Mutianyu Great Wall is a popular tourist destination located in Huairou District, about 70 kilometers northeast of Beijing, China. It is one of the best-preserved and most scenic sections of the Great Wall of China, attracting millions of visitors every year. Here are some interesting facts about Mutianyu Great Wall:
History: The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall was first built in the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-577), and was later restored in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It served as a vital military stronghold, guarding the capital city of Beijing from invasion.
Length: The Mutianyu Great Wall is approximately 2.5 kilometers long, with 22 watchtowers and three beacon towers. It was built on steep mountain ridges and cliffs, and the height of the wall ranges from 7 to 8 meters.
Architecture: The Mutianyu Great Wall is unique for its architectural style, with features such as double walls, overlapping watchtowers, and crenelated parapets. The walls were constructed using granite blocks and bricks, and the watchtowers were built with bricks and stone.
Accessibility: Mutianyu Great Wall is one of the most accessible sections of the Great Wall, with a cable car system and a chairlift that can take visitors up to the wall. Visitors can also hike up to the wall, but it can be a steep climb.
Views: The Mutianyu Great Wall offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can also see the unique architectural features of the wall up close, such as the crenelated parapets and the overlapping watchtowers.
Attractions: In addition to the Great Wall itself, Mutianyu also offers other attractions such as the Mutianyu Village, the Zipline, and the Toboggan. Visitors can experience the local culture and cuisine in the village, while the Zipline and Toboggan provide thrilling rides down the mountain.
Conservation: The Mutianyu Great Wall has undergone several rounds of restoration to preserve its original appearance and structure. In 1987, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 1992, it was named one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World”.