Mutianyu Great Wall Tickets, Routes & Transport
A practical route, ticket plan, and transport guide for a Great Wall day that does not get swallowed by queues.
At a glance
~90 min
by car from central Beijing
4 hours
for the central route on site
1–20
open watchtowers in daytime
Go early
keep the rest of the day free
Is Mutianyu the right Great Wall section?
Mutianyu is a restored Ming-era section of the Great Wall in the mountains northeast of Beijing. The open visitor route runs from watchtower 1 to 20, across roughly 2.25 kilometres of the Wall. It is a good choice if you want a real walk with mountain views, but do not want a difficult backcountry hike.
The site is heavily forested, so it looks different in every season: blossom in spring, green ridges in summer, autumn colour, and snow in winter. Badaling, Simatai, and Juyongguan are all worthwhile alternatives, but Mutianyu is especially easy to plan around a cable car, a longer walk, and a slide descent.
Choose your route on the Wall
Pick your route before you buy. The North Gate serves the enclosed cable car; the South Gate serves the ropeway and slide side. The diagrams retain their original Chinese labels, while the routes below give you the English version.
Our pick for most first-time visitors
Central route
North Gate → enclosed cable car to No. 14 → walk east to No. 6 → slide down
Take the enclosed panoramic cable car from the North Gate to No. 14, then walk east toward No. 6. This section is mostly downhill, so it is the least demanding way to get a proper Wall walk. At No. 6, take the slide down if it is running and suits your group.
Choose this if you want both the cable car and the slide, with the easiest walking direction.
For a longer, steeper walk
West route
North Gate → enclosed cable car to No. 14 → walk west to No. 20 → return to No. 14 → cable car down
From No. 14, walk west toward No. 20. The path is relatively gentle through No. 18, then becomes much steeper from No. 19. No. 20 is the high point of this route, with a broad view back along the Wall. Return to No. 14 for the cable car down.
Choose this if you have good stamina and want the most dramatic uphill section. Leave extra time for the return walk.
For the slide experience
East route
South Gate → ropeway to No. 6 → walk east toward No. 1 → return to No. 6 → slide down
Enter through the South Gate and take the ropeway to No. 6. Walk east toward No. 1 and the Corner Tower, with Zhengguan Terrace near No. 4 on the way. Return to No. 6 for the 1,580-metre slide down.
Choose this if the slide is a priority. It is not a good fit for anyone uncomfortable with speed or a fast descent.
For the central route, allow about four hours on site, including photographs and a reasonable queue. If the slide is closed or busy, return by the appropriate lift instead of waiting until the last minute.
Entry, tickets & opening hours
BOOK THIS FIRST
Admission + scenic-area shuttle + one-way enclosed cable car
This is the simplest starting package for the central route. Reserve with the passport you will bring. The ropeway and slide are separately operated, so do not assume they are included.
Peak season
16 March–15 November
Weekdays: 07:30–18:00 · Weekends: 07:30–18:30
Low season
16 November–15 March
Daily: 08:00–17:30
Last entry
Ticket sales end one hour before closing. Entry checks end 30 minutes before closing.
Hours can change for weather or maintenance. Check the official Mutianyu visitor notice the evening before you go.
Use the passport that you will bring to the Wall. Check today’s weather and operating notice before paying.
Travel from Beijing to Mutianyu
Car or DiDi · fastest
Best for two or more people, or anyone who wants the least friction. Expect about 90 minutes from central Beijing in light traffic. Ask to be dropped at the visitor parking area; you may still need the scenic-area shuttle.
Public bus · lowest cost
Take the 916 Express from Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub to Huairou Beidajie, then a local H23, H3, or H71 to the Mutianyu scenic-area stop. It takes longer and needs a timetable check on the day.
Booked bus · easiest solo
Use a direct day bus if you prefer a fixed meeting point and return time. Check that the schedule leaves enough time for your chosen route.
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Avoid these mistakes
- Do not arrive late. Crowds build after 9 am, and the cable car and slide can each add 30–60 minutes when busy.
- Avoid Monday if your dates are flexible. When some city museums are closed, more visitors choose the Wall instead.
- Use the toilet before going up. Do not rely on finding one once you are walking the Wall.
- Bring water and a small snack. There are food, drinks, and souvenir options after you come down, but little reason to carry a full meal uphill.
- Wear shoes with grip. Parts of the Wall are steep and stair-like; choose clothes you can move freely in.
How it fits into Beijing
Make this your one big plan for the day
Do not combine Mutianyu with the Forbidden City, a major museum, or a tightly timed dinner across town. Go early, return when you return, and keep the evening simple.
See the full Beijing itinerary