Less busy than its tourist-laden equivalent at Badaling, Mutianyu is easily accessed by cable car, taking you straight up onto a reconstructed section of the wall. There is also far more scope for walking here, meaning you get a longer experience and the crowds are more dispersed.
Whilst Mutianyu itself is not in the same wild and atmospheric state as some other parts of the Great Wall, it certainly offers fine views of the rolling mountains and watchtowers which have been left to the elements. Mutianyu can be combined with a visit to the Ming Tombs, resting place of 13 Chinese emperors from the Ming dynasty. Surrounded by mountain ridges on three sides, the site shows off some wonderful Ming era artefacts, statues and architectural details. Upon returning to Beijing, we will also make a quick stop to admire and photograph the world famous Birds Nest Olympic Stadium. It is one of the finest modern arenas in the world, surprisingly full of hidden symbolism.
Some of our favourite places to visit and things to do in Beijing
What to do in Beijing
Hike the Great Wall of China
Hutongs: Behind the Scenes
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Find inspiration from our selection of itinerary suggestions, a great starting point for your next trip
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Beijing - Great Wall - Hong Kong
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Beijing & Great Wall - Xi'an & Terracotta Army - Chengdu - Yangtze Cruise - Zhangjiajie National Forest Park - Shanghai
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Shangri-la Tour
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£4,562
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Enjoy Yunnan's stunning landscapes and cultural experiences as you go behind the scenes on the old Tea Horse Road
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Beijing & Great Wall - Kunming Stone Forest - Shangri'la - Tea Horse Road - Lijiang - Dali & Erhai Lake - Beijing
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Dynasty Tour
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Delve into China's Imperial past and hike the Great Wall away from the crowds. Discover Hong Kong beyond the skyscrapers and stand in awe at the iconic Terracotta Army
Beijing - Xi'an - Lhasa - Chengdu - Longji Rice Terraces - Guilin & Yangshuo - Hong Kong
Palaces of the Dalai Lama and Chinese emperors, baby pandas, the Terracotta Army and Hong Kong beyond the skyscrapers
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Beijing - Xi'an - Lhasa - Chengdu - Longji Rice Terraces - Guilin & Yangshuo - Hong Kong
China
Panda Family Tour
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£5,244
Beijing - Xi'an - Chengdu - Shangri-La - Lijiang - Hong Kong
Your children will love China, visiting the ancient history of Beijing, Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors, the pandas at Chengdu, ethnic minorities and Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan…
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Beijing - Xi'an - Chengdu - Shangri-La - Lijiang - Hong Kong