Mutianyu Great Wall Of China – EVERYTHING You Need To Know!
The Mutianyu Great Wall of China is the most accessible part of the Great Wall of China in proximity to Beijing, so if you’re lucky enough to get the opportunity to visit China – check out everything you need to know about visiting this amazing wonder of the world!
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Contents:
Is The Great Wall of China Worth Visiting?
Is the Mutianyu Great Wall of China worth visiting? The Mutianyu Great Wall of China is one of the most popular and well-preserved sections of the Great Wall and is worth visiting for anyone travelling to China and is definitely worth a visit – especially if you’re a Lara Croft fan, like me! Located in the Huairou District of Beijing, it is approximately 45 miles (73 km) from the city’s centre. This section of the Great Wall is renowned for its beautiful surroundings, rich history, and well-maintained architecture, making it a must-see attraction for both locals and tourists alike.
One of the main reasons why the Mutianyu Great Wall is worth visiting is its stunning natural setting. Unlike some sections of the wall that are overcrowded and commercialized, Mutianyu offers a more peaceful and serene experience. The wall is surrounded by lush green forests and mountainous landscapes, providing visitors with breathtaking panoramic views. It is the perfect place to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and take in nature’s beauty.
Moreover, Mutianyu is known for its well-preserved structure and architecture. It was initially built in the 6th century during the Northern Qi Dynasty and was later restored by General Xu Da during the Ming Dynasty in the 14th century. It features 22 watchtowers at regular intervals, allowing visitors to climb up and take in the magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes.
What Is The Great Wall of China?
What is the Great Wall of China? People all around the world know of the Great Wall of China…but do you really know all about the fascinating history behind it? Essentially, the Great Wall of China is a monumental structure that stretches over 13,000 miles (21,000 kilometres) through various terrains and provinces in northern China. It is considered to be one of the most outstanding engineering and architectural achievements in human history and has become a symbol of China’s strength and perseverance. The wall was initially built and expanded upon by different dynasties over a period of 2,000 years, with the majority of its construction taking place during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
The primary purpose of the Great Wall of China was to act as a defensive barrier against invaders from the north. China constantly faced threats from various nomadic tribes and forces from Mongolia, Manchuria, and Central Asia. The construction of the Great Wall was a strategic move to protect the Chinese empire and its people from these invasions.
The wall was built using a variety of materials, such as stone, bricks, and wood, depending on the location and resources available. The most famous and well-preserved sections of the wall, such as Mutianyu, were built using large blocks of granite and other sturdy materials, making them almost impenetrable.
In addition to its defensive purpose, the Great Wall of China also served as a means of border control and a conduit for trade and transportation. It was used to regulate and monitor the movement of goods and people, as well as to levy taxes on merchants passing through. Furthermore, it also served as a connection between different regions within China, allowing for the exchange of ideas, cultures, and traditions.
Great Wall of China Tours:
If you’re interested in some of the best tours of the Great Wall of China, then these are the ones I’d recommend the most:
- Mutianyu Great Wall of China Bus Tour – This Mutianyu Great Wall bus tour offers visitors the convenience of round-trip transportation from Beijing to the wall, allowing for a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Additionally, the optional ticket for the cable car ride provides an effortless way to reach the top of the wall and take in the stunning views – and it is one of the cheapest, most hassle-free ways to view the wall.
- From Beijing: Private Round Trip Transfer – This private round trip transfer to the Mutianyu Great Wall allows for a more comfortable experience, as your designated driver will be able to pick you up and drop you off at the convenience of your accommodation. This tour is perfect for those who have a bigger group or just wish to travel in private.
How Long Does it Take to Hike Mutianyu Great Wall of China?
How long does it take to hike the Mutianyu Great Wall of China? The Mutianyu Great Wall of China offers visitors the opportunity to hike along one of the best-preserved and scenic sections of the Great Wall. The length of time it takes to hike this section depends on the starting point and the physical fitness of the hiker. On average, a full hike from the entrance at Mutianyu to the highest point takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. This encompasses walking the entire length of the wall, including climbing up and down the steep steps – I’m not joking when I say that we did 87 flights of stairs in total! However, the time may vary depending on individual pace and the number of breaks taken along the way.
For those looking for a shorter hike, there are various starting points along the wall that allow visitors to hike smaller sections. The most popular starting point is at the bottom of the wall, where visitors can take a cable car up to the highest point. From here, it takes about 1 hour to hike around the wall, where visitors can explore the watchtowers and enjoy the panoramic views. This shorter hike is recommended for those with limited time or physical abilities, as it still offers a rewarding experience without being too strenuous…although, in the summer months – it gets extremely warm, so take this into consideration!
Is There Food on Mutianyu Great Wall of China?
Is there food on Mutianyu Great Wall of China? Yes, there are multiple food options available on the Mutianyu Great Wall of China. At the entrance of the wall, there are small food stalls selling snacks and drinks such as crisps, water, and other drinks. These are great options for a quick bite before starting your hike. As you climb up the wall, you will come across several rest stops that offer refreshments and souvenirs – but at a higher price! These stops also have toilets and seating areas for visitors to rest and enjoy the views.
For those looking for a more substantial meal, there are several restaurants located near the entrance to the wall. These restaurants offer a variety of Chinese dishes, including popular local specialities such as Peking duck and dumplings. The prices at these restaurants are slightly higher compared to local restaurants outside the wall, but the convenience and the views make it a worthwhile dining experience. I got a big plate of dumplings for around £5 in total – which is way better than any price you’d pay in the UK!
Additionally, during the peak tourist season, food trucks are stationed at the entrance and along the wall, offering a variety of snacks and street food. These food trucks are a great option for a quick and easy meal while exploring the wall. However, it is essential to note that these options may not be available during the off-peak season, so it is best to bring some snacks or meals!
Can You See the Great Wall of China from Space?
Can you see the Great Wall of China from space? Unfortunately not – we couldn’t even see it out of the window of the plane when we were descending. While the wall is certainly an impressive feat of engineering and stretches over 13,000 miles, it is unfortunately not visible from space. This myth most likely originated from the writings of early astronauts who have described seeing large man-made structures or lines from space, but these were likely referring to other man-made structures such as motorways or irrigation channels…which is what happened to us, thinking we did see it originally! The Great Wall’s width is not wide enough to be visible from such a distance and is often only visible through powerful lenses or satellite images.
Great Wall of China Mutianyu Cable Car:
Taking the cable car up the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu is a popular option for visitors who want to avoid the steep climb to the top. The cable car station is located near the entrance of the wall, making it easily accessible for all visitors. The ride takes approximately 5 minutes and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Once at the top, visitors can explore the stretch of wall between towers 14 and 23. This section is also known for its unique features, such as the “Heavenly Ladder” and “Sky Bridge,” which offer a thrilling experience for the more adventurous visitors.
Taking the cable car was quite a scary experience, but an amazing one also – as you could see the wall getting closer and closer towards you. Even if you’re scared of heights, I’d recommend doing the cable car up. They even take your picture at the top – so you can have the memory of looking scared forever! It costs around £3 to keep the photo that they take of you.
Great Wall of China Mutianyu Toboggan:
Another benefit of taking the cable car up the Mutianyu Great Wall is the option to take a toboggan ride down. Visitors can purchase a separate ticket for the toboggan ride, which takes approximately 6 minutes to descend.
The track twists and turns down the mountain, providing a fun and exhilarating experience. This option is especially popular among families with children. If you hated the ride up to the wall on the cable car, then the toboggan down is a much nicer and calmer option. Just try not to wear anything too short, or you’ll end up flashing people on the way down!
Mutianyu Great Wall Of China – Conclusion
After reading this post all about the Mutianyu Great Wall of China, you’ve hopefully been inspired to visit and have a more clear idea of what happens when visiting the wall. If you’ve visited the Great Wall of China, then did it live up to your expectations? What would you do differently if you visited the Great Wall of China again? If you have any questions, then feel free to reach out and contact me. Furthermore, if you enjoyed this post, and would like to read some more similar posts, then these are what I’d recommend:
