As the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival Holidays pass the halfway mark, the brilliance of Mutianyu Great Wall shows no sign of fading. Whether you want to hold onto the remaining charm of the holidays or plan an autumn red leaf trip, this carefully crafted guide will point you in the right direction and help you create lasting memories here.
I. Chestnut Harvest Festival & Golden Autumn Goodies Gathering: The Excitement Continues
Mutianyu has joined hands with Taobao Flash Shopping to present an autumn market, which still draws huge crowds and brims with fun. Wander along the downhill section of the commercial street, escape the hustle and bustle, encounter exquisite handcrafted products, immerse yourself in creative interactive experiences, and feel the autumn atmosphere that blends simplicity with inspiration.
A series of spectacular intangible cultural heritage (ICH) performances—including Guochao-style dance (a fusion of traditional Chinese aesthetics and contemporary trends), spinning top shows, and Sichuan opera face-changing—take turns staging along the Great Wall and in the commercial block. Dancers swirl gracefully with flowing sleeves, showcasing oriental elegance; skilled spinning top performers present a variety of tricks; Sichuan opera face-changing never fails to amaze the audience. These traditional arts are revitalized at the foot of the majestic Great Wall, inviting you to experience the pulse of culture up close.
II. Admire the Great Wall at Night, Dialogue with a Millennium of History
From September 30th to October 7th, Mutianyu’s night tour returns in all its splendor, inviting you to embark on a journey across time. Between No.12-14 Watchtowers, a light touch of your fingertips sets off flowing light and shadows, instantly initiating a romantic dialogue with history.
Graceful ancient dances and melodious traditional operas are performed under the glittering starry lights, interpreting the immortal epic of the Great Wall. Let yourself be immersed in this dreamy and grand night scenery.
III. Melodies Meet Ancient Charm, the Great Wall Shares the Bright Moonlight
On October 6th, the day of Mid-Autumn Festival, a limited-edition autumn concert will be held at the top of the Great Wall. Professional bands will play melodies of the era, while traditional operas will chant the romance of ages past. When modern music waves collide passionately with ancient opera charm at the summit of history, it will surely present you with an unforgettable audio-visual feast for your Mid-Autumn night.
IV. Autumn Colors Deepen: The Perfect Time for Red Leaf Viewing Guide
As the cool autumn wind blows, the mountains and forests of Mutianyu are about to be draped in a gorgeous autumn outfit.
(The best viewing period is from mid-to-late October to mid-November)
By then, the mountainsides will be ablaze with a riot of colors—like a magnificent oil painting crafted by nature. We have selected two essential routes and several prime photo spots to help you fully enjoy the stunning autumn scenery.
Red Leaf Viewing Routes
1. Extreme Challenge Route
Ideal for adventure lovers. Start from the North Ticket Check Gate, hike up along the north wall climbing trail, pass No.10 - 14 Watchtowers. Here, you can take photos with the AAAAA sign at the cable car platform and the Hero Stone Tablet, embodying the "heroic spirit." Continue climbing to No.20 Watchtower, the highest point, stand on Hero Platform, and overlook the grand panoramic view of the Great Wall. Finally, take the cable car down from No.14 Watchtower to conclude your journey perfectly.
2. Head of State Reception Route
A relaxed choice for autumn viewing. Take the cable car from the North Ticket Check Gate directly to the viewing platform at No.14 Watchtower, take a photo with the Hero Stone Tablet, and enjoy the vibrant red leaves on the inner side of the wall. Stroll to No.15 Watchtower to deeply feel the gentleness and grandeur of the Great Wall in autumn. This route is effortless and comfortable, suitable for visitors of all ages—especially those seeking a relaxed experience.
Recommended Red Leaf Photo Spots
1. Dajiaolou
Offers an excellent view. Surrounded by smoke trees, maples, and other colored leaves in red and yellow, climbing the tower allows you to overlook the Great Wall winding through the colorful mountains—a spectacular sight that touches your soul.
2. No.4-5 Watchtowers
The small platform leading from the Zhengguantai to this section is the perfect backdrop for photos of you with red leaves. Looking into the distance, the colorful forests and ancient city walls complement each other, blending the profoundness of history with the beauty of nature.
3. No.12 Watchtower
Wander along the mountain path leading to the watchtower, where autumn leaves linger and light filters through the foliage in dappled patterns. Overlooking the rolling mountains, the colored leaves spread like a huge oil painting—full of poetic charm that cleanses your mind and lifts your spirits.
4. No.14-15 Watchtowers
Take the cable car directly to the platform at No.14 Watchtower, then stroll to No.15 Watchtower. This spot offers a wide view, allowing you to take in the scenery both inside and outside the wall. In autumn, the mountains are covered with red leaves like fire and rosy clouds—there’s no better visual feast than this.
5. No.20 Watchtower
The highest point of Mutianyu and a must-visit for red leaf viewing. Looking up and down, you’ll see layers of mountains covered in vibrant autumn colors. The autumn sun gilds the red leaves, making them shine brilliantly—presenting the grandeur and shock of the Great Wall’s autumn scenery to the fullest.
As the dual holidays draw to a close, Mutianyu remains as wonderful as ever; the magnificent autumn chapter awaits your arrival. Whether you’re seeking the remaining joy of the holidays or a encounter with the stunning autumn scenery, Mutianyu Great Wall is an unmissable choice for you. Pack your bags now, take this guide, and start your poetic autumn journey to the Great Wall!
