Beijing to Mutianyu Great Wall: Route and Stops on the Map
This route covers the approximately 75-kilometer journey from central Beijing to Mutianyu, one of the less crowded sections of the Great Wall of China. The 1 hour 40 minute taxi ride takes travelers through Beijing's organized urban infrastructure before transitioning to the surrounding countryside.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Beijing to Mutianyu
- End
- Mutianyu
- Stops
- 2
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Beijing to Mutianyu — Scenic mountain route connecting China's capital to a restored Ming Dynasty fortress with steep stone walls and cable car access through forested valleys.
- Mutianyu — A major section of the Great Wall of China north of Beijing, known for being less crowded than other nearby sections and offering cable car and toboggan descent experiences.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Taxi from Beijing city center to Mutianyu takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours and costs around $50 USD for premium version or $40-45 for economy. Driver can wait and return you for the same price.
- Timing
- Travel early morning (around 7-8 AM) to avoid crowds at the Great Wall. Rush hour traffic in Beijing occurs around 8 AM on weekdays.
- Transport
- Use Amap (Chinese Google Maps equivalent) for navigation. It shows traffic lights with countdown timers in seconds, allowing you to plan your speed accordingly.
- Transport
- Alternative options to private taxi: take metro and bus, or book an organized tour that includes transportation and waiting time.
- Tip
- Mutianyu is less crowded than major Great Wall sections closer to Beijing. You can access it by chair lift, cable car, and slide down. Total cost approximately $30 USD including ticket and transportation.
- Avoid
- Avoid purchasing tickets from unofficial vendors at tourist centers; they may overcharge. Buy tickets online or from official machines to get better prices. Tickets officially cost 140 yuan instead of 200 yuan paid to vendors.
- Transport
- Use shuttle bus from tourist center to the cable car station. After security check, you need to purchase separate shuttle ticket (15 yuan).
- Tip
- Bring passport for ticket purchasing and shuttle bus access at Mutianyu.
- Food
- Use QR code scanning payment system at cafes like Luckin Coffee (Chinese brand). No cash needed; phone payment is standard and accepted everywhere.
- Save money
- Prices at tourist sites are inflated. Negotiate prices, especially for souvenirs. Shop vendors will lower prices significantly from initial asking price.
- Tip
- Use your phone as primary tool for navigation, payment, menu translation, and QR code scanning. Cash is rarely needed in China.
- Transport
- Premium taxi recommended for long rides (1.5-2 hours) as economy taxis may smell of cigarettes and be uncomfortable.
Video on this route
Everything You Need To Know About The Great Wall Of China - Mutianyu, Beijing 🇨🇳 (incredible)