Mutianyu Great Wall features two independent mountain transport systems: a fully enclosed gondola cable car serving the western section ending at Tower 14, and an open-air chairlift paired with the famous steel mountain toboggan slide covering the eastern section ending at Tower 6. Operated by separate companies, these two systems have completely non-transferable tickets, which is one of the most common mistakes international travelers make when planning their Mutianyu visit.
Taking the official cable car or chairlift toboggan saves travelers 30 to 40 minutes of strenuous uphill hiking, allowing you to conserve energy for exploring the Great Wall scenery. This fully updated 2026 official guide is tailored specifically for overseas visitors, covering authentic ticket policies, official opening hours, recommended travel routes, strict safety restrictions, and practical crowd-avoiding tips. Please note that Tower 19 to Tower 20 are temporarily closed for renovation, and the currently accessible sightseeing range covers Tower 1 to Tower 18 only.
1 Full Comparison of Two Core Mountain Transport Systems
1.1 Enclosed Gondola Cable Car (West Line, North Ticket Gate)
Entrance Rule: Visitors who purchase cable car tickets must enter from the North Ticket Gate exclusively.
Terminal Location: North scenic ticket checkpoint, equipped with a barrier-free elevator for seniors, strollers, and wheelchair users.
Upper Station: Watchtower 14, Western Mutianyu Great Wall
Cabin Specification: 8-person fully enclosed panoramic gondola with 360-degree windows, windproof, rainproof, and ultra-stable operation.
Ride Duration: 5 to 6 minutes uphill
Best For: Elderly travelers, family groups with young kids, visitors with acrophobia, and travel in cold, rainy, or windy weather.
Important Construction Notice: The Hero Slope area is partially closed. Starting from April 7, 2026, the upper section of Tower 19 (Hero Slope) above 10 meters and the entire Tower 20 have been temporarily closed for renovation. Tourists are prohibited from entering this zone, and the reopening date will be announced officially later. The current open visiting area is Tower 1 to Tower 18.
2026 Official Adult Ticket Prices
One-way uphill cable car: 100 CNY
Round-trip cable car: 140 CNY (round-trip ticket holders must return via the original cable car route)
Official Ticket Policy: Children under 1.2 meters (including 1.2 meters) are free of charge for shuttle bus and cable car rides. All visitors above 1.2 meters need full-price tickets. No preferential discounts are available for children, seniors, or disabled visitors on mountain transport services.
Key Reminder: The western enclosed cable car system does not include toboggan access. Cable car tickets cannot be used for chairlift or toboggan services due to separate operators. If you take the cable car uphill and want to ride the toboggan down, you need to purchase an independent one-way toboggan ticket at Tower 6.
1.2 Open Chairlift & Toboggan Slide Combo (East Line, South Ticket Gate)
Open Chairlift
Entrance Rule: Visitors who purchase chairlift or toboggan tickets must enter from the South Toboggan Ticket Gate exclusively.
Terminal Location: South scenic ticket checkpoint
Upper Station: Watchtower 6, Middle-East Mutianyu Great Wall (Zhengguan Platform landmark)
Specification: Single open-air chair with safety lap bars, offering unobstructed panoramic mountain and forest views.
Ride Duration: 7 to 8 minutes uphill
Best For: Young travelers, photography enthusiasts, and visitors planning to experience the mountain toboggan slide.
Ticket Rule: The toboggan slide only starts at Tower 6 and cannot be accessed via the western cable car system.
Mutianyu Mountain Toboggan Slide
Track Length: 1,580-meter stainless steel slide winding through pine and cypress forests
Ride Duration: 5 to 7 minutes downhill
Control System: Each cart is equipped with a manual hand brake; pull backward to slow down or stop, and release to accelerate.
Strict Official Restrictions
Visitors aged 60 and above are strictly prohibited from riding the toboggan.
Children under 10 years old or shorter than 1.5 meters must ride with an adult guardian in the same cart.
Pregnant visitors and travelers with heart diseases are not allowed to ride.
2026 Official Adult Ticket Prices
Single one-way chairlift uphill / single one-way toboggan downhill: 100 CNY each
Chairlift uphill + Toboggan downhill combo ticket: 140 CNY
Uniform Height Policy: Consistent with cable car and shuttle bus rules, only children under 1.2 meters (including 1.2 meters) enjoy free access; no special discounts for seniors or disabled visitors.
Critical Ticketing Warning for International Visitors
The western enclosed cable car and eastern chairlift-toboggan systems belong to completely independent operators with non-interchangeable tickets. A common tourist mistake is purchasing a 140 CNY round-trip cable car ticket and assuming it covers toboggan access, which is invalid.
For a cross-wall travel route (cable car up + toboggan down), buy a separate one-way cable car ticket (100 CNY) and a separate one-way toboggan ticket (100 CNY), totaling 200 CNY.
Data & Opening Area Note
Precise altitude and mileage figures circulating online are unofficial estimated data and not released by the scenic authority, please refer cautiously. Due to ongoing renovation, Tower 19 to Tower 20 is closed, and the actual open Great Wall section is Tower 1 to Tower 18. The opening range adjusts dynamically with construction progress; check the official Mutianyu website or WeChat account for the latest updates before your trip.
2 Official Opening Hours in 2026
Mutianyu Great Wall adopts unified peak and off-season schedules for cable car, chairlift, and toboggan operations.
Peak Season (March 16 – November 15)
Monday to Friday: 07:30 – 18:00 (Ticket sales: 07:30 – 17:00; Last boarding: 17:00)
Weekends & Chinese Public Holidays: 07:30 – 18:30 (Ticket sales: 07:30 – 17:30; Last boarding: 17:30)
Off Season (November 16 – March 15 Next Year)
Daily Operation: 08:00 – 17:30 (Ticket sales: 08:00 – 16:30; Last boarding: 16:30)
Additional Official Reminders
Annual safety maintenance inspections are conducted in mid-March yearly, which may cause temporary suspension.
Partial weekend sunset night tours are available in July and August with extended opening hours until 21:00.
All mountain transport facilities will suspend operation immediately in bad weather including thunderstorms, heavy rain, fog, hail, and strong winds for safety reasons.
Pets are strictly forbidden in the entire scenic area, except officially certified service animals.
3 Four Recommended Mutianyu Travel Routes (By Physical Strength)
All routes require two mandatory basic tickets: Mutianyu Great Wall entrance ticket (40 CNY for adults) and round-trip scenic shuttle bus ticket (15 CNY, mandatory purchase). The shuttle bus service covers a 3-kilometer no-pedestrian zone between the parking lot and mountain stations. The scenic area implements real-name reservation, allowing 15-day advance booking; international tourists can reserve and check in with passports, one ticