Mutianyu Great Wall – Chinese Longest Great Wall

Mutianyu Great Wall (慕田峪长城), built in 5400 m long, is regarded as the “Essence of Great Wall in Ming Dynasty”. This great wall, linking Gubeikou (古北口) in the east and Juyongguan (居庸关) in the west, was served as the vital military strategic point from the ancient time. Moreover, Mutianyu section is the “longest great wall in China” so far and since protection work is well done here, tourists can now see its original appearance and enjoy the real ancient culture of great wall. Also, spectacular natural scenery in Mutianyu Great Wall always impresses visitors here for its abundant vegetation.

History of Mutianyu Great Wall

Mutianyu was originally a small mountain village before with fluctuating mountains and lush trees. For its vital and special situation, Mutianyu had been an important martial barrier for long time. And till Ming dynasty, a series of war broke out. In order to protect the national capital and the imperial mausoleum of Ming dynasty, the Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (朱元璋) ordered his general Xu Da (徐达) to build this great wall in 1368. Although Mutianyu Great Wall has experience damages and reparation for several times, it is the most-preserved section of great wall relics of Ming dynasty.

Mutianyu Great Wall has its features both in the architecture and the sightseeing, which is why it is called the outstanding great wall. And with much fewer tourists, you can totally appreciate the beauty of this good place.

Precious Great Wall from Ming Dynasty

Great Wall of the Ming dynasty is a world miracle for its magnificent vigor. Differing from other great walls, especially the Great Wall built by the first Emperor of Qin, great wall of the Ming dynasty is built to prevent the disturbance of the rulers of nomadic people from the northern China. It is also the unique one of longest construction period, hugest project, and the most complete defense system in Chinese history. And Mutianyu Great Wall is regarded as the “Essence of Great Wall of the Ming dynasty” for its imposing and very solid characters.

Densely Placed Watchtowers

The distance between the Great Watchtower and Zhengguantai (正关台) is only less than 500 m, but there sets 4 watchtowers. And there are even 25 watchtowers of different purpose built within the only 3,000 m section. It is rare to see a watchtower about every 100 m in a section of a great wall.

Charming Scenery

Mutianyu Great Wall enjoys diverse beautiful scenery in four seasons for its very high vegetation coverage of over 96 %. In spring, you can appreciate the flower sea of many kinds and multiple colors; when summer comes, the whole scenic area is changed into green with running streams, which is a super spot for eye-pleasure and soul-cooling; In the fall, all the red leaves on the mountain paint Mutianyu a charming shining place and delicious fruits are ripe, and people call it the golden Beijing; While in winter, the white snow cover this area into a gorgeous lady in a silver evening gown, and it is a great time to see the beauty of northern China.

Most Well-preserved Primate Great Wall

Most sections of Mutianyu Great Wall are perfectly protected since long ago. Therefore, visitors can see the authentic look of this kind of historic site, from the magnificent watchtowers, walls of layers of bricks to the ancient pass paved by the hardworking ancients. Walking on the old way, you can both know the strong culture of great wall and the wisdom of ancient Chinese people and feel the labor and pain while constructing this great project.

Full Stereoscopic Impression

Another feature of Mutianyu Great Wall shows in its stereoscopic impression upon visitors, since it was built near the mountains and this is the real essence. Some parts rise for 533 m within 10 towers. Though some sections are gently fluctuate, the whole great wall rises and falls like a flying giant dragon.

Zhengguan Tai

Zhengguan Tai is also called Mutianyu Gate. It is rarely seen in the architectural history of great wall for there are three watchtowers existing side by side together. This gate built in 1404 AD, 40 m long, 30 wide, and 20 high, enjoyed a key strategic position at that time. One side is the garrison of the Xiongnu (匈奴) people outside the great wall, one way reaches the downtown of ancient Beijing city, and the left one serves as the shortcut to the Imperial Mausoleum.

The Great Watchtower

The Great Watchtower, located at the commanding height at the east side of Mutianyu Gate, is a very famous spot in this scenic area. It is characteristic in its possession of great walls in three sides, and from any angle, you can see it like the corner of a city gate. For its special high position, you just could completely have a panoramic viewer of the inside and outside of the great wall.

Hiking

It is especially meaningful and unforgettable to take a hike on Mutianyu Great Wall. You can feel the painstaking process of ancient laborers who built this masterpiece by laying the heavy bricks one by one, while climbing higher step by step. Furthermore, you can get stuck in the picturesque scenery along the way up, with blossoms, lush trees, splendid view of clouds, etc.

Photography

Mutianyu Great Wall is a worth-going place for shutterbug. They can get a close shot of the historic project of treasure that is perfectly kept till now. Moreover, the fascinating sightseeing from the colorful spring, emerald summer, to the golden autumn and the niveous winter, all make you satisfied with your shoot.

Toboggan

Since Mutianyu Great Wall Scenic Area provides the standard slide way for tourists, people can take a try to get a distinct feel. As this great wall has steep topography, it is very exciting to take a toboggan, rising and falling along the mountain. This very safe tool will drive all your stress away and make you enjoyable.

>> 2 Days Mutianyu and Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking

>> 3 Days Beijing Essential Short Stay Tour

Tourists can choose diverse routes to visit Mutianyu Great Wall. If you want to hike this masterpiece, you can just walk from the entrance to the 6th Watchtower to see the Great Watchtower in different angles, and hike your way up to appreciate the beautiful full view of this area between the 14th and the 23rd Watchtower.

If you want to only enjoy the sightseeing, you can take the enclosed cable car directly up to the 14th Watchtower or chair Lift to 6th Watchtower. Read more about Mutianyu Great Wall Cable Car>

And if you are attempting to experience the exciting toboggan, you can start near the South Ticket Entrance up to the 6th Watchtower.

Location & How to Get to Mutianyu Great Wall

Situated 80 km from the northeast of Beijing downtown, it needs about 1 hour and a half to drive from the downtown of Beijing to Mutianyu Great Wall.

Travel with China Discovery (Top Recommended)

If you want to get rid of hustle of public transportation and troublesome navigation, you can book a private tour package which covers sightseeing, dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to Mutianyu Great Wall with speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on sightseeing.

Independent Travel

If you want to get here by yourself, you can take a bus to Huairou District and then choose a private car to Mutianyu Great Wall Tourist Area.

Useful tips

What to pack

Take enough cloths while visiting here in winter since the temperature on the mountain is lower than that in downtown Beijing;

Take sunglasses to prevent the dazzling solar glare;

Well prepare your camera to take beautiful pictures.

Mutianyu Great Wall has gained good review from visitors because it is less crowded than Badaling Great Wall and has better infrastructures than Jinshanling Great Wall.

To explore the best highlights of Beijing, including Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Hutongs, you only need 2 or 3 full days, which is available for to 72 Hours Visa-free for Transit in Beijing. If you have more days, you can go for an in-depth Great Wall hiking or photography, and explore more hidden attractions in the city.

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