Mutianyu Great Wall

The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located about 70 kilometers north-east of Beijing in Huairou County. It was first constructed during the Northern Qi Dynasty in the mid 6th century as protection for Beijing and the imperial tombs. The 2250 meter stretch is connected with the JuYongGuan Pass in the west and Gubeikou Gateway in the east. Rebuilt in 1569, it is one of the best preserved sections of the wall to see and was opened to the public in 1986.

22 watchtowers are built along the section which is made mostly of granite and is 7-8 meters tall and 4-5 meters wide on top. The Mutianyu Pass which was built in 1404 has three watchtowers that are connected inside and is unusual for the wall. Another unusual feature is that this section of the wall has a parapet on the inner side as well as the outer side containing merlons which are designed to allow firing upon enemies.

Part of the reason Mutianyu has become popular, is the area where it lies. Running through hills and forest, the surroundings create a beautiful scenic setting, changing to different colors depending on the season - flowers in spring, green grass in summer, red/gold leaves in autumn and stunning white snow in winter. A cable car has been built to help those who don't want a too exhausting or strenuous experience from all the trekking, and a toboggan ride down from the wall is available for those with a more adventurous spirit.