Mutianyu, Beijing, China
Visiting the Great Wall at Mutianyu: My Solo Trip from Beijing
In September 2026 I travelled solo to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a restored section of the wall in the hills outside Beijing. I based myself nearby at Brickyard Retreat Mutianyu.
The Great Wall is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and it's now one of the wonders I've stood on in person. I filmed the visit, and the original reels are linked throughout this piece.
The Great Wall: 4 of 7
The Mutianyu Great Wall is one of the best-known sections of the Great Wall within reach of Beijing. My reel from the wall is titled "4 of 7" — part of my ongoing journey through the New Seven Wonders. The footage says more than I could here.
Getting to Mutianyu from Beijing
I made a separate reel on the practical side of reaching Mutianyu. Rather than retell it secondhand, watch the original below for how I actually did it.
General guidance, separate from my trip: opening hours, ticketing, access options on the wall and transport from Beijing change, so confirm current details with official sources before you go, and make sure your passport and any visa or transit requirements for China are in order well ahead of travel.
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Mutianyu logistics: getting to the Great Wall
Where I stayed: Brickyard Retreat Mutianyu
Staying near the wall rather than in central Beijing kept Mutianyu close instead of a long day trip away. I stayed at Brickyard Retreat Mutianyu, and I filmed a reel there too. Confirm availability and rates directly with the property.
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Brickyard Retreat Mutianyu
Travelling solo
I made this trip on my own. Solo travel is how much of my work happens: it keeps the focus on the place and the people I meet along the way.