Mutianyu Great Wall is one of Beijing’s most popular sections—and for good reason: it’s less crowded than Badaling, has stunning mountain views, and offers fun ways to get up and down without just walking. If you don’t want to hike the steep stairs (or if you’re traveling with kids, seniors, or anyone who prefers an easier ride), the cable car, toboggan, and slide rail are game-changers. Here’s everything you need to know—no confusing jargon, just real info for your trip.

Cable Car: The Easy, Scenic Way Up

The Mutianyu cable car is the most popular choice for getting to the top—and once you ride it, you’ll see why. It’s fast, safe, and gives you a bird’s-eye view of the wall winding over the mountains.

Let’s start with the details (all checked and up-to-date as of 2025):

• Length & Speed: The cableway stretches 723 meters, and each carriage moves at 3.5 meters per second. That means the ride up takes just 5–6 minutes—no long waits, even on busy days.
• Capacity: There are 58 carriages total, each holding up to 6 people. So it can carry around 1,800 passengers per hour one-way—plenty of space, even during peak season (March–November).
• Where It Drops You Off: Directly at the 14th Watch Tower—the perfect spot to start exploring. From here, you can walk east or west along the wall, and the views of the surrounding peaks are unbeatable.

What makes this cable car stand out is how accessible it is. The cable car company has gone out of its way to help seniors and people with disabilities:

• There’s a special elevator in the northeast corner of the parking lot that takes you up to the cable car’s lower station (fits 11 people at a time—no stairs!).
• Both the lower and upper stations have disabled access routes, so getting on and off is easy.
• The lower station’s waiting room is cozy too: 120 square meters with tables, chairs for 50 people, free hot water, phone charging, and even a small luggage storage area. If you need travel tips, the info desk staff speak basic English—just ask.

Toboggan & Slide Rail: The Fun Way Down

Once you’ve explored the wall, going down is just as exciting—thanks to the toboggan and slide rail. These aren’t just “rides”—they’re a chance to add a little adventure to your day.

Toboggan: Fast & Fun (But Not for Everyone)

The toboggan is a fan favorite—think a gravity-powered cart that glides down a track.

• Details: The track is 1,580 meters long, and you can hit speeds up to 30 km/h (don’t worry, you can control the speed with a brake).
• Where It Goes: It takes you from the top of the wall down to near the 6th Watch Tower.
• Important Notes: It’s only for one-way trips (downhill), and it’s not recommended for seniors, people with disabilities, or kids under 1.2 meters tall. You need to be able to sit up straight and hold the brake—no exceptions for safety.

Slide Rail: A Slightly Calmer Alternative

The slide rail is similar to the toboggan but moves along a fixed rail (no cart). It’s still fun, but a bit slower if you’re nervous about speed.

• Details: Same length as the toboggan (1,580 meters) and same speed limit (30 km/h).
• Who Can Ride: Same rules as the toboggan—no seniors, disabled visitors, or young kids. It’s also one-way downhill.

Pro tip: For the best experience, take the cable car up, walk around the wall for an hour or two, then take the toboggan down. That way, you get the scenic ride up and the fun ride down—two different adventures in one day.

All the Practical Stuff: Tickets & Opening Hours

No one likes surprises with prices or timing—so here’s the breakdown (double-checked for 2025; always confirm at the gate for last-minute changes):

Tickets (CNY = Chinese Yuan; 1 CNY ≈ 0.14 USD as of 2025)

• Great Wall Entry Ticket: 40 CNY per adult; free for kids under 1.2 meters.
• Shuttle Bus: 15 CNY round-trip (from the parking lot to the wall entrance); 10 CNY one-way. You’ll need this—walking from the parking lot is too far.
• Cable Car: 120 CNY round-trip per adult; 60 CNY round-trip for kids (1.2–1.4 meters); 100 CNY one-way per adult; 50 CNY one-way for kids.
• Slide Rail: 120 CNY round-trip per adult; 100 CNY one-way per adult; 60 CNY round-trip for kids.
• Toboggan: 60 CNY one-way per adult; no round-trip option (it only goes down).

Opening Hours

• Great Wall:
  • Low season (Nov 16–Mar 15): 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Peak season (Mar 16–Nov 15): 7:30 AM–6:00 PM (Mon–Fri); 7:30 AM–6:30 PM (Sat–Sun)
• Cable Car:
  • Summer (Mar–Nov): 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
• Slide Rail:
  • Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM–4:50 PM
  • Sat–Sun: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Final Tips for a Smooth Day

• Book Ahead?: No need to book tickets online—you can buy them at the gate. But arrive early (before 10 AM) to avoid long lines for the cable car.
• For Seniors/Disabled Visitors: Stick to the cable car— it’s the safest and easiest option. The special elevator and disabled access make it stress-free.
• For Families: The cable car up + toboggan down is perfect for kids (as long as they’re over 1.2 meters). Bring water and snacks—there are restaurants at the lower station, but they’re pricey.

Mutianyu’s cable car, toboggan, and slide rail aren’t just “extras”—they make the Great Wall accessible and fun for everyone. Whether you want to skip the stairs, add some adventure, or just enjoy the views, these options let you experience the wall your way. So grab your ticket, hop on, and get ready to see one of China’s most famous landmarks—without the sore legs!