower is the highest point of the Mutianyu Great Wall open to the public, also the final destination of most visitors. From this elevated perch, one can gaze out over a vast expanse of the Great Wall. The watchtower itself, with its weathered bricks and strategic position, tells stories of centuries past. The view extends for miles, with the Great Wall stretching into the distance like an unbroken ribbon, a testament to human perseverance and engineering marvel.
The vegetation coverage rate around the Mutianyu Great Wall is 96%, and from mid-October to mid-November each year, the Mutianyu Great Wall enters its “Maple Leaf Season” when various plant leaves turn red, yellow, and create a colorful and vibrant scene of autumn foliage, making it the most beautiful time of the year at the Mutianyu Great Wall.
For those seeking an exciting end to their Great Wall adventure, the toboggan ride is a perfect choice. After exploring the ancient ramparts, visitors can ride a toboggan and zoom down the slideway adjacent to the Wall. The wind in their hair and the thrill of the descent add a modern touch of excitement to the historical experience. It's a fun and exhilarating way to bid farewell to the Mutianyu Great Wall.
See more: How to Travel from Beijing to Mutianyu Great Wall
1. Conquer the Hero Slope
As the saying goes, “He who does not reach the Great Wall is not a true hero.” Conquering the Hero Slope has become the ultimate goal for many people who visit the Mutianyu Great Wall. The slope has about 450 steps with an incline of 80 degrees, and climbers need to use both hands and feet to conquer it. After successfully reaching the top at an elevation of 1,039 meters (3,409 feet), with the winding Great Wall stretching out below, climbers can experience the sense of being a “hero” with a sense of grandeur.
Book a Mutianyu Great Wall Ticket
Book a Mutianyu Great Wall Ticket2. Visit the Unique Zhengguan Terrace (No. 4 Watchtower)
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| Zhengguan Terrace |
The Zhengguan Terrace, a remarkable landmark of the Mutianyu Great Wall and a distinctive architectural manifestation within the Great Wall of China, is composed of three watchtowers arranged in alignment, each possessing two stories. The upper floor served as a command hub and a haven for rest among generals and soldiers, whereas the lower floor was dedicated to the storage of provisions and weaponry. Tourists can thus closely observe the grandeur of ancient defensive edifices and gain an immersive understanding of the soldiers' way of life in those bygone days.
3. Enjoy Bird's Eye View of the Wall from a Cable Car
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| Mutianyu Great Wall |
4. Overlook the Great Wall on No. 20 Watchtower
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| Mutianyu Great Wall |
5. Enjoy Autumn Scenery
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| Mutianyu in Autumn |
6. Mark Your Name on the Graffiti Wall
Within No. 14 Watchtower of the Mutianyu Great Wall, three walls draped in white cloth for graffiti present a singular means for visitors to etch their presence. Here, people can write their names, leave brief messages, or draw simple pictures. It affords an occasion to integrate into the vibrant, living history of the Great Wall and forge a personal bond with this iconic landmark.
7. Slide down from the Great Wall by Toboggan
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| Toboggan, Mutianyu Great Wall |
8. Night Tour of the Mutianyu Great Wall
During the summer holidays (July and August), the National Day Holiday (October 1-7), and the May Day Holiday (May 1-5), the area from No. 10 to No. 15 Watchtower will be open for nighttime visits. This special experience is open from 17:30 to 21:00. Visitors can experience a completely different view of the Great Wall from the daytime. At night, the Great Wall is illuminated, making it even more mysterious and majestic.
See more: How to Travel from Beijing to Mutianyu Great Wall
- Last updated on Dec. 18, 2024 by Sherry Xia -