Mutianyu Great Wall Entry Ticket Chairlift Up Toboggan Slide

Visiting the Great Wall of China is a bucket-list experience for many, and the Mutianyu section offers a fantastic blend of stunning scenery, fewer crowds, and engaging activities. This particular tour, priced at $51 per person and lasting about 8 hours, includes your entry ticket, a chairlift up, and a toboggan slide down—all conveniently booked online. With a straightforward meeting point, flexible timing, and optional private transfer, it’s designed to make a day at one of the world’s most iconic sites both accessible and memorable.

What sets this experience apart for us are two things: first, the ease of online booking and QR code entry, which keeps your visit smooth and hassle-free; second, the fun of sliding down the toboggan, turning the hike into an interactive adventure. The only potential snag might be the rainy day closure of the toboggan, so planning a backup plan to use the chairlift for descent is wise. This tour appeals most to travelers who appreciate a combination of comfort, convenience, and a dash of fun—perfect for families, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting to skip the long queues.

Key Points

• Easy Online Booking: All tickets are purchased in advance and sent via WhatsApp or other messaging apps, making entry straightforward.
• Flexible Timing: You can enter the site anytime between 7:30 AM and 3:00 PM, allowing you to choose a time that suits your schedule.
• All-Inclusive Experience: Includes the chairlift ride up and toboggan slide down, adding to the fun and making the ascent easier.
• Rainy Day Consideration: The toboggan is closed if the weather turns bad, so be prepared to walk down if needed.
• Important for Non-English Speakers: All information and instructions are in English only; if you don’t understand English, this may not be ideal.
• Age and Height Restrictions: Children under 1.2 meters ride for free, making it family-friendly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Nitty-Grit: What to Expect on Your Visit

Booking and Entrance

The process begins with online booking through GetYourGuide, which requires you to send your passport name and number. Unlike traditional tickets, your QR code from GetYourGuide isn’t your actual ticket. Instead, your official e-ticket is sent via WhatsApp, iMessage, or WeChat a day before your visit. This system is designed to streamline entrance but does require that you have WhatsApp or similar messaging apps.

One critical note: if you don’t have WhatsApp and don’t receive your ticket, you won’t be able to enter, and no refunds are issued. This might seem inconvenient, but it’s a common approach for Chinese tours to avoid long lines, and it emphasizes the importance of preparing ahead.

Meeting Point and Timing

You’re free to enter at any time between 7:30 AM and 3:00 PM. The provided coordinates (40.4197883605957, 116.56393432617188) point you to a convenient spot. Leaving early, around 6:30 AM, is recommended if you want to beat the crowds. The entire trip lasts about 8 hours, so plan accordingly—especially if you’re combining this with other Beijing sights.

The Journey Up and Down

Once you arrive, you’ll scan your official e-ticket for entry. The chairlift takes you from the base to the wall’s higher point**, offering fantastic panoramic views and an easier ascent. The toboggan slide then becomes a highlight—a thrilling, retro-style ride that lets you glide down the mountain, adding a playful touch to the experience.

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On Rainy Days

Since the toboggan is closed during rain, it’s good to be prepared for a different descent. The alternative is walking or choosing the chairlift for your return. This flexibility ensures you still get to enjoy the Wall, even if weather conditions aren’t perfect.

Guided Tour and Group Size

This is a self-guided experience, which offers flexibility but means you’ll have a less structured tour. The reviews mention knowledgeable guides, but their role here is limited — mostly providing information before or after your visit. If you prefer guided commentary, you might consider adding a separate guide or joining a group tour that includes a guide.

What Travelers Love

Reviewers appreciated the smooth entry process and the value of combining the chairlift and toboggan. One traveler from Germany noted, “For people who like to walk, it would certainly be nicer to go up with the chairlift and down with the cable car or the other way around,” highlighting the enjoyment of the varied experience.

