Autumn has arrived at Mutianyu, and with it the season of harvest. The Mutianyu Great Wall International Chestnut Harvest Festival is now in full swing, turning the mountains into a golden canvas of fall color. As we welcome the Autumn Equinox and look ahead to the Mid-Autumn holiday, a beloved event is also making its return: the after-dark tour of the Great Wall.
A Harvest Gift: 100,000 Free Bags of Chestnuts
Ride the cable car up to Mutianyu and take in the autumn scenery spread across the mountains. From September 19 to 30, 100,000 bags of freshly picked mountain chestnuts are being given away for free. Simply present your same-day cable car ticket at the upper station to claim yours — first come, first served, while supplies last.
Keep the packaging for extra perks: enjoy 20% off the same chestnuts, Great Wall cultural merchandise, and the XR experience. And if you order the "Autumn Chestnut Set" at the Mutianyu Great Wall Café, you'll receive a cute chestnut plush keychain as a gift.
Autumn Market: Everyday Charm at the Foot of the Great Wall
Fall colors are on full display across the scenic area, with picture-perfect photo spots now open to visitors. A lively harvest market is also running, where you can browse mountain specialties, discover handcrafted items, and savor seasonal flavors — an immersive taste of golden autumn beneath the Great Wall.
Mid-Autumn Performances: Ancient Walls, New Energy
September 25–26 brings a daytime lineup of festivities: an intangible-heritage lion dance, traditional fork-playing, the historical performance The Soul of the Great Wall · Qi Jiguang's Army, and a friendly robot greeter — a playful meeting of ancient ramparts and modern technology. Bring the whole family for a fresh take on autumn.
Limited-Time Night Tour: Worth the Wait
From September 25 to October 6, the scenic area stays open until 8:00 PM (daily hours: 7:30 AM–8:00 PM) for a special night tour. During the event, ride the cable car as many times as you like, take in a dazzling laser show sweeping across the ridges, and wander through immersive light-and-shadow installations — romantic at every step.
When you need a break, head to the beer garden in front of the Yisonglou Restaurant for evening refreshments and great food. During the Mid-Autumn holiday, join the stargazing program and follow a professional astronomy guide to explore the moon and planets through a high-powered telescope — a memorable family evening under the stars.
Soft night breezes, lingering sunsets, and starlit walks — this is autumn at Mutianyu at its most serene and beautiful.
Climb the Great Wall, taste the chestnuts, browse the market, and stroll beneath the stars. The golden-autumn celebration at Mutianyu has begun — and you're invited.
