Mutianyu Great Wall (West Side): Highest Watchtowers Route
This 72-minute route covers the western section of Mutianyu Great Wall near Beijing, China, starting from downtown Beijing by bus and including stops at the cable car station, Yong Lo Restaurant, and comparisons to other sections like Jinshanling and Baling. The route highlights the highest watchtowers and most accessible pathways on the west side of this popular Great Wall destination.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Mutianyu Great Wall (West Side)
- End
- Great Wall Hotel
- Stops
- 7
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Mutianyu Great Wall (West Side) — The highest and more dramatic side of Mutianyu, accessed via scenic cable car. Focus of the video featuring high-altitude watchtowers and preserved stone structures.
- Bus departure from downtown Beijing — Urban transit hub serving as the gateway for travelers heading north to Mutianyu Great Wall's western watchtowers.
- Baling section (previous visit) — Restored Ming Dynasty fortification segment offering panoramic views and accessible pathways along the wall's elevated ridge.
- Mutianyu Cable Car — Scenic cable car ride straight up to the mountain ridge providing access to the ancient stone watchtowers.
- Yong Lo Restaurant dining — Local establishment providing regional cuisine and refreshments for visitors exploring the Mutianyu Great Wall area.
- Jinshanling — More remote Great Wall section with both modern and unrestored portions visited previously.
- Great Wall Hotel — Accommodation option near the Great Wall.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Bus from downtown Beijing to Mutianyu costs around $10 per person via trip.com, but entrance, cable car, chairlift, and toboggan cost extra. Total for two people was around $100.
- Transport
- Bus ride from downtown Beijing takes about 1.5 hours. Audio on bus is extremely loud, making it difficult to relax or hear tour guide.
- Tip
- Bring your passport at all times. For many attractions in China, including this one, your passport serves as the ticket. Required for entry and scanning at multiple checkpoints.
- Tip
- There is very little shade on the wall except for watchtowers. Bring a hat for sun protection.
- Tip
- Shuttle buses to the entrance depart when full with no set schedule. Be prepared to wait.
- Avoid
- The Baling section of the Great Wall is the most popular but very crowded. Mutianyu offers better convenience with views and fewer crowds.
- Food
- Beef noodle soup at restaurants near the wall costs about 30 Chinese yuan per bowl (~$5.50). Yong Lo Restaurant by the cable car station has reasonable prices and good quality for a tourist attraction.
- Save money
- Tour guides may upsell lunch buffets and overstate water prices. Bottled water at the site costs 5 yuan (~60 cents), not 10 yuan. Shop around rather than accepting guide recommendations.
- Tip
- Steps on the wall are very tall and steep. Use the wall itself for support when climbing. Going up is easier than going down.
- Where to stay
- Great Wall Hotel is available for overnight stays near Mutianyu.
- Timing
- Plan visits to avoid peak times. Restaurant gets more crowded as people descend from the wall in late afternoon.
Video on this route
Walking the Highest Watchtowers of Mutianyu Great Wall (West Side)