How to Reach the Great Wall at Mutianyu by Public Transport: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide
You can reach Mutianyu Great Wall from Beijing entirely by public transport, but it is not one simple bus ride. The cheapest DIY route combines the Beijing metro, the 916 Express bus to Huairou, a local H-bus or short Didi/taxi connection, and then the final scenic-area transfer at Mutianyu.
Members of our team traveled this route using public transportation, and afterward we sat down together to compare notes: what was straightforward, what caused uncertainty, how long the journey felt in practice and whether the savings justified the extra transfers.
I took a different approach on my own visit and used an organized direct Mutianyu transfer. That gives us a useful comparison: the team experienced the DIY route firsthand, while I personally tested the easier option recommended later in this guide.
This article is deliberately about getting from Beijing to Mutianyu. Once you reach the Wall, use my complete Mutianyu Great Wall guide for tickets, Tower 14, the best walking route, cable car versus chairlift, the toboggan and what the Wall itself is like.
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains an affiliate link. If you book through it, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I personally used the Mutianyu tour recommended below and thought it was excellent value for the price.
Quick answer: take the metro to Dongzhimen → find the 916 Express (916快) → get off at Huairou Beidajie (怀柔北大街) → transfer toward Mutianyu, ideally using H23 if the current schedule lines up, or take a Didi/taxi for the final section → continue through the Mutianyu visitor area to the Wall. From central Beijing, allow roughly 2–2.5 hours each way.
Beijing to Mutianyu by Public Transport at a Glance
The important thing to understand is that there is no metro or ordinary single public bus that takes you directly from central Beijing to the Wall. The cheapest route is a chain of connections.
| Stage | What to take | Typical time | What matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel → Dongzhimen | Beijing metro | Depends on hotel | Start early; Beijing itself is huge |
| Dongzhimen → Huairou | 916 Express / 916快 | About 1–1.5 hours | Take the Express, not ordinary 916 |
| Huairou → Mutianyu | H23 or another currently operating local connection | Roughly 30–50 minutes | Local routes change; verify on the day |
| Faster Huairou option | Didi / taxi | Roughly 20–30 minutes | Much easier than waiting for a local bus |
| Visitor area → Wall access | Scenic-area shuttle + your chosen lift/walk | Allow additional time | This is separate from the Beijing transport journey |
| Total from central Beijing | Metro + buses/transfers | Usually around 2–2.5 hours | Could be faster or slower depending on connections |
Important 2026 update: current official sources do not list exactly the same set of Huairou-to-Mutianyu local buses. H23 appears consistently enough that it is the route I would target first, but local services can change. Check the live route on the day or use Didi for the final leg if the connection is awkward.
Screenshot These Chinese Names Before You Leave
One of the strongest pieces of advice from our team’s discussion was surprisingly simple: keep the Chinese names saved on your phone. Once you reach Huairou, English signage and explanations become much less reliable.
Useful names to show staff or drivers
If China transport and payment apps are new to you, set them up before this day. My China travel apps guide covers Amap, Didi, translation, payments and the other apps we use during independent travel, while my China payment guide explains Alipay, WeChat Pay, cards and cash.
Take the Beijing Metro to Dongzhimen
Your DIY journey begins at Dongzhimen (东直门), one of Beijing’s major transport interchanges. Dongzhimen is served by Metro Lines 2 and 13 and the Airport Express.
Once you arrive, your target is the Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub (东直门交通枢纽), not simply any bus stop carrying the Dongzhimen name.
The interchange is large. Follow signs for the public transport or bus hub and then look for the 916 service. Depending on where you emerge from the metro, reaching the correct platform can take several minutes.
Dongzhimen is a major transport hub rather than a simple bus stop. Build in a little time to locate the correct 916 Express platform.
From our team’s notes: this was one of the parts that sounded easier on paper than it felt in the moment. Nobody considered the route particularly difficult, but the uncertainty about whether you are standing at the correct platform creates unnecessary friction on a first attempt. Once the right 916 Express is found, the journey becomes much simpler.
For the wider system—including metro payments, Didi and buses—see my Beijing metro and transport guide.
Take the 916 Express From Dongzhimen to Huairou
This is the most important detail in the entire journey:
You want 916 Express — 916快.
Do not board an ordinary 916 simply because the number looks right. The express service uses the faster route toward Huairou, while the standard service makes substantially more stops.
The 916 Express generally runs frequently during the day, but I would not build the journey around an exact minute-by-minute frequency. Think of it as a frequent suburban bus rather than one specific departure that must be caught.
Once aboard, this is the easiest section. The bus is comfortable, and the journey out of Beijing toward Huairou requires very little effort once you are sitting down.
Where to Get Off: Huairou Beidajie
Your key stop is:
Huairou Beidajie — 怀柔北大街
Keep the Chinese characters visible on your phone. If there is any uncertainty, show them to the driver or another passenger.
Huairou is not Mutianyu. This is simply the transfer point where the journey leaves Beijing’s main suburban system and switches to local transport toward the mountains.
Transfer in Huairou: The Least Predictable Part of the Journey
This was the part our team discussed most afterward.
The 916 Express itself is straightforward. The Huairou transfer is where the route becomes less intuitive because local services are less frequent, the exact useful route can change and the environment is aimed primarily at local passengers rather than foreign visitors.
You have two sensible strategies:
- stay fully public and use a local H-bus;
- take the 916 Express for the long cheap leg, then use Didi/taxi for the final section.
Option A: Take H23 or Another Current Local Public Bus
If minimizing cost is your priority, look first for H23 toward Mutianyu.
This is the genuinely local part of the journey. Do not expect the same frequency or traveler-oriented information that you get on central Beijing transport.
Current official information does not perfectly agree on every local H-route serving Mutianyu, which is why I would avoid relying on an old blog post listing a rigid H23/H24/H35 timetable. Target H23, verify locally, and keep Didi as your fallback.
From our team’s discussion: this was the point where the cheap route stopped feeling efficient. If the local bus appears quickly, the journey works well. If it does not, the time saved in money starts disappearing into waiting and uncertainty.
Option B: Take Didi or a Taxi From Huairou
This is the compromise I would recommend to many independent travelers.
You still use public transportation for the long inexpensive section from Beijing, but you remove the least predictable transfer.
The drive from Huairou toward Mutianyu normally takes roughly 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic and pickup point.
Didi is especially convenient because you can enter 慕田峪景区 directly rather than explaining the destination verbally.
Our conclusion after comparing the options: if saving every possible yuan is the goal, stay on public buses. If you like independent travel but do not want the least predictable part of the journey, 916 Express + Didi is probably the best DIY compromise.
Arrive at the Mutianyu Scenic Area
Once you reach Mutianyu, the Beijing-to-Wall transport problem is finished.
Follow the current ticketing and scenic-area shuttle setup toward the Wall-access area. Carry the passport used for your booking because Mutianyu uses real-name ticketing.
There are then two separate lift systems:
- the enclosed cable car serving the Tower 14 side;
- the chairlift/toboggan system around Tower 6.
I keep the detailed choice out of this article deliberately. My Mutianyu Great Wall guide explains the route I recommend, cable car versus chairlift, Tower 14, the toboggan and what to buy once you arrive.
Once you reach the ridge, the transport hassle is quickly forgotten. The real question is how much of your day you want to spend getting here versus walking the Wall.
How to Return From Mutianyu to Beijing
The DIY return follows the same logic in reverse:
- leave the Wall and return through the scenic area;
- take the relevant local bus or Didi/taxi toward Huairou;
- connect with the 916 Express toward Dongzhimen;
- take the Beijing metro back to your hotel.
This is where our team’s opinions became more negative about the fully public route. After walking the Wall for several hours, waiting for another local connection and then spending a long time returning through Beijing feels much more tiring than the morning journey.
Afternoon traffic entering Beijing can also make the return slower.
Return tip from our notes: save both Huairou Beidajie 怀柔北大街 and Dongzhimen 东直门 before you leave Beijing. If the local connection back from Mutianyu is awkward, use Didi to Huairou rather than risking a very late connection to the 916 Express.
How Long Does Beijing to Mutianyu by Public Transport Really Take?
This was one of the clearest conclusions from our team discussion: looking only at the 916 Express journey understates how long the day really feels.
| Part of journey | Realistic allowance |
|---|---|
| Hotel → Dongzhimen | 20–45+ minutes depending on where you stay |
| Finding the correct bus platform | Allow 10–20 minutes on a first visit |
| Wait for 916 Express | Often short, but not necessarily immediate |
| 916 Express → Huairou | Roughly 1–1.5 hours |
| Huairou transfer | Could be immediate or become the longest wait |
| Huairou → Mutianyu | About 20–50 minutes depending on mode |
| Practical one-way total | Roughly 2–2.5 hours from central Beijing |
By direct road transport, Mutianyu can often be reached from central Beijing in around 1.5 hours under normal traffic conditions. The geographic distance is not the problem. The extra time comes from changing systems and waiting between them.
Dongzhimen to Mutianyu by road. The DIY route becomes substantially longer because the journey is split across multiple transport stages.
What Our Team Thought After Doing the Public-Transport Route
After the trip, we went through the route step by step and compared the pros and cons rather than simply labeling it “easy” or “difficult.”
The strongest consensus was that the route is not technically hard. The challenge is friction.
- Dongzhimen is a large interchange;
- you must distinguish 916 Express from the slower ordinary 916;
- the Huairou connection is less intuitive;
- local bus waiting times can undermine the savings;
- the return feels noticeably more tiring after walking the Wall.
The upside is equally clear: it is inexpensive, entirely possible without speaking Mandarin and gives you a much more local transport experience than a tourist shuttle.
Our overall team verdict: nobody thought the journey was unmanageable. The recurring comment was that it was more cumbersome than difficult. Travelers who enjoy public transport systems may genuinely enjoy doing it once. Travelers who simply want the best possible Mutianyu day may not think the savings justify the extra time.
Your hotel location also changes the calculation. Dongzhimen is far easier to reach from some parts of Beijing than others, so see my guide to where to stay in Beijing if you are still choosing a base.
The Easy Alternative I Personally Used
My own Mutianyu day was different from the team’s DIY journey.
I used the organized direct option below, so this is the part of the comparison I can speak about from my own experience.
Instead of dealing with Dongzhimen, the 916 Express and the Huairou transfer, I met the service in central Beijing, traveled directly to Mutianyu and then had substantial time to explore the Wall independently.
That last part matters. It did not feel like a restrictive guided tour where everyone had to stay together. The difficult logistics were organized, while the actual Wall experience still felt independent.
Mutianyu Great Wall Tours with Options
I used this service myself and thought it was totally worth it for the price. The direct transport removed the least enjoyable part of the Great Wall day while still leaving plenty of independent time at Mutianyu.
I also chose the lunch option, and the country-style buffet was excellent — genuinely much better than I expected from a day-trip meal.
- direct transport from central Beijing;
- entrance included in the relevant package;
- scenic-area shuttle included in the current service;
- around four hours of free exploration on the basic Wall package;
- optional buffet lunch;
- no unnecessary shopping stops;
- several package and timing options.
My own experience: I would happily book this option again. It gave me the part I cared about — plenty of time on Mutianyu — without turning the journey itself into half of the day’s project. For the relatively modest price difference, I thought the convenience was excellent value.
Public Bus vs Direct Tour vs Didi: Which Should You Choose?
| Option | Best for | Advantages | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| 916 Express + H23 | Maximum budget savings | Very cheap, fully independent, local experience | Slowest and least predictable |
| 916 Express + Didi | Independent travelers wanting a compromise | Cheap long leg, easier final transfer | Still requires Dongzhimen + Huairou navigation |
| Direct tourist bus | Budget travelers avoiding transfers | Direct journey, relatively low cost | Fixed departure and return schedule |
| Organized Mutianyu transfer | Most first-time visitors | Direct, easy, logistics handled, lots of free time | Costs more than ordinary buses |
| Private driver / guide | Families, groups, maximum flexibility | Hotel pickup, custom timing, least friction | Most expensive |
There are also official tourist-bus services from central Beijing to Mutianyu. These sit somewhere between ordinary public transport and a fully organized tour: much simpler than 916 + H23, but tied to fixed departure and return times.
For a broader comparison of organized options, use my best tours in Beijing. If you are still deciding whether Mutianyu is the right excursion at all, my best day trips from Beijing compares the Great Wall with other escapes from the city.
Who Should Take Public Transport to Mutianyu?
Where Mutianyu Fits Into a Beijing Itinerary
Treat Mutianyu as a full-day excursion, especially if you choose public transportation.
I would not return from a DIY Great Wall day and then schedule another major timed attraction such as the Forbidden City. Beijing distances are large, traffic is unpredictable and walking the Wall itself is more tiring than many people expect.
My 5-day Beijing itinerary shows where I place Mutianyu alongside the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and the other major sights without turning every day into a transport marathon.
Continue Planning Mutianyu & Beijing
- Mutianyu Great Wall Guide Use this once you have solved the transport: tickets, Tower 14, walking routes, cable car, chairlift and toboggan.
- 5 Days in Beijing See where I place the Great Wall day in a realistic first-time Beijing itinerary.
- Beijing Metro & Transport Guide Metro, Didi, buses, taxis and how to move around Beijing independently.
- Where to Stay in Beijing Compare areas for sightseeing, metro access and easier early Great Wall departures.
- Best Tours in Beijing The experiences where I think paying for organization genuinely adds value.
- Best Day Trips From Beijing Compare Mutianyu with other Great Wall sections, mountain escapes, gorges and towns outside the capital.
- How to Travel China Independently My wider guide to handling transport, payments, language and everyday travel logistics without depending on tours.
Mutianyu Public Transport FAQ
Can you get to Mutianyu Great Wall by public transport?
Yes. Members of our team did it using public transportation. The standard route is metro to Dongzhimen, 916 Express to Huairou Beidajie, then a local H-bus such as H23 or a short Didi/taxi ride toward Mutianyu.
Which bus goes from Beijing to Mutianyu?
The key public bus is the 916 Express (916快) from Dongzhimen to Huairou. It does not go all the way to the Wall, so you need another connection from Huairou.
Is it 916 or 916 Express to Mutianyu?
Take 916 Express / 916快. The ordinary 916 follows a slower stopping pattern. Check for the Chinese character 快, meaning express.
Where do I get off the 916 Express for Mutianyu?
The standard transfer point is Huairou Beidajie (怀柔北大街). From there, continue toward Mutianyu by local bus or Didi/taxi.
Which local bus goes from Huairou to Mutianyu?
H23 is the local route I would target first because it appears across current official information. Verify the live service on the day because local route details can change.
Does the Beijing metro go to Mutianyu?
No. The metro gets you to Dongzhimen, where you switch to the 916 Express toward Huairou.
Is there a direct bus from Beijing to Mutianyu?
Direct tourist buses and shuttle services exist, but the cheapest ordinary public-transport route is not direct. It requires the 916 Express plus a Huairou connection.
How long does it take to get from Beijing to Mutianyu by public transport?
Allow roughly 2–2.5 hours each way from central Beijing. The exact time depends heavily on your hotel location and how quickly the Huairou connection works.
Is Didi easier than taking the local bus from Huairou?
Yes. Our team considered the Huairou local connection the least predictable part of the journey. Using Didi from there removes most of that uncertainty.
Is public transport to Mutianyu worth it?
It can be if saving money or experiencing local transport matters to you. Our team’s overall view was that the route was more cumbersome than difficult. If your priority is maximizing time on the Wall, a direct transfer is easier.
What is the easiest way to get to Mutianyu?
A direct shuttle or organized transfer is much easier. I personally used the Mutianyu Great Wall Tours with Options service linked above and thought it offered excellent value because the transport logistics were handled while I still had substantial independent time on the Wall.
Do I need my passport for Mutianyu?
Yes. Carry the passport associated with your booking because Mutianyu currently uses real-name ticketing.
Should I book the cable car before traveling to Mutianyu?
Decide first which section of the Wall you want to walk. The enclosed cable car serves the Tower 14 side, while the chairlift and toboggan operate around Tower 6. My separate Mutianyu guide explains those choices in detail.
So, Should You Take Public Transport to Mutianyu?
After our team completed the public-transport journey, we went through the whole experience together rather than judging it only by the fare.
The conclusion was fairly consistent: it works, it is cheap and it is not especially difficult — but it is inefficient.
If you enjoy local transport, have a full day available and want to minimize cost, there is nothing wrong with taking the 916 Express route. It can even be part of the experience.
My own Mutianyu day was different. I used the direct organized option, and after hearing the team’s public-transport notes and comparing them with my experience, I would personally use the direct transfer again. The price felt very reasonable, the lunch buffet was excellent, and I arrived with far more energy for the part that mattered: walking the Great Wall.
Public transport wins on price. The direct option wins on convenience and time at Mutianyu.
Check Mutianyu Tour Availability & PricesAlready know how you are getting there? Continue with my Mutianyu Great Wall guide for Tower 14, the best walking route, cable car, toboggan and current ticket choices.
Last Updated on 29/09/2026 by Panos
