Running along a Jundu Shan (Jundu Mountain) ridge, this section of the Wall is particularly scenic, with its renovated watchtowers looking out over wooded hills that change with the seasons. Spring sees blossoming trees set against dark hills and budding green leaves; summer gives way to a lusher green carpeting the slopes and ridges; snow dusts the hilltops in winter; and autumn at Mutianyu is especially well known for its colorful foliage.
Located in Huairou County, about 70 km from Beijing, the Mutianyu segment of the Great Wall connects with Juyongguan (Juyong Pass) to the west, and the Gubeikou (Gubei Gate) to the east—two of the Wall's key strategic points. With a length of 2,250 meters, Mutianyu Great Wall has 22 watchtowers—the highest at an altitude of 540 meters. You can ascend via the ancient roadway running through Mutianyuguan (Mutianyu Pass), but there's a cable car if you'd like to skip the strenuous hike up.
The granite wall and towers here are largely renovated and there are signficant numbers of hawkers and peddlers, but the theme-park annoyances pale in comparison to those of Badaling, making Mutianyu a nice choice for a Wall expedition that's not too terribly crowded but also fairly accessible and easy on the knees (if you opt for a cable car ascent).
Perfect for a day trip, there are also a number of pleasant small inns and restaurants in the area, making an overnight expedition an excellent option, especially considering the hiking to be had in the hills surrounding the site.