Liam
July 21, 2025
Last weekend, I set off on a refreshing Beijing Great Wall tour that has been on my bucket list for a while — a visit to the lesser-known but breathtaking Muda Great Wall. After all the busy city life, standing on the Wall and soaking in the panoramic mountain views delivered a surge of awe that words can hardly capture. If you’re pondering an easy yet immersive way to explore the Great Wall without the hassle of switching transport modes, the Muda Great Wall bus tour is a golden choice, and I’m excited to share my experience and tips from this roughly five-hour journey.
The convenience of hopping on a direct bus from downtown Beijing to the Muda Great Wall is what makes this sightseeing opportunity special. The bus departs several times in the morning, with options at 7:30, 8:00, 9:00, and 10:00 am from Qianmen Street, plus a 9:30 am departure from the subway station. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach the Great Wall viewing area, and you don’t need to worry about any complicated transfers — the bus goes straight there.
One of the highlights before we even arrived was the bilingual professional commentary on board. The guide offered detailed narratives in both Mandarin and English, enhancing my appreciation of the Wall’s history and significance. This added context made the entire bus ride pass quickly, as it felt like a seamless journey not only through space but also through time.
If you want to maximize your experience, I highly recommend wearing comfortable sneakers, packing ample water and snacks, and bringing sun protection, as the Wall can be windy and exposed at times. These simple precautions helped me stay comfortable throughout the day.
Discover more Beijing travel tips to prepare for your own adventure.
Arriving at the park’s north gate, I took the cable car up to the 14th enemy building, which served as the starting point of my hike westward towards the 20th enemy building. The route between builds 14 and 18 is notably flat and perfect for capturing photos or simply enjoying a leisurely walk along the ancient stone pathway.
Standing on the Muda Great Wall, embraced by towering mountains, I felt an exhilarating mix of serenity and grandeur all at once. The vastness of the landscape combined with the enduring strength of the wall’s structure brought a sense of wonder that really left a mark on me. It was indeed hard to put into words the feelings this place stirred — sheer awe is closest to it.
What I found especially charming about this section was its relatively quiet atmosphere, contrasting with the more touristic parts of the Great Wall around Beijing. It offered a more intimate connection to the history and the landscape, and I saw families, couples, and hikers all sharing this experience in their own way.
Before setting out, I read some Great Wall hiking tips on a few blogs and Xiaohongshu posts, and I was glad to follow those suggestions. The breeze can be strong, so bringing layers is useful. Also, pacing yourself and staying hydrated makes the hike much more enjoyable.
Check out essential Great Wall hiking tips if you’re planning to stroll this iconic landmark yourself.
The whole trip felt very family-friendly and budget-conscious. At 68 yuan for adults and 50 yuan for children under 1.2 meters tall, the price felt quite reasonable for a half-day away from the city hustle. Also, I really appreciated that all transport and park entry were bundled into one, making it easy to relax and enjoy. The optional cable car is another nice touch that saves your legs while letting you soak in striking views.
There’s a free ferry crossing inside the park that took me across part of the reservoir landscape, a unique feature not common on other Great Wall sections. After crossing, I could circle back toward the exit at a relaxed pace. This option to combine both walking and ferrying around the scenery was unexpected, yet it added a refreshing variety to the visit.
The bus ride back to Beijing ran smoothly, with several return times available between 1 and 4 pm, so you don’t feel rushed to finish early. I truly liked how the logistics catered to visitors wanting an easy, stress-free Great Wall experience.
Explore a detailed Beijing Great Wall itinerary here for more ideas on your trip plan.
Reflecting on my day at the Muda Great Wall, I can honestly say the experience delivered on its promise of being both accessible and breathtaking. The direct bus option is a real gem for anyone wanting to dive into the Great Wall’s majesty without dragging through multiple connections or overwhelming crowds.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual traveler, this Muda Wall sightseeing route offers a perfect marriage of scenic tranquility and historical grandeur. I left feeling incredibly grateful for the chance to spend hours wandering on such a legendary landmark while comfortably nestled in nature’s embrace.
If you decide to visit, remember the key Great Wall bus tour benefits—the informative bilingual guide, the combined ticket savings, and the ferry service—that all come together to make your journey smooth and enriching.
So next time you look for a refreshing day trip outside Beijing, consider the Muda Great Wall for a genuine taste of history, culture, and natural beauty. Standing on this Wall in the midst of those vast mountain ridges is a memory I know I’ll return to again and again.
Of course, always check the latest bus schedules and ticket options on official resources before planning your trip for the smoothest experience possible. You can learn more about Beijing’s many scenic spots and travel routes on our site.
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