Mutianyu opening hours at a glance
The wall has two seasons. The main season runs from 16 March to 15 November 2026. Winter runs from 16 November to 15 March. Weekends close half an hour later than weekdays in the main season. All times are Beijing time.
There are three different times to keep apart. The site closes at one time, ticket sales stop earlier, and the last check-in at the gate falls between the two. If you arrive after the last check-in, you do not get in, even if the wall is still open for people already inside.
Main season 2026: 16 March to 15 November
Opening, end of ticket sales and last check-in.
| Days | Open | Ticket sales end | Last check-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 07:30–18:00 | 17:00 | 17:30 |
| Saturday and Sunday | 07:30–18:30 | 17:30 | 18:00 |
The timetable covers weekdays and weekends, and no weekly closing day is part of it. Weather can still close the site in part or in full, so look at the forecast the evening before.
Mutianyu tours with set times
A guided visit takes the timing off your hands. Compare Great Wall tours from Beijing with live prices and availability.
Winter hours
From 16 November to 15 March.
The usual winter hours are 08:00 to 17:30. In winter, ticket sales typically end one hour before closing and the last entry is 30 minutes before closing. That puts the last ticket at about 16:30 and the last check-in at about 17:00. Check the current timetable before you go, because winter hours can change from year to year.
Days are short in winter and the wall is cold and exposed. Plan to be back at the base before dark, and allow extra time for the transfer from Beijing, which is covered in how to get to Mutianyu from Beijing.
Summer evening programme 2026
Lit towers after dark, for a limited period.
Dates
The 2026 evening programme ran from 25 June to 31 August. It does not apply automatically to other months, so do not plan an evening visit in autumn without checking the timetable.
Lights
Towers 10 to 15 were lit between 19:30 and 21:00, depending on sunset.
Shuttle and cable car
During the programme, the internal shuttle and the cable car ran from 07:30 to 21:00. The chairlift and the toboggan are separate and were not part of this timetable.
Booking
Evening tickets are booked in advance with your real name. Bring the passport you used for the booking.
Plan your day around the times
Where the hours matter most.
Arrive early
Opening is at 07:30 in the main season. An early start gives you the cable car and the towers before the day gets hot, and it leaves a buffer if the queue at the gate is long.
Count the whole visit
Entry, the internal shuttle, the ride up, the walk along the towers and the way down all take time. If you want to walk beyond the cable car platform, start early rather than counting on the last hour.
Bus and tour timings
Some organised bus tours leave Beijing in the afternoon and return in the evening. Check that the return time fits the closing time on the day you go, especially on weekdays, when the wall closes at 18:00.
Rides are separate
The cable car and the chairlift with the toboggan belong to different operators. Ask for the ride times when you buy, and the details are in the guide to the cable car, chairlift and toboggan.
Mutianyu opening hours: frequently asked questions
What time does Mutianyu open?
In the main season from 16 March to 15 November 2026 it opens at 07:30. In winter, from 16 November to 15 March, the usual opening time is 08:00.
What time does Mutianyu close?
In the main season it closes at 18:00 from Monday to Friday and at 18:30 on Saturday and Sunday. The usual winter closing time is 17:30.
What is the last entry to Mutianyu?
In the main season, ticket sales end at 17:00 on weekdays and 17:30 on weekends. The last check-in is 17:30 on weekdays and 18:00 on weekends.
Is Mutianyu open every day?
The main-season timetable lists weekdays and weekends and has no weekly closing day. Weather can lead to a partial or full closure, so check the day before you go.
Can I visit Mutianyu in the evening?
In summer 2026 an evening programme ran from 25 June to 31 August, with lit towers 10 to 15 between 19:30 and 21:00. Check the current timetable before you plan an evening visit in other months.
Do I need to book in advance?
Tickets are issued against your real name, and the passport you book with is the one you show at the gate. Book ahead for evenings, weekends and public holidays. How far ahead you can book can change, so look at the ticket page when you plan.