China1 day

Mutianyu Great Wall: Day Hike from Beijing

A day hike on one of the Great Wall's best-preserved sections, 70 km northeast of Beijing, with options for cable car or toboggan descent.

Mutianyu, located 70 kilometers northeast of Beijing in Huairou County, represents one of the most intact stretches of the Great Wall. Built initially during the Northern Qi dynasty in the mid-6th century and substantially reconstructed under Ming general Xu Da, this section connected the capital's northern defense line with the imperial tombs. The wall's 2- and 3-story watchtowers rise across steep terrain, their preservation notably superior to many other accessible sections. A day hike here moves from the entrance through rising switchbacks to Watchtower 8, then traverses the wall itself via Watchtower 20 before circling back to Watchtower 6. The surrounding countryside reveals both the defensive logic of the wall's placement and the rural communities that have inhabited these slopes for centuries.

Highlights

Hike through watchtowers 8 to 20 on the restored Ming-era wall structure
View the 2- and 3-story defensive towers built during the Northern Qi and Ming dynasties
Walk the loop section connecting Watchtower 20 and Watchtower 6 with views across the Beijing countryside
Lunch at a local farmer's restaurant with direct conversation with residents about regional development

Day by day

1Beijing to Mutianyu: Wall Hike and ReturnBeijing hotel · Watchtower 6 · local farmer's restaurant · entrance to Watchtower 8 · Watchtower 8 to Watchtower 20 · Watchtower 20 to Watchtower 6 · Mutianyu to Beijing hotel

Your guide collects you from your Beijing hotel and drives by private vehicle to Mutianyu. Upon arrival, a 30-minute walk ascends from the entrance to reach Watchtower 8, where the formal wall begins. From there, the hike follows the restored Ming-era sections upward through Watchtower 20, then returns via a loop descending to Watchtower 6. This route covers the wall's best-preserved stretches, where 2- and 3-story towers overlook steep ravines and open countryside. The walk encounters significant elevation changes and narrow stair passages, particularly on the climb to Watchtower 8. Descent options include walking the same route, taking the cable car, or using the toboggan slide. Following the hike, you'll eat lunch at a local farmer's restaurant, where you can speak directly with residents about life in the surrounding communities. The return journey to Beijing takes place by vehicle, with drop-off at your hotel.

Included

Transport: Private Car/Bus
Meals: Countryside-style food at local farmer’s restaurant
Guide: English speaking, highly trained professional local guide
Entrance fees: Mutianyu Great Wall

Not included

Travel insurance
local facilities: Cable car, chairlift, toboggan (slideway) and flyingfox (zipline).
Personal expenses
Tipping of hiking guide/driver recommended on good service