Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall Ticket Chairlift Toboggan

Exploring the Mutianyu Great Wall with Ticket, Chairlift, and Toboggan

If you’re planning a trip to Beijing and want an authentic, well-organized way to experience the Great Wall, the Mutianyu section offers a fantastic choice. This tour, priced at $44 per person, includes a ticket, shuttle bus, chairlift up, and toboggan down, giving you the chance to enjoy one of China’s most iconic sites with a bit of added adventure. It lasts roughly a few hours, with options for transfer service, making it a flexible and fun outing.

What we love about this tour is how smoothly it’s organized — everything from your digital ticket to the fun rides feels designed to maximize your time and enjoyment. The chairlift provides spectacular views as you ascend the wall, and the toboggan offers a playful descent that adds a dash of excitement. Another highlight is the support via WhatsApp — clear, prompt, and helpful, which makes navigating the logistics much simpler.

A small consideration is that all communications and instructions are in English only, so non-English speakers might find it confusing. Also, the toboggan ride is weather-dependent, closing on rainy days, so planning for an alternative descent via the chairlift is wise. For those who enjoy a well-organized, hassle-free experience with a touch of thrill, this package suits travelers who value authenticity, support, and a bit of fun.

This experience is perfect for first-timers to China, adventure seekers, or anyone wanting a convenient visit without the fuss of planning each detail independently. If you’re comfortable with digital tickets sent via WhatsApp and eager to enjoy a memorable stretch of the Great Wall, this tour fits the bill.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience with tickets, shuttle, chairlift, and toboggan
• Easy digital access with tickets sent via WhatsApp, iMessage, or WeChat
• Weather-dependent toboggan ride; a backup plan to take the chairlift down
• Early departure recommended at 6:30 AM to avoid crowds
• English-only instructions; non-English speakers should consider language limitations
• Children under 1.2 meters in height go free, adding value for families
• Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand
• Authentic and fun with very positive reviews on organization and support

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Mutianyu Great Wall Experience

Visiting the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is a highlight for many travelers to Beijing, and this tour makes it accessible with a straightforward booking process and thoughtful design. We’ll guide you through what you can expect at each stage, based on reviews and the available details, to help you picture your adventure.

Booking and Preparation

Getting your tickets is an uncomplicated process. You’ll purchase online through GetYourGuide, and your official E-ticket will arrive the day before your visit via WhatsApp, iMessage, or WeChat. Remember, the QR code from the booking platform is not your ticket; you’ll need to scan the ticket sent directly to you. This method is designed to streamline entry, reducing wait times, especially if you leave early.

Passports are required; you’ll need to send your passport name and number ahead of time, which helps with security checks at the gate. Be sure to leave home early — 6:30 AM departure is recommended to beat crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.

Getting There and Transportation

The shuttle bus, included if you select that option, transports you from the designated meeting point to the Mutianyu entrance. If you choose not to book transfer, you’ll need to arrange your own transport. Most travelers find the included shuttle convenient, especially since the parking areas can fill up quickly.

The actual journey is smooth, and you’ll be glad you left early, as some reviews mention that the wait times at the Wall can be long later in the day. The driver is professional, and the ride itself offers a taste of the rural outskirts of Beijing, contrasting the city’s hustle with this historic site.

Arriving and Entering the Wall

Once at Mutianyu, you’ll scan your digital ticket — no paper needed — and hop onto the internal shuttle bus that takes you closer to the Wall itself. The entrance area is well-organized and offers plenty of photo opportunities.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Chairlift Up

The highlight of the ascent is the chairlift. It’s a gentle, scenic ride up the mountain, giving you an excellent view of the surrounding landscape. As one reviewer noted, taking the chairlift to Tower 20 can be quite the physical workout — so be prepared for some elevation change if you’re feeling energetic.

Exploring the Wall

Once on the Wall, you can walk along the battlements, enjoying the sweeping vistas of mountains and lush greenery. The Wall here is less crowded than other sections, giving you a more authentic, less touristy experience, according to reviews.

