Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China in autumn is stunning

If departing from Beijing, most people tend to visit Badaling as it’s closer to the capital. However, I chose Mutianyu for a less crowded experience. Mutianyu is one of the most well-preserved and picturesque sections of the Great Wall of China, located about 70 kilometers northeast of Beijing. I booked a tour from Beijing that offered both English and Chinese language options, as I was traveling solo at the time. The tour departs early in the morning and gives you the option of taking the cable car both ways or just one way. Lunch was not included. I opted to take the cable car up and walked down on the return. Mutianyu is especially stunning in autumn when the surrounding mountains are blanketed in vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Even though I arrived in early November, which is late autumn, I was still able to see the mountains covered in beautiful colors. It was amazing! Be sure to hike from Watchtower 1 to 20—Watchtower 20, also known as the "Grand Corner Tower," offers the most panoramic views of the colorful landscape and is definitely worth the steep climb. #autumnbeauty