Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour & Village Lunch

Summary

Walk restored Mutianyu stones breathe pine air eat village lunch

You’ll ride out from Beijing on a comfy MuBus, skip ticket lines at Mutianyu Great Wall, and get hours to explore ancient stones and pine forests. Enjoy a real village buffet lunch (if you want), sip tea in the service center, and head back full and sun-tired. You might find yourself remembering those quiet moments on the wall long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me when we got off the MuBus in Mutianyu wasn’t the wall itself — it was the smell of pine needles, sharp and a little sweet, mixed with something earthy from the morning rain. Our guide, Li, waved us over with a big grin and handed out shuttle tickets like he’d done this a thousand times (he probably has). He joked about how people always race up to the wall but forget to look at the trees. I tried to say “cypress” in Mandarin — Li laughed so hard I almost forgot my jet lag.

The climb up is no joke, even with the internal shuttle (which honestly saved my knees). Touching those old stones — some smoother than I expected — made me wonder who else had stood there, squinting at the same green hills. There were families picnicking on steps, a couple taking selfies with their windblown hair everywhere. I wandered along the wall for ages, just listening to birds and distant laughter echoing between watchtowers. The main keyword here is definitely “Mutianyu Great Wall bus tour,” but what sticks with me is how alive it all felt.

Lunch at the village cafeteria was way better than I’d guessed — not fancy, but real food: stir-fried greens, rice, something spicy with tofu. The tea they served back at the Mubus center was hot enough to fog up my glasses. There’s luggage storage if you need it (I did), and snacks for anyone who can’t wait till lunch. By the time we headed back to Beijing, my legs were tired in that good way. Sometimes I still think about that view from Tower 14 — sky wider than I expected. Anyway, if you’re thinking about a day trip to Mutianyu from Beijing… yeah, do it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour

• Board bus in central Beijing
• Travel to Mutianyu Great Wall
• Use no-reservation entry
• Enjoy 4-5 hours touring Wall
• Rest at Mubus Tourist Center
• Return by bus to Beijing

Top questions

How long does the Mutianyu Great Wall bus tour take?

The tour gives you 4-5 hours at Mutianyu plus travel time between Beijing and the wall.

Is lunch included in this day trip to Mutianyu from Beijing?

Lunch is included if you select that option when booking; it's served as a village buffet.

Are there English-speaking guides on this tour?

Yes, guides speak English; Spanish and Russian are available depending on your selection.

Does this Mutianyu Great Wall bus tour include entrance tickets?

Yes, your entrance ticket to Mutianyu Great Wall is included in the price.

Is transportation provided both ways between Beijing and Mutianyu?

Roundtrip bus transportation from central Beijing is included.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the trip?

You’ll find free tea and snacks at the Mubus service center before or after your visit.

Can I store my luggage during this day trip?

Luggage storage is available at the Mubus Tourist Center for your convenience.

Is this tour suitable for young children or infants?

Specialized infant seats are available; check when booking for details.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip bus transportation from central Beijing to Mutianyu Great Wall with no-reservation entry, internal shuttles up and down the scenic area hillsides, complimentary tea and snacks at Mubus service center, access to luggage storage if needed, an optional village buffet lunch depending on your choice when booking, plus guidance in English (and other languages if selected) throughout your journey.