Day Trip to MuTianYu
We booked our Mutianyu Great Wall tour through Klook, with a scheduled meet-up at 7:30am on a weekday. Unfortunately, we were stuck in traffic and arrived very late — but thankfully, the guide was incredibly kind and allowed us to shift our tour to another day.
When we finally went two days later, the crowd was huge. There were enough people to fill three entire buses, and our guide somehow managed all three groups while giving explanations in both Mandarin and English — impressive!
The journey started with a 2-hour bus ride, followed by a walk up a slope to board the shuttle bus. After that, we had a lunch break. From there, it was practically OTOT..
Some people took the cable car to the west side of Mutianyu, which the guide recommended because it's higher in elevation and offers a better view. We opted for the east side instead — it's lower, but that’s where the toboggan ride is.
We had about 2–3 hours to explore. At first, I thought that would be more than enough, but the queue for the chairlift was long, and climbing the Great Wall itself took close to an hour (depending how much you want to explore). I stopped once the endless steps became too much. After exploring, we joined another long queue to take the toboggan back down — and it was so fun! It felt safe too; you can’t go too fast since someone is always in front, and there are staff stationed at various corners to keep an eye on everything.
We really maximised the time there. Honestly, I have no idea how some people manage to cover both the east and west sides within the tour timing.
Overall, it was an amazing experience. I loved the climb and the rides — just be prepared for a bit of a workout. And one important reminder: use the toilet before heading up!
Rating /⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: 5!
If you're planning your visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall, let me share a few insights to make your trip even better. First, the cable car ride not only saves time and energy but also offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding hills—especially breathtaking in winter when the landscape is dusted with snow. The chairlift is a great alternative if you want to explore further west, where the elevation is higher and the vistas more expansive. One highlight that you shouldn't miss is the toboggan ride on the east side—it's a fun and safe way to descend after climbing the wall. Although the queues can be long, the wait is worth it for the exhilarating slide back down. Trust me, it adds an exciting end to your hike! Keep in mind that the climb itself involves many stairs, so wear comfortable shoes and pace yourself. Also, consider arriving early to avoid the peak crowds, especially on weekends or holidays. Booking your tour through platforms like Klook is convenient, but be prepared for traffic delays during peak travel times. Having the flexibility to reschedule, as our guide kindly allowed, can save you a lot of stress. Lastly, basic but important tips: use the restroom facilities at the base before you head up, stay hydrated, and bring some snacks for the energy boost. Taking the time to enjoy the cultural significance and the natural beauty around the Great Wall enhances the trip beyond just the climb. Overall, the Mutianyu Great Wall offers a perfect mix of history, adventure, and stunning scenery that’s worth every step.
