The Mutianyu Great Wall is surrounded by mountains with a vegetation coverage rate of more than 96%. It is ancient and beautiful and enjoys a reputation as one of the most popular sections of the Great Wall. This area has four distinct seasons, with each offering a different scenic experience. Mutianyu is an excellent choice for people who love to hike, and there are plenty of other scenic spots to enjoy nearby after you have finished your hike.
Route Overview
Day 1 Travel to Mutianyu Great Wall and start your adventure. Whether you like trekking,cycling, or running, you’ll find an activity to suit you. Don't miss a meal of tender ainbow trout,which will revive you after a long day hiking.In the evening, stay at a boutique hotel in the mountains.
Day 2 Af ter a good night’s rest, carry on your trip with a visit to Hongluo Temple or Qinglong Gorge, or enjoy a reviving stay at the Sunr ise Kempinski Hotel by Yanqi Lake.
Attractions
Summary-The Mut ianyu Great Wal l is connected to Gubeikou to the east and Huanghuacheng and Badaling to the west, taking in the three passes of Juyongguan, ijingguan, and Daomaguan. It is one of the most complete and representative sections of the existing Ming Dynasty Great Wall in China.
Mutianyu has a high-quality cable car, as well as the thrilling Shibide toboggan. The whole area brings together the Great Wall, culture,sports, f itness, and enter tainment. Former British Prime Minister John Major, former US President Bill Clinton, and many other foreign leaders have visited the Mut ianyu Great Wall.
Address: Mutianyu Village, Bohai Town,Huairou District, Beijing
Phone: 8610-61626022
Website: http://www.mutianyugreatwall.com
Trekking on the Mutianyu Great Wall
The construction of the Mutianyu Great Wall has a unique style. The Zhengguan platform, which has three enemy towers standing side by side, is a rare sight on the Great Wall. During the walk, you can fully experience the novel experience of walking on the steep and undulating Great Wall.
The Jiankou of the Great Wall is one of the most famous sections of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty. It was built on ridges with steep cliffs on each side, which makes it one of the most dangerous sections. It is also the most photogenic section and has always been a hot spot for hiking and photographing on the Great Wall.
Unmissable Experiences
1. Hiking
Remember to bring hiking equipment, such as trekking poles, hiking shoes, water, and food. Set off on foot and take in the many aspects of the Great Wall landscape from the thrilling to the picturesque. When you reach defensive tower No.23, you can see more of the features of the Great Wall.
2. Cycling
Challenge yourself to cycle 20 kilometers! This cycling route around Mutianyu departs from the Mutianyu Great Wall parking lot, passes through Xinghai Square and Chestnut Blossom Valley, and finally returns to the Mutianyu Visitor Center.The cycling route is mostly flat with a few gentle upward slopes and should take most riders around 2 hours.
3. Running
Come to Mutianyu Great Wall to run in nature and explore quiet local villages. From Mutianyu Visitor Center, the running route passes by Great Wall Villa, Mutianyu Road, Great Wall Station, and Great Wall Story Homestay, and finally returns to Mutianyu Visitor Center. The whole route is about 6.5 kilometers and should take about 50 minutes.
Tips
1. Remember to bring suitable hiking or cycling gear, and always pay attention to safety.
2. If you feel tired after climbing the Great Wall,you can choose to come down by cable car or toboggan.
More Great Wall Tour Options
There are plenty of ways to experience the Mutianyu Great Wall in addition to hiking and cycling.
New Experiences
1. Romantic Photography
The No. 15 defensive tower on the Great Wall is a popular spot for couples because it was where Ge You proposed to Shu Qi in the movie If You Are the One 2. People leave commemorative photos with their loved ones here and take couple’s selfies — you may even see a marriage proposal.
2. Great Wall Cable Car
The cableway has a total length of 723 meters, and the end-point is 640 meters above sea level. The cable car is safe, comfortable, and fast, and both the cable car and station have accessible facilities.
3. Toboggan
This toboggan is the most thrilling way to descend from Mutianyu. The toboggan, which was made in Germany, snakes 1,580 meters down the mountain and is the quickest way (although still very safe) to come down from the top of the Great Wall.
4. 360 Special Training Camp
Located at 603 Beizhai Village, Qiaozi Town,Huairou District, 360 Special Training Camp is one of the largest, most professional live-action paint ball sites in Beijing. Fight your way across a challenging landscape equipped with the bestquality paint ball gear.
Explore Huairou by Car
Huairou has some of the best natural scenery around Beijing. If you are driving in your own car,it is a stop not to be missed.