Toboggan Down

The toboggan ride is one of the biggest highlights — a fun, exhilarating slide down a winding track. It’s suitable for all ages (with a minimum height of 1.2 meters for children), and the support team is helpful if you have questions. Reviewers mention that the ride is really fun — perfect for families or anyone wanting some extra thrills.

However, keep in mind that the toboggan is weather-dependent. On rainy days, it will be closed, and you’ll need to descend via the chairlift. This can be a surprise if you’re not prepared, so check the weather forecast beforehand.

Returning and Ending Your Visit

After your descent, you’ll hop back onto the shuttle bus, returning to your starting point or hotel if you’ve booked the transfer. The total time at the Wall is about 2 to 3 hours, which some reviews find shorter than expected; it’s a quick, but memorable visit.

Real Traveler Experiences

• Jose Otavio Garcia calls the experience “imperdível” (unmissable), especially highlighting the toboggan ride as a perfect addition.
• Dario praised the support via WhatsApp and found the toboggan super fun, though he noted that climbing to Tower 20 on the chairlift could be a real workout.
• Some travelers mention that their total time was around 6 hours, including transfer and waiting, which is less than the advertised 8 hours, but they still enjoyed the smooth organization and fun rides.

These reviews reinforce that the tour provides value, especially given how well it’s run and the memorable experiences of the chairlift and toboggan. The support system and clear instructions help make the trip accessible and enjoyable.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Leave early to beat crowds and enjoy a more tranquil experience.
• Ensure you understand that all communications are in English — non-English speakers should consider this before booking.
• Bring your passport details in advance for ticketing purposes.
• Be prepared for weather changes, especially if planning to do the toboggan, and have an alternative plan for descent if it’s rainy.
• If you have young children, note that children under 1.2 meters can ride for free, making this a good family outing.
• Remember, the QR code from GetYourGuide is not your ticket; wait for your official digital ticket to arrive.
• The cost is quite reasonable for the included rides and transport, offering good value for a memorable outdoor experience.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour stands out as a convenient, fun, and well-organized way to experience the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors to Beijing who want a straightforward experience and enjoy a bit of added adventure with the chairlift and toboggan.

Travelers who appreciate support and clarity will value the helpful communication via WhatsApp, and those seeking a balance of culture and fun will find this tour hits the mark. However, if you prefer a longer visit or are not comfortable with English-only instructions, you might want to consider other options or prepare accordingly.

Overall, for $44, you’re getting a solid, memorable day with plenty of scenic beauty, adventure, and ease of access — a smart choice for anyone eager to tick off one of the world’s most famous landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, tickets must be purchased online beforehand, and your official digital ticket will be sent via WhatsApp, iMessage, or WeChat the day before your visit.

Can I show the QR code from GetYourGuide at the entrance?
No, the QR code from the booking platform is not your actual ticket. You must scan the official e-ticket received through WhatsApp or other messaging apps.

Is the toboggan ride available every day?
The toboggan ride is weather-dependent and will be closed on rainy days. In such cases, you’ll need to descend via the chairlift instead.

What should I do if I don’t speak English?
All instructions and communications are in English only, so if you don’t understand English, it’s best to reconsider or prepare for the language barrier.

How early should I leave Beijing?
Leaving at 6:30 AM is recommended to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience, especially during peak travel seasons.

Are children under 1.2 meters allowed to ride for free?
Yes, children shorter than 1.2 meters can ride the toboggan at no extra cost, making this a family-friendly option.

What if I miss the ticket delivery or lose my ticket?
Since the tickets are emailed or shared via messaging apps, missing the delivery can mean no entry. It’s crucial to check your messages in advance and ensure your contact details are correct.

Is the transfer service included?
Transfer is optional. If you select it, it’s included in the package; otherwise, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the site.

What is the total duration of the experience?
Most travelers spend around 2 to 3 hours on-site, but total time including transfers and waiting can span about 6 hours, depending on queues and weather.

By focusing on practical details and genuine traveler insights, this review hopes to help you make an informed decision and enjoy your visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall as much as possible.

You can check availability for your dates here: