Self-guided tour of Mutianyu Great Wall

Since you arrives at the airport 5am, so you can take the first airport express line at around 06:20 from T3 and 06:35 from T2 to Dongzhimen Station. Then you can walk to the Dongzhimen Bus Station, where you can take the bus line 867 to Mutianyu directly. The bus 867 are available at 07: 00 and 08:30, so I am sure you can catch one of them. The reurning buses are at 14:00 and 16:00. Upon returning to Dongzhimen, you can still take the express to go back to the airport.

This time of this method is suitable and it much cheaper than taking taxi directly, although you may need to transfer several times.

Thanks Lilian for your response.

So assuming I do take the train/bus:

1. Would you know the approximate travel time from the airport to Dongzhimen station and then again from there by walk to the bus terminal and then the travel time by the bus #867 to Mutianyu?

2. Also would you know the approx. fare for the train/bus?

I think taking the 4 PM bus would be cutting it too close. Besides I don't think I would need more than 3 hours at the Great Wall. If I do come back by the 2:00 PM bus and wanted to spend some time in the city, is there anything worth seeing near Dongzhimen?


Thanks again for your response and help.

Also, is there one single ticket I can buy to cover both the trips or do I need to buy at separate counters. Lastly, are the instructions in English so that I can see and follow without getting lost?

I wish I could speak Chinese but I don't and would like to be able to stay in charge :-)

1. The whole trip of Airport Express Train takes around half an hour! The duration of bus no. 867 is around 2.5h.
2. As I know, there is no attraction within walking distance. The nearest scenic spot is 2-3km. Then I suggest you visit the Agricultral Exhibition Center or Temple of Earth.
3. By mentioning the single ticket, do you refer to Airport Express Train? If so, I don't heard there is ticket for round-trip I'm afraid. But no need to worry about the directions! In most places of this city, the signages are marked both in Chinese and English.

Have a good trip!

Thank you Marco. While instructions were helpful, I am going ahead with a guided tour.

The tour includes:

JUNE 30th 6:30 AM: Pick up from Airport

1st STOP: Mutianyu Great Wall (2 Hours approx.)
2nd STOP: Temple of Heaven (1 Hour approx.)
3rd STOP: Lama Temple (1 Hour approx.)
4th STOP: Summer Palace (1.5 Hours approx.)
5th STOP: AIRPORT

The total cost is 1200 RMB including all tickets and lunch.


Again appreciate your assistance.