Planning to visit Mutianyu Great Wall but not sure which route to choose? The time you spend on the Great Wall depends heavily on your route, your fitness level, and your travel style. In this guide, we break down the East, Middle, and West sections of Mutianyu to help you make the right decision before you go.
For many travelers coming to Beijing, visiting the Great Wall is not optional, it is the highlight of the entire trip.
Among all the sections of the Great Wall open to visitors, Mutianyu Great Wall is one of the most popular choices. It is less crowded than Badaling, beautifully restored, and surrounded by stunning mountain scenery throughout the year.
But here is the most common question we receive from our guests: How long should we plan to stay at Mutianyu?
The honest answer is: It depends on the route you choose.
Mutianyu is about 5.4 kilometers long and can generally be divided into three sections:
East Line (Watchtower 1–6)
Middle Line (Watchtower 6–14)
West Line (Watchtower 14–20)
Each section offers equally impressive scenery. The choice is not about which part is more beautiful, it is about what kind of experience you prefer.
East Line – For History Lovers and Adventurous Climbers
The East Line features several of the most architecturally interesting watchtowers at Mutianyu. The terrain here rises and falls more dramatically, and in certain areas visitors may need to use both hands and feet to climb.
This section is ideal for travelers who enjoy a slightly more adventurous experience and want to feel closer to the original structure of the Great Wall.
Access: Chairlift to Watchtower 6.
Middle Line – Balanced and Comfortable
The Middle Line is relatively gentler in slope compared to the other sections. It is often recommended for visitors who prefer a moderate walk with less physical strain, including families or older travelers.
The scenery remains just as magnificent, but the climb is more manageable.
Access: Hiking trail or via connecting routes from East/West.
East Line – For History Lovers and Adventurous Climbers
The West Line is the most popular choice for first-time visitors. Many of the well-known photo spots are located here.
Between Watchtower 19 and 20 lies the steepest section of Mutianyu, with slopes reaching close to 70 degrees. For travelers seeking a physical challenge or dramatic photography, this section is especially rewarding.
Access: Cable car to Watchtower 14.
Choosing Your Route Up and Down
Because the Great Wall sits along a mountain ridge, reaching the wall always requires going uphill first. Visitors can choose between:
Cable car
Chairlift
Toboggan (downhill only)
Hiking trail
Your choice of transport will influence both your energy level and total visiting time.
In general, most visitors spend between 3 to 5 hours at Mutianyu depending on how far they walk and whether they hike up or use transportation.
Watch the Full Video Guide
To make route planning easier, we have created a detailed video explaining:
The differences between East, Middle, and West sections
Who each route is best suited for
Transportation options explained clearly
Suggested route combinations based on different travel styles
If you are currently planning your visit, we recommend watching the full guide before finalizing your plan.
