Soft clouds drift across green mountain ridges, with the magnificent Great Wall winding along verdant hillsides. Its dark grey ramparts are nestled amid endless green woods, layered peaks stretching far to meet the sky and ancient battlements. The landscape is breathtaking, with stunning vistas in every direction.
Take the cable car for a gentle ascent and unobstructed panoramic views. Lush forests spread out beneath you, dotted with scattered watchtowers. Cool mountain breezes beat the summer heat, letting you soak in the peace and grandeur of climbing high above the valleys.
Many visitors come to the Great Wall full of excitement, yet small oversights before arrival can ruin your whole day’s trip. We’ve compiled seven practical tips to cut through confusing rules, so travelers from afar can fully enjoy the wall’s beauty without rushing or stress.
1. Opening Hours
Operational Hours: 7:30 – 19:30
(Valid July 13 – August 10; follow official announcements for schedule changes afterward)
Ticket Check-In: 7:30 – 19:00
Morning and afternoon tickets are valid all day on the date of purchase.
Scenic Area Hotline: +86 10 61626022
2. Ticket Information
Postcard-style entry ticket: ¥45 per person
For discounted tickets (students, seniors, etc.), check the official platform or leave a message for inquiries.
Shuttle bus: ¥15 per person
Cable car: ¥140 round trip | ¥100 one-way
Children under 1.2 meters enter free of charge.
Booking: Scan the QR code below to buy tickets online and scan your ID for fast entry.
3. Transportation
We recommend eco-friendly public transport options.
Option 1: Tour Shuttle Buses
Route 1
Departure: Exit B1, Dongzhimen Subway Station
Departure times: 8:00, 10:00 (repeating service)
Inquiries: +86 400 660 3560
Route 2
Departure locations: Qianmen, Exit H Dongzhimen Subway, Exit E Shaoyaoju Subway
Qianmen: Rolling departures 7:00 – 11:00
Dongzhimen Exit H: 9:10
Shaoyaoju Exit E: 9:30
Return trips: Rolling service 13:00 – 16:00 daily, pick-up at Scenic Area P4 Parking Lot
Inquiries: +86 10 83531111
Route 3
Departure: Parking Lot of Regent Beijing, Jinbao Street, Wangfujing (Exit C Dengshikou Subway, Line 5)
Departure times: 8:00, 9:00, 10:00 (multiple repeating trips)
Inquiries: +86 10 64448522 / +86 10 64448622
Note: Tour shuttles require advance phone reservations; some lines need booking one day ahead for smooth travel to Mutianyu.
Self-Driving
Take Exit 13 (Beitai Road) on Jingcheng Expressway, navigate to Mutianyu Great Wall Parking Lot.
Parking fees: ¥20 per small vehicle, ¥30 per large vehicle per entry.
4. Complimentary Guest Services
The Visitor Center offers comprehensive thoughtful amenities for all guests.
Free borrowable supplies: wheelchairs, crutches, umbrellas. On-site facilities include AED defibrillators, visual and hearing aids, first-aid kits (containing cooling balm, mosquito repellent, band-aids, disinfectant wipes), and smart service robots to guarantee your safety. Digital blood pressure monitors are available for elderly visitors to check health anytime.
Free luggage lockers are provided inside and outside the center for hassle-free light hiking.
The lounge at the cable car lower station is a perfect rest spot, equipped with drinking water fountains and emergency charging stations to keep your devices powered.
5. Dining & Refreshments
Hiking burns plenty of energy—no need to haul heavy food supplies up the wall.
On-site dining spots: Yisonglou Restaurant, Great Wall Hotel Restaurant, Moon Coffee, plus numerous shops along the commercial street. Grab water and light meals anytime to recharge before continuing your hike.
6. Shopping Guide
The service plaza features a cluster of unique boutiques: official cultural & creative store, Muying IP Flagship Shop, theme post office, and Beijing Gift Store, each with distinctive merchandise.
Find delicate souvenirs, fine jewelry, Great Wall brick building blocks, replica battlements, and handcrafted goods of all kinds. Perfect for personal keepsakes or gifts for family and friends; browse all Beijing-style cultural goods in one convenient location for easy, enjoyable shopping.
7. Hiking Tips for the Great Wall
Recommended visit duration: 3–4 hours total. Avoid crowds by entering at opening (7:30) or after 15:30.
Restrooms: Available at the mountain foot service plaza, shuttle bus drop-off, and both upper/lower cable car stations for convenient stops.
Sun protection is essential: sunlight is intense atop the ramparts. Strong winds blow at the peak, and temperatures drop on cloudy or foggy days with sea of clouds views. Pack a lightweight jacket to stay comfortable against mountain breezes.