Recommended Attractions
1. Yanqi Lake(雁栖湖)
Walk around the lake starting from the south gate of Yanqi Lake Scenic Area and follow Yanqi Lake Road, West Road, North Road, and Beishan Plank Road to the west gate. Climb Jindeng Mountain and get amazing views of Jundu Mountain, the undulating Great Wall, and the majestic Hongluo Mountain. The lake is also great for family bike rides. Be sure to visit the Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, a popular stop for local celebrities. Grab a table at the open-air restaurant, and you might find yourself dining next to a star.
Address: 3 Yanshui Road, Huairou District,Beijing(北京市怀柔区雁水路3号)
Phone: 8610-69661696
Website: http://www.yanqihu.com
2. Hongluo Temple(红螺寺)
Hongluo Temple is beautiful in all seasons. In spring, enjoy the f lowers, such as the Wisteria Flower Festival in April and May. In summer, the temple is quiet, and at night, you can stay in an ancient courtyard with carved beams and columns at Hongluoshan Resort. In autumn, you can experience the local folk culture and enjoy Mid-Autumn Festival garden activities. In winter, the Spring Festival blessing garden party will give you a true sense of traditional Chinese culture.
Address: 2 North Hongluo East Road, Luzhuang Village, Huairou Town, Huairou District, Beijing(北京市怀柔区怀柔镇卢庄村北红螺东路2号)
Phone: 8610-60681175, 60681639
Website: http://hongluosi.com/
3. Qinglong Gorge(青龙峡)
Qinglong Gorge boasts stunning natural scenery and plenty of water sports and other attractions. From natural swimming pools to bamboo canoes to fishing,there is something for everyone. If you like extreme sports, challenge yourself with bungee jumping, rock climbing, and downhill mountain biking!
Address: 500 meters north of Dashuiyu Village,Huaibei Town, Huairou District, Beijing(北京市怀柔区怀北镇大水峪村北500米)
Phone: 010-89699781,89696694
Time: 8:00-17:00
4. Liyuan Bookstore(篱苑书屋)
Located near the Great Wall, this is a popular cultural venue with a refined design and a strong commitment to environmental protection. The bookstore is framed by 45,000 firewood sticks. There is no electricity or running water, only the natural light filtering through the glass windows. The bookstore has been named one of the world's most beautiful bookstores on many occasions.
Address: Wisdom Valley, Junction River Village, Yanqi Town, Huairou District(怀柔区雁栖镇交界河村智慧谷)
Phone: 13910105454
Local Cuisine
1. Brickyard Retreat Restaurant(瓦厂酒店门房餐厅)
The Brickyard was founded by an American expat and his Chinese wife on the site of an old glazed tile factory. Combining Chinese and Western design elements, the hotel has maintained the traditional local courtyard architecture without sacrificing high-quality modern facilities.Guests can enjoy exquisite organic Chinese and Western dishes made with ingredients from The Brickyard’s own garden.
Address: Beigou Village, Huairou District, Beijing(北京市怀柔区北沟村)
Phone: 8610-61626506
2. Loutus Thai THE LOCAL(泰莲庭THE LOCALBISTRO(雁栖湖店))
BISTRO(Yanqi Lake Branch )Tai Lian Ting serves Thai fusion dishes made using local. Recommended for diners who like to try something new.
Address: 188 Lianhuachi Village,Fanqi Road, Yanqi Town(雁栖镇范崎路莲花池村188号)
Phone: 8610-61627888
3. Gold Farmhouse(金子农家院)
The most authentic and traditional farmhouse in the area, serving highquality rainbow trout. The restaurant also offers accommodation.
Address: 34 Changyuan Village, Yanqi Town(雁栖镇长元村34号)
Phone: 13520844393, 15001154440
Boutique Accommodation
1. Brickyard Retreat(瓦厂酒店)
This simple, elegant hotel is located in a former glazed tile factory. All rooms have a view of the Great Wall and the hotel is very popular, so an advance reservation is required. The hotel also offers a range of well-designed experiences for guests to choose from.
Address: Beigou Village, Huairou District, Beijing
Phone: 8610-61626506
2 . Mutianyu Great Wall(慕田峪长城酒店)
Hotel This hotel is in an excellent location,just beside the entrance to the Mutianyu scenic spot. It is a star-rated hotel and also offers buffet barbecue dinners. If you want to climb the Great Wall to watch the sunrise, this is an excellent choice.
Address: Near Huairou Great WallCultural Museum, Mutianyu Great Wall Scenic Area, Bohai Town, Beijing()
Phone: 13910264314
3. Sansa Boutique Hotel(三卅精品民宿)
Low-key luxury bed and breakfasts and hotels with a minimalist style blending elements of industrial and rural design.A must for stylish travelers.
Address: 156 Beigou Village, Bohai Town(渤海镇北沟村156号)
Phone: 8610-60672880
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