Considerations and Cautions

The main drawback is the weather dependency for the toboggan. If you’re visiting in rainy or foggy weather, you may need to walk down or just enjoy the scenery from the chairlift. Also, the process requires advance preparation and messaging app access, which could be a hassle for some travelers.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

The Journey to Mutianyu

Starting early helps avoid long lines and the midday heat. A private transfer is available as an option, which can be a real time-saver and more comfortable, especially in winter or if traveling with family. Without it, you’ll need to rely on public transport or organized shuttles, which might add some planning but still worthwhile given the traffic congestion.

At the Entrance

Your digital ticket gets scanned quickly, and you’re on your way. The site is well-maintained, and the views from the Wall are breathtaking. Expect fewer crowds than Badaling, which makes for a more relaxed experience.

Climbing and Sliding

The chairlift offers an excellent vantage point, revealing the Wall snaking across the hills. We loved the way this lift takes the strain off the legs, especially on a hot day or for those less inclined to hike uphill. The toboggan slide is a highlight—fun, fast, and a bit nostalgic. It’s a fantastic way to descend and adds a playful element that makes the visit memorable.

Authenticity and Comfort

While the Wall itself is centuries old, the facilities here are modern and clean, with some souvenirs and snack stalls nearby. The overall experience balances authenticity with comfort, making it accessible for families and first-timers.

The Return and Optional Extras

If you’re feeling energetic or weather permits, you can walk parts of the Wall or opt for a different descent. The return via chairlift is quick and scenic, and you’ll love the views of the mountains and surrounding countryside.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Cecilia from Spain simply said “ok,” which hints at a straightforward, no-frills experience. Meanwhile, the German traveler appreciated the convenience of the chairlift and slide, noting, “It would certainly be nicer to go up with the chairlift and down with the cable car or the other way around,” emphasizing the flexibility and enjoyment of this setup.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who value convenience and fun. It’s perfect if you prefer to skip the long lines and complex planning, thanks to online booking and flexible entry hours. Families will appreciate the toboggan slide, while those who want beautiful views without a strenuous hike will enjoy the chairlift. However, if your group doesn’t speak English or you lack messaging apps, this might not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts

Visiting the Mutianyu Great Wall with this package offers a fantastic balance of ease, fun, and authenticity. The online booking system simplifies your planning, and the combination of the chairlift with toboggan makes the journey up and down both comfortable and entertaining. While weather can impact the toboggan, the overall experience remains rewarding, especially for travelers who want a memorable visit without the hassle of heavy crowds or complicated logistics.

This tour suits families, first-time visitors, and adventure lovers alike who want a straightforward, enjoyable day at one of China’s most renowned landmarks. It’s a smart choice if you’re seeking a well-organized, value-packed experience that emphasizes practical comfort and authentic fun.

FAQ

Do I need to book this tour in advance?
Yes, booking online is required. You’ll receive your official e-ticket via WhatsApp or your preferred messaging app a day before your visit.

Can I enter at any time?
Yes, you can enter between 7:30 AM and 3:00 PM, giving you flexibility to plan your day.

Is the ticket price all-inclusive?
The $51 fee covers the entry ticket, chairlift ride up, and toboggan slide down. Additional options, like private transfers, are optional.

What happens if it rains?
The toboggan will be closed during rainy weather, so you’ll need to walk down or use the chairlift for descent.

Do children pay the same price?
Children under 1.2 meters tall ride for free, making it family-friendly.

Is the experience guided?
The experience is mostly self-guided, though the company provides helpful instructions beforehand. Knowledgeable guides are mentioned but are limited in this experience.

What should I prepare for the booking process?
You need to provide your passport name and number, and ensure you have WhatsApp or similar messaging apps to receive your tickets.

Are there any restrictions for the toboggan?
Weather-dependent; if the weather is poor, the toboggan will be closed.

How long does the entire experience last?
Approximately 8 hours, including travel, waiting, and sightseeing time.

Who should avoid this tour?
If you don’t understand English or don’t have WhatsApp, it might not fit your needs. Also, if you prefer guided tours or long walks, consider other options.

In all, this tour provides a practical, fun, and straightforward way to enjoy the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall—especially if you value comfort and authenticity combined with modern convenience.

You can check availability for your dates here: