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Me and My Mom at Mutianyu Great Wall - Mutianyu Great Wall: A Better Choice Than Badaling - Leotrails

⛩️ Mutianyu Great Wall: A Better Choice Than Badaling

Hey Leosquad! When visiting the Great Wall of China, most travelers automatically head to Badaling. It’s the most famous Great Wall section, the first one opened to tourists, and the easiest to reach from Beijing. But after doing some research—and experiencing it firsthand—I chose Mutianyu Great Wall, and I’m so glad I did 😃.

🎥 Want Some Better Views? Visit Mutianyu Great Wall

🏯 How the Mutianyu Great Wall Feels Different From Badaling?

Badaling may be convenient, but it’s also extremely crowded 🤯. On most days, it feels less like a historical wonder and more like a theme park. The views are often blocked by tour groups, and getting a clean photo without strangers in the background can be nearly impossible. It honestly feels like the “Disney version” of the Great Wall.

Less crowd in Mutianyu Great Wall - Mutianyu Great Wall: A Better Choice Than Badaling - Leotrails

Mutianyu, on the other hand, offers a completely different experience. Located a bit farther from the city 🏙️, it’s quieter, less crowded, and surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery ⛰️. This makes it ideal for travelers who want to actually enjoy the Great Wall—not just say they’ve been there.

💡 What You Can Do Here?

One of the reasons Mutianyu stands out is how visitor-friendly it is without feeling overwhelming 😵‍💫. You can reach the wall by cable car, chairlift, and even come down via a toboggan, which adds a fun element to the visit. Because there are fewer people, walking along the wall feels more relaxed, and you can take your time soaking in the views 🏞️.

📍 Locations: Mutianyu Rd, Huairou District, Beijing, China, 101406
⏰ Opening Hours: Weekdays 07:30 – 18:00, Weekend 07:30 – 18:30
🎟️ Entrance Fee : 60 RMB (8.5 USD)

📸 Why this place is Better for Photos and Video?

If you care about photos and videos, Mutianyu is absolutely worth it. There’s an optional photo service that costs 30 RMB, which I was initially skeptical about. I didn’t plan to buy it, but my mom insisted—and in the end, I’m really glad she did. The photos actually turned out great. With fewer crowds and fewer people blocking the view, the scenery looks clean, dramatic, and truly cinematic 📸.

📍 How to get Mutianyu Great Wall?

For flexibility, I booked a DiDi—it’s about a two-hour ride to the Mutianyu Great Wall and costs around 149 RMB (USD 21). Solo travelers can save money by taking the shuttle bus, which costs about 127 RMB (USD 18) round trip.

Four Departure Station - Mutianyu Great Wall: A Better Choice Than Badaling - Leotrails

There are four shuttle bus departure stations in Beijing, but I recommend Beitucheng Subway Station Exit D or Shaoyaoju Subway Station Exit E. These two are the closest to the Mutianyu Great Wall, which makes the trip faster and more convenient.

💭 Final Thoughts on Visiting the Mutianyu Great Wall

Views from Mutianyu Great Wall - Mutianyu Great Wall: A Better Choice Than Badaling - Leotrails

Overall, Mutianyu offers more space, better views, and a calmer atmosphere, which makes the entire visit more enjoyable. You’re not rushing, not pushing through crowds, and not settling for mediocre photos. You’re simply experiencing the Great Wall as it should be experienced.

So if you’re planning a trip to the Great Wall of China and wondering which section to visit, my advice is simple: Get Mutianyu Great Wall Tickets. It’s less stressful, more beautiful, and far more rewarding. And if you want the best deal, you’ll find the ticket button right here—you’ll thank yourself later.

Planning your visit to Beijing? Don’t forget to read my guide to 11 best things to do in Beijing.

Follow Leotrails for more exciting adventures and insider tips from China

That’s it for this blog post! If you found this helpful, give it a thumbs up! See you in the next post! Love you all! Thank you!
Travel Deeper, Eat Bolder, Live the Moments, and Follow the Trails.✈️🍜🔥🌏
Bye Bye!

🎥 Watch The Full Video Here

🏨 Where to Stay In Beijing?

Source: Trip.com

Where I Stayed: Atour Hotel Beijing Sanlitun Gongti North Road

For an immersive Beijing experience, consider Sanlitun as your home base. Staying at Atour Hotel Beijing Sanlitun Gongti North Road feels relaxed and effortlessly stylish — the rooms are comfy and modern, and I loved how easy it was to walk out straight into Sanlitun’s lively streets of cafés, shops, and restaurants.

🔗 Helpful Links

✈️ Flights to Beijing
https://leotrails.me/fly
🚄 Trains to Beijing
https://leotrails.me/train
🏨 Where to Stay in Beijing
https://leotrails.me/sanlitun-stay
https://leotrails.me/beijing-hotels
https://leotrails.me/sanlitun-apt
🌿 Summer Palace
https://leotrails.me/summer-palace-beijing
🏛️ National Museum of China
Search on WeChat: 国际博物馆 (Guójì Bówùguǎn)
https://en.chnmuseum.cn/visit_692/
📍 Tian’anmen Square
On WeChat, search:
天安门广场预约参观
Tiān’ānmén guǎngchǎng yùyuē cānguān
📍 Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
On WeChat, search:
故宫博物院预约门票
Gùgōng bówùyuàn yùyuē ménpiào
🧱 Mutianyu Great Wall
https://leotrails.me/mutianyu
🌤️ Temple of Heaven
https://leotrails.me/temple-of-heaven
Tools:
📶 China eSIM (13 USD / 30GB / 10 Days)
https://leotrails.me/china-esim
📲 Essential China Apps (Download Guide)
https://leotrails.me/appchina

leotrails

🌍 Hi, I’m Leo, the creator behind LeoTrails. I’m a travel vlogger who explores the world through food, culture, and adventure. From the sensory overload of night markets and mouthwatering street eats to ancient temples and breathtaking landscapes, I share stories that bring each journey to life. ✈️ Having lived across Southeast Asia all my life, my channel is all about inspiring fellow travelers to discover new places, taste authentic flavors, and experience local culture in a real, fun, and honest way. 🏳️‍🌈 This blog is proudly LGBTQ+ friendly. ✨ Join me on my journey — one trail, one story, and one bite at a time.
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