A Memorable Finale in Beijing - Climbing Mutianyu Great Wall of China

Our final day in Beijing, on 23 May 2026, was spent visiting two iconic landmarks - the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu and the Summer Palace.

Our first destination was the Mutianyu Great Wall. This brought back memories of our earlier visit in December 2000, when we climbed the Great Wall at Badaling. At that time, Badaling was promoted as the most famous restored section of the Great Wall, located about 70 km northwest of Beijing. Built during the Ming dynasty, it served as a vital defense protecting the northern approaches to the capital. With its fully restored walls, paved access roads, cable cars, souvenir shops, and well-developed visitor facilities, Badaling became the standard destination for both domestic and international tour groups from the 1980s through the 2000s. Its status was further elevated by visits from many world leaders, whose photographs at the Wall became iconic.

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Today, Badaling remains historically significant, but it is no longer the preferred choice for many travelers. The main reason is overcrowding - especially during peak holiday periods, when the experience can feel congested and highly commercialized. Like many modern visitors, we chose the quieter and more scenic Mutianyu section instead. Still, the crowd was huge that morning. Mutianyu Great Wall (慕田峪长城) is also about 70km from Beijing, but at the northeast instead.

Mutianyu Great Wall (慕田峪长城) is one of the best-preserved and most scenic sections of the Great Wall of China, located in the forested hills of Beijing’s Huairou District, about 70–75 km northeast of the city center. Originally built during the Northern Qi dynasty in the 6th century and extensively rebuilt during the Ming dynasty, Mutianyu formed an important defensive barrier guarding the northern approaches to the imperial capital.

What makes Mutianyu especially remarkable is its combination of historical authenticity and natural beauty. The wall winds dramatically along steep mountain ridges, surrounded by dense forests of pine, cypress, and seasonal foliage. In spring and summer, the hills are lush green; in autumn, the landscape transforms into brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, making it one of the most photogenic sections of the Great Wall.

Mutianyu is also known for its impressive architecture. This section features 23 watchtowers spread across roughly 5.4 km of restored wall, with many towers positioned closely together because of the strategic importance of the area. Unlike some other restored sections, Mutianyu retains a more peaceful and less commercial atmosphere, allowing visitors to better appreciate the scale and engineering of the Wall.

Mutianyu too offers modern conveniences such as a cable car, chairlift, and the popular toboggan ride down the mountain, making the visit accessible and enjoyable for families, seniors, and hikers alike. 

Unlike our visit in year 2000, age had clearly caught up with us, and this time the walk along the Great Wall was no longer as easy. The steep stone steps, uneven pathways, and constant inclines demanded far more effort than we remembered. We moved carefully and cautiously, sometimes holding onto the side walls for extra stability and balance.

Yet, despite the physical challenge, every step felt worthwhile. Standing atop the Great Wall once again, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and centuries of history, brought a deep sense of accomplishment and gratitude. It reminded us not only of how much time had passed since our first visit, but also of how fortunate we were to return and experience this wonder again.

Reaching the end of our walk felt like another meaningful achievement - one earned with determination, patience, and a little perseverance. More importantly, it became a joyful shared experience, filled with laughter, encouragement, and unforgettable memories. Tiring as it was, we thoroughly enjoyed every moment, making this return to the Great Wall both rewarding and special.