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Travelers' Voices on Mutianyu Great Wall (32)

11.

Sep. 10,2009 03:35 Reply

Mr.Burak(turkey) said:

It is written in the greatwall forum that the Dongzhimen bus station is out of service. Does anyone have any idea about that?

http://www.greatwallforum.com/forum/reaching-great-wall/395-dongzhimen-long-distance-bus-station.html

Sep. 10,2009 04:12
Mr.Rodney replied:

Hi, you should notice that the post is put in 2008. The Dongzhimen bus station still opens. It is one of the busiest bus stations in Beijing.

12.

Aug. 23,2009 05:59 Reply

Ms.Jacqui(Australia) said:

Hi, I am planning to take my parents to the Great Wall for the first time and would like to check out Mutianyu as this is the only part of the wall I haven't seen yet. I was wondering whether it's an easy enough walk given my parents poor-to-average level of fitness.

Also, are the Ming Tombs quite far from Mutianyu? If taking the taxi, how far and approximately how much should it cost?

Thanks!

Aug. 23,2009 21:01
Ms.Nini replied:

Mutianyu is repaired and the steps is comparably flat, so I think it's not a big problem for your parents to climb it if you can slow down your steps.

The Ming Tombs are quite far from Mutianyu. They are located in two different directions. You will be very pressed for time. It costs over 100 Yuan to take a taxi from Mutianyu Great Wall to Ming Tombs. But of course you can bargain. It's about 30km drive.

By the way, Badaling Great Wall is located near to Ming Tombs. People often go to Ming Tombs after visiting Badaling Great Wall. The transportation is much easier.

Aug. 25,2009 08:11
Ms.Jacqui(Australia) replied:

Thank you Nini!

Aug. 26,2009 02:14
Ms.A(Israel) replied:

Hi Jacqui - I was at this part of the wall 10 days ago. I am sorry to dispute Ninis report but given that I am in peak condition I found this climb extremely strenuous as there is a lot of steep uphill climbs, where the steps are both high and uneven. The best way to describe it is by another tourist who was sitting admiring the view. When I asked him if he had been to the top he replied, only with his eyes. If you post your email I would be happy to send you some pics and you can see for yourself. The ming tombs are not in this area at all.

Aug. 26,2009 08:14
Ms.Jacqui(Australia) replied:

Thanks Ms A, I would be interested to see how steep it is..my email is jacqui888@hotmail.com.

Sep. 1,2009 07:43
Mr.a(Israel) replied:

Hi jACQUI Tried to email you today with some pics and got undeliverable - do you have an alternative email. I would be happy to send you some pics of this part of the wal

Sep. 2,2009 02:02
Ms.Jacqui(Australia) replied:

Hi Ms A,

I've cleared my inbox so should be able to send now? jacqui888@hotmail.com. Otherwise could try the.pessimist@gmail.com.

Thanks!!!

13.

Aug. 17,2009 09:24 Reply

Ms.S_LINEE(United Arab Emirates) said:

1) Is Tourist Bus No. 6 available everyday or only available on Saturday, Sunday and offcial public holidays?
2) How many hours is the journey from Xuanwumen or Dong Si Shi Tiao to Mutianyu?
3) How can I hire a private car to Mutianyu and how much would it cost?

Aug. 17,2009 21:03
Ms.Sophie replied:

Yes, the tourist bus no.6 is only available on Saturday, Sunday and official public holidays. The journey is about one hour. I suggest you take bus no.936 from Dongzhimen to Mutianyu. The bus ticket only costs CNY 6 by using public transportation card. When you get to Huairou, you can hire a private car which costs about CNY 25 and arrive in Mutianyu Great Wall. There are many private cars, so don't worry. It's quite easy to find the cars to Mutianyu. But remember to bargain at a good price.

Aug. 28,2009 09:25
Ms.Dianne replied:

Hi Sophie,

Thanks for your information. I have managed to book a private car for whole day (CNY 550) to Mutianyu, Huairou villages and Farmer's house for lunch.

Do you think that I would be able to see the autumn colour leaves if I go to Mutianyu on 3rd week of Sep?

Aug. 29,2009 20:05
Ms.Sophie replied:

From mid of October to the third week of November is the best time to see the autumn colour leaves. I'm not sure whether the leaves will turn its color on 3rd week of Sep in this year.

14.

Aug. 23,2009 11:32 Reply

Ms.Katherine(Indonesia) said:

Hi,
Reading about Mutianyu made me choose this section for my visit by this end of this year 31Dec or 1Jan2010.
1.Is it still visitable during that time?
2.How is the wheather condition during winter?
3.If I take hired car from Huairou Bus Station to Mutianyu GreatWall after off the bus, Would the car waiting or there will be plenty of car that can be hire wating to bring us to the bus Station? because I plan to spend 2 hour min. enjoying the great wall if the whether OK.

Thanks a lot before for replying yr question

Aug. 23,2009 20:21
Ms.Lily(cn) replied:

1. Yes, it is still visitable in winter, but it opens from 07:30 to 17:30 in winter.
2. During winter, it is very cold on the Great Wall. Sometimes it snows.
3. Another easier way to go to Mutianyu Great Wall is to take bus no.936 at Dongzhimen Gate, and it will take you directly to Mutianyu Great Wall. You can refer to Dustin's experience in this page:
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china_great_wall/scene/beijing/mutianyu-review.htm

Aug. 23,2009 23:35
Ms.Katherine(Indoensia) replied:

Hi Lily,

Thanks a lot for your usefull information. It realy help. Also Dustin experience is very clear and easy to understand.
Thanks a lot

Katherine

15.

Jul. 30,2009 07:51 Reply

Mr. Niitn Kibe(USA) said:

Don't go to the only large noodle shop, on the right hand side before the ticket office, going up: prices are not posted, nor is there an english menu. The lady owner told me the choices were noodle, fried rice and dumpling, and I did not bother to talk price: I mean, how much could it be? I ordered two of the three items and was presented with a bill, on a hand held calculator, for 170 yuan. It could not have been more than 10-15 yuan, max. I paid, stung. But you can be more careful.

Aug. 1,2009 19:41
Mr.Lasar(India) replied:

Thank you, Mr. Niitn Kibe, I think I will be more careful by your advice.

Aug. 18,2009 16:07
Mrs.Kwok(Canada) replied:

Very True. I just got back from Beijing this month. I have noticed that business man start to charge un-reasonable price on many popular tour sites in Beijing, for example, Bird nest, Water Cube... so becareful when you buy something. Money is not dropped from sky.

16.

Aug. 13,2009 10:41 Reply

Ms.S_LINEE(United Arab Emirates) said:

I would like to do both Mutianyu and Badaling Great Wall. Should I do both together when I am at Mutainyu or should I do return to Beijing and go to Badaling the next day?

I would like to stay overnight at Bao Sheng Ren Jia Farmhouse or Great Wall Villa, how can I make reservation?

Aug. 15,2009 20:18
Ms.Cora replied:

Hi, Mutianyu Great Wall and Badaling Great Wall are located in two different directions, so you should go there in two days.

You can dial 010-61626022 or 010-61626395 to consult Great Wall Villa, and the number of Bao Sheng Ren Jia Farmhouse is 010-60682120 or 13366268828. I don't know if the master of Bao Sheng Ren Jia can speak English, but you can have a try. Good luck!

17.

Aug. 12,2009 08:14 Reply

Mr.cespa(united kingdom) said:

We plan to go to Mutianyu this Friday. We are in a group of 9 people, 2 elderly, 3 children of 5-7 years old and 2 mid-age couples. Can anyone recommend a good hire car company and driver? If you happen to have their phone number I am happy to give them a call directly.

18.

Jul. 31,2009 00:07 Reply

Ms.DEEMOL(Ireland) said:

My partner and I are going to Beijing at the end of August. Which area of the great wall is better to visit Huanghuacheng or Mutianyu?
Thank you

Aug. 1,2009 19:43
Ms.Ruby replied:

Mutianyu is repaired and safe. Huanghuacheng is wild and a part of it is located above water. I think Mutianyu is better, for your safety concern.

19.

Jul. 20,2009 07:35 Reply

Mrs.Azam(Pakistan ) said:

Hello and good day,

we have been living in wuhan for past 11 months and on our way back to our home country, we plan to visit beijing for 3-4 days

We are on tight budget so plz tell us how can we reach great wall "mutianyu" section by Bus. We are two adults an a 3 yr old kid.

Thanks

Jul. 20,2009 20:04
Ms.Fiona replied:

Well, you can take bus no.916 or no.936 at Dongzhimen bus station and arrive at Huairou bus station. When you arrive in Huairou bus station, you have to hire a car to Mutianyu Great Wall. Good trip!

20.

Jun. 20,2009 22:26 Reply

Mr.Wilbur said:

It is narrow than the Badaling Great Wall, but has fewer visitors. It is a nice place to slow down your steps and enjoy the scenery. Good views espeically in autumn.

21.

Jun. 7,2009 18:40 Reply

Mrs.Nancy(USA) said:

Just got back from a two week trip to China. This section of the Wall is a must. It is far less crowded and more scenic than the others

22.

Apr. 7,2009 03:30 Reply

Mr.Kien(HK) said:

Can anyone help with the following pls:
1. How much for a taxi to Mutianyu (or a 7 seater car) and back to Wangfujing.
2. How long does the journey take.
3. Would it be feasible to cover both the Ming Tombs and Mutianyu in the same day.
4. Any idea on costs and time required.

Apr. 8,2009 20:40
Ms.Cora replied:

1. As far as I know, it is about CNY 300 for a single trip from Wangfujing to Mutianyu.
2. The journey takes about two hours if there is no traffic jam.
3. Yes, you can visit them in a day, and I suggest you visit Mutianyu in the morning for two hours, and go to the Ming Tombs in the afternoon for one hour.

May. 21,2009 03:50
Mr.Ye Wen(India) replied:

Mr Kien,

The anwers are,
1) A car (7 seater) would cost you about 400 RMB (this is for a whole day). (I travel by paying 350 RMB) (Most of the times, the taxi company will take you for a showroom visit - 30 minutes- Silk or any other handicrafts, you are advised, though all these are done for commission, don't refuse because as it helps you to get the first hand knowledge of few things) (Be sophestic when you want say NO)

2) Usually the journey takes about 90 to 120 minutes.

3) Yes, certainly, you can do both the places in a single trip.

4)Visit to both these places will cosume a considerable amount of time. Be prepared to start early. The total 'travel' journey will be about 150-180 minutes. And the total touring time will be about 6-7 hrs (very much subjective).

cheers!!!

Jun. 6,2009 22:48
Ms.tatty(use) replied:

ohh wow, taxi to mutianyu will be sooo expensive, its 60km, translate that to miles your self, i think the chiese do things in km. So If I were you I would go to a travel agency and go with a tour. If you can find a reasonable price for a seven people car ride, I would say NO MORE THAN 200 kuai maybe 250. but thats it. in Amreican money that should be close to $30, not too pricey for us but is for Chinese, so bargain people

Jun. 6,2009 22:49
Ms.Tatty(USA) replied:

ohh and my estimates are From Beijing

23.

May. 31,2009 13:38 Reply

Mrs.Lilian Manser(South Africa) said:

My husband and I are visiting China for the first time and want to make sure we do the best there is to do as we don't think we will ever visit there again. Can you please tell us whether we should visit the Badeling Section or Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.

May. 31,2009 21:37
Mr.Zhen replied:

Hi, Badaling and Mutianyu have different views. Badaling Great Wall is grander and has more visitors, but Mutianyu Great Wall has more ups and downs and a fewer visitors. The landscape near Mutianyu is said to be more beautiful. Badaling is located in Yanqing County and Mutianyu is located in Huairou County. It depends on your plan and time, but all worth a visit. Good trip!

Jun. 5,2009 07:57
Mr.Trusnovec(USA) replied:

I've been to both spots and loved Mutianyu more because there were less tourists and the scenery is stunning. I was there in WINTER so it was a bit slippery with a light snow on the wall but it was so picturesque. There's also a great little restaurant nearby called The Schoolhouse. You can't really go wrong with either location.

Jun. 6,2009 22:43
Ms.Tatty(USA) replied:

Badeling is too developed and sooo crowded and anoying and touristy, the mutianyu one is beautiful esspecially in August or July, the Greenery is breathtaking, less touristy and way better.

24.

May. 1,2009 19:35 Reply

Mr.Lee(USA) said:

Does anyone have experience hiring a taxi from Beijing to Mutianyu Great Wall, have the taxi wait there (like a chartered ride) and then back to Beijing? (this way I have control over how long I want to stay/visit there)
Is it doable?
If yes, how much it might cost?

Or, is it better off just join a coach tour from the hotel to save all the trouble? (but, the coach tour looks like only 1/2 day and takes you to a factory for shopping, which I don't like wasting time there ... would rather spend at the wall)

Thanks for any advise !

May. 3,2009 21:00
Ms.Alice replied:

I suggest you go there by yourself. You can take a taxi from Beijing to Mutianyu, and discuss with the driver to see if he would like to wait you while you are visiting the wall, if he doesnot agree, you can take another taxi from Mutianyu Great Wall, which will take you back to Beijing. Have a nice trip!

May. 10,2009 23:23
Ms.Melissa(USA) replied:

When I went earlier this year our hotel arranged a driver for us. I believe that we spent 60 US dollars I think I cannot remember the price but it was doable and we had him for the whole day. He also took us to the Temple of Heaven. It was definitly worth the money to hire a driver through the hotel.

May. 21,2009 03:33
Mr.Ye Wen (India) replied:

Mr. Lee,

I went to this part of the wall for more than 4 times. Each time I preferred to take a hiered taxi (not a city cab). It's always a pleasant experience. You can hop and stop anywhere. It gives you enough space to move around and you can easily manage your schedule. Interestingly, most of the tourist companies do provide a interpreter-cum-guide alongwith a vehicle. Do your homework before you land, as where to go and how much time to spend.

All the best.

25.

May. 18,2009 09:06 Reply

Mr.john(Nigeria) said:

i am a study 2 the Swedish School of Beijing in Shunyi i have a question to ask which is were do tourist come from who visit the wall

May. 20,2009 03:41
Mr.Leo replied:

I'm confused, do you want to ask where all the tourists come from? They are from all parts in the world.

26.

Apr. 11,2009 08:48 Reply

Ms.Diane(USA) said:

Mutianyu - has anyone used a private guide and would recommend them? Going at beginning of May. Any and all recommendations about visiting are welcome.

Apr. 14,2009 01:05
Mr.Josh D(Canada) replied:

we took a tour through our hotel. I would recommend this over batalang as there were hardly any other tourists there so lots of great pictures. It is possible to just hire a taxi to take you and wait for you there as its a good drive out of beijing. We loved it.

Apr. 16,2009 05:33
Mrs.ANU(USA ) replied:

we just got back from beijing. our tour guide was WONDERFULL . She took us to the great wall . her name is Mini and you can contact her .HER EMAIL IS Feng shun ming 1967@yahoo.com.cn

27.

Apr. 1,2009 20:28 Reply

Ms.Li said:

Hi,

Any idea how I can get from Mutianyu to Ming Tombs by public bus?

Thanks!

Apr. 6,2009 22:33
Ms.Kettie replied:

Hi, Ms.Li,
I'm afraid there is no public bus from Mutianyu to Ming Tombs. The Ming Tombs is located in Changping District and the Mutianyu is at Huairou District. You can choose a taxi to go there.

28.

Mar. 10,2009 20:22 Reply

Ms.dg(phils) said:

any advice prior to visit to mutianyu, i will be tere mar 20

Mar. 11,2009 04:00
Ms.Cora(China) replied:

Mutianyu is wilder than Badaling, there are many ups and downs, and the steps is steeper, so you should be physically prepared, and the cell phone signal is not good on the wall. Have a nice trip!

29.

Mar. 9,2009 04:55 Reply

Mr.moushian(USA) said:

My wife and I just visited this Monday. Hardly any tourists were there, we took outstanding photos and the climb was challenging but worth it. A peaceful and scenic location

Mar. 10,2009 20:21
Ms.dg(phils) replied:

i will be there next week, chose mutianyu over badaling because of great reviews

30.

Mar. 6,2009 11:10 Reply

Mr.Matthew(Attwell) said:

I have just been to Mutianyu. It was amazing, for myself, my wife, and 4 month old son. Very very special. The tobaggan down the mountain, and the beer offered on top, were key highlights.
Highly recommended.