No.2 Beacon Tower sits in the middle section of Mutianyu Great Wall, nestled in Bohai Town, Huairou District, Beijing. To reach it, you’ll first arrive at Mutianyu Main Entrance (Mutianyu Visitor Center) by car, bus, or a booked tour. From there, a 15-minute cable car ride or a 20-minute hike along the footpath leads you to the wall’s entrance. Once on the wall, follow the winding steps for about 30 minutes—you’ll spot No.2 Beacon Tower perched on a steep hill, surrounded by lush forests and mountains.

Natural Scenery: A Green Oasis

Unlike the busier Badaling section, No.2 Beacon Tower feels tucked into a lush, quiet corner of the wall. In spring and summer, the area bursts with wildflowers and tall grasses swaying in the wind. Autumn paints the hills in red and gold hues, while winter wraps the tower in a dusting of snow, making it look like a postcard. The best part? Fewer crowds mean you can snap photos of No.2 Beacon Tower without waiting—perfect for Instagram!

Cultural Highlights: Ancient Defense in Action

No.2 Beacon Tower isn’t just a pretty view—it’s a glimpse into China’s military past. Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), these beacon towers were used to send smoke signals to alert soldiers of enemy attacks. Climb inside the narrow staircase of No.2 Beacon Tower, and you’ll see tiny arrow slits where soldiers once watched for invaders. Fun fact: Each beacon tower was connected to others, creating a chain of communication that could send messages miles away!

Unique Architecture: Built to Last

The design of No.2 Beacon Tower is both simple and clever. Its thick walls (made of stone and brick) protected soldiers from arrows, while the roof’s slanted edges kept rainwater flowing off. Unlike some crumbling parts of the wall, this section has been restored but still feels ancient. Look closely: You’ll notice carved patterns on the stones, which were added for both beauty and grip.

Accessibility & Amenities

Mutianyu makes exploring No.2 Beacon Tower stress-free. After hiking, catch the cable car down (or take a toboggan slide—yes, really!) to avoid sore legs. At the base, you’ll find clean restrooms, snack stands selling hot noodles and tea, and shops with souvenirs. Pro tip: Rent a helmet and gloves in spring/summer to shield yourself from sun or bugs!

The Climb: What to Expect

Hiking to No.2 Beacon Tower is moderately challenging but rewarding. The stairs are steep in spots, so wear comfortable shoes. Along the way, pause at smaller watchtowers to catch your breath and admire the layered mountains in the distance. Once you reach No.2 Beacon Tower, climb to its top for a 360-degree view—on clear days, you can see Beijing’s skyline in the far south!

Why It’s Worth a Visit

If you want to skip the crowds of Badaling but still experience the Great Wall’s magic, No.2 Beacon Tower is perfect. It’s less touristy, yet still offers stunning views and a touch of history. Plus, the shorter hike makes it ideal for families with kids. Just remember: Bring water, sunscreen, and a camera—you’ll want to capture every angle of No.2 Beacon Tower!