UNESCO World Heritage SiteNational 5A Scenic AreaNorth China
Mutianyu Great Wall
慕田峪长城 · Beijing, Beijing
A beautifully restored, forested section of the Great Wall famed for its scenery and cable-car access.
Mutianyu offers some of the most photogenic stretches of the Great Wall, winding over green mountains dotted with 22 watchtowers. Restored to a high standard but quieter than Badaling, it is a favourite for families and those wanting a more relaxed experience, with a cable car, chairlift and toboggan slide.
The Mutianyu section was first built in the 6th century during the Northern Qi and rebuilt in the Ming dynasty under general Xu Da. It linked the Gubeikou and Juyong passes to defend the capital. As part of the Great Wall it is included in the 1987 UNESCO World Heritage listing.
Day-by-day routes you won't find online — now starting with an 8-day, 1,500 km loop through western Sichuan. New regions are added regularly; tell us where you want to drive next.
