Mutianyu Great Wall
✅ VerifiedBeijing
The Great Wall is not a single ticket — you are actually choosing between entrance, shuttle bus, cable car, chairlift, and toboggan.
Last verified: 2026-08-21
Why choosing is confusing
You will see 4 separate things to pay for at Mutianyu: (1) the entrance ticket, (2) the mandatory shuttle bus from the parking lot to the wall foot, (3) the cable car to the top (enclosed gondola, goes to Watchtower 14), and (4) the chairlift + toboggan combo (open chairlift up to Watchtower 6, thrilling metal slide down). They are sold separately and you choose which combination to buy. There is also a separate "postcard ticket" option that includes a commemorative postcard — same access, different packaging.
Local guide's shortcut
For most first-time visitors
Buy the Entrance + Shuttle + Cable Car round-trip ticket. This is the simplest route: the shuttle takes you to the wall, the cable car lifts you to Watchtower 14 (a flat, wide section), and you walk both directions for panoramic views with minimal climbing. Total cost around ¥200.
Choose by Travel Style
Which ticket fits you?
Guide first, booking second. The final product names and inclusions can be connected to the existing ticket inventory.
Free Metal Bookmark with Ticket + Cable Car Combo!
Book the Entry + Shuttle + Cable Car Return package and receive a free premium metal bookmark — shipped directly to your hotel in China. A perfect souvenir of Beijing, valued at $5.99.
Entry + Shuttle + Cable Car Return
Best for most first-time visitors who want the least uphill walking
What this combination includes
- ✓Park entrance ticket (¥45)
- ✓Round-trip shuttle bus from parking to wall foot (¥15)
- ✓Round-trip cable car to Watchtower 14 (¥140)
What's not included
- Transport from central Beijing to Mutianyu (not included)
- Food, drinks, or souvenirs
Main trade-off
Cheapest comfortable option. You miss the toboggan ride and the Zhengguan Platform (Watchtower 6 area), but Watchtower 14 → 20 is the most photographed section with the widest views.
¥200 (≈ US$28) + US$0.99 service fee
Book this optionEntry + Shuttle + Chairlift & Toboggan
Best for thrill seekers and families with older kids who want the slide
What this combination includes
- ✓Park entrance ticket (¥45)
- ✓Round-trip shuttle bus (¥15)
- ✓Chairlift up to Watchtower 6 + toboggan (metal slide) down (¥140)
What's not included
- Transport from central Beijing to Mutianyu (not included)
- Cable car access (different gate — this uses the south entrance)
Main trade-off
You get the famous toboggan slide ride down (1,580 m of metal track). The chairlift is open-air and can feel cold in winter. Watchtower 6 area is less crowded but the views are narrower than the Watchtower 14 section.
¥200 (≈ US$28) + US$0.99 service fee
Book this optionEntry + Shuttle + Cable Car Up & Toboggan Down
Best for those who want both the panoramic cable car view AND the toboggan slide
What this combination includes
- ✓Park entrance ticket (¥45)
- ✓Round-trip shuttle bus (¥15)
- ✓One-way cable car up (¥100)
- ✓One-way toboggan down (¥100)
What's not included
- Transport from central Beijing to Mutianyu (not included)
Main trade-off
The best of both worlds — cable car to the top for the grand view, toboggan for the fun descent. But it is the most expensive combination and requires walking between Watchtower 6 and 14 to switch from cable car to toboggan.
¥260 (≈ US$36) + US$0.99 service fee
Book this optionEntry + Shuttle Only (Hike Both Ways)
Best for fit hikers on a budget who enjoy the climb
What this combination includes
- ✓Park entrance ticket (¥45)
- ✓Round-trip shuttle bus (¥15)
What's not included
- All lift services — you walk up and down
- Transport from central Beijing to Mutianyu
Main trade-off
Cheapest option (¥60 total) but physically demanding. Expect 2+ hours of steep uphill climbing. Not recommended for elderly visitors, small children, or anyone with knee issues.
¥60 (≈ US$8) + US$0.99 service fee
Book this optionBefore you book
Passport & ID
- •Bring your physical passport — it is scanned at the entrance for ticket verification. Photocopies or phone photos may not be accepted.
- •Book online in advance via the official mini-program or our service to skip the ticket counter.
Getting There
- •Mutianyu is about 70 km from central Beijing (1.5 hours by car).
- •Options: private car/driver (recommended, ~¥600–900 round-trip), tourist direct bus from city (~¥80 per person round-trip), or public bus (¥16 per person but 2.5+ hours each way with transfers).
- •We do not include Beijing-to-Mutianyu transport in our ticket service — this is a separate booking.
Best Time to Visit
- •Go early (before 10 AM) to avoid tour groups. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends.
- •Best seasons: April–May and September–October for clear weather and moderate temperatures.
- •Toboggan is closed during heavy rain or snow.
Children & Seniors
- •Children under 1.2 m: free entrance (shuttle and lifts still apply).
- •Seniors 60+: half-price entrance (¥20–25). Lift prices are the same for all ages.
- •The cable car is the best choice for elderly visitors and young children.
Ready to book?
We book your chosen combination at the regular public price. Our US$0.99 service fee covers the booking handling. Tell us which option you want and your travel date, and we take care of the rest.
Still unsure? Ask a Local
Tell us your travel date, group size, and preferences — we'll recommend the best option for you.
💬 Chat with a Local ExpertFrequently asked questions
Do I need to book in advance?+
It is recommended but not always required. On weekdays outside of holidays, you can usually buy tickets on the spot. During weekends, Chinese holidays (May 1–5, Oct 1–7), and summer (July–August), advance booking is strongly recommended to avoid long queues.
What is the difference between the cable car and the chairlift?+
The cable car (at the north gate) is an enclosed gondola that goes to Watchtower 14. It is comfortable and weather-protected. The chairlift (at the south gate) is an open-air seat that goes to Watchtower 6, paired with a toboggan slide for the descent.
Can I walk from Watchtower 6 to Watchtower 14?+
Yes. The wall between these towers is about 20–30 minutes of walking. This is how you combine the cable car (north side) with the toboggan (south side).
Is the shuttle bus mandatory?+
Yes. The shuttle covers the 3 km from the parking/visitor center to the actual ticket gate at the wall foot. Everyone must take it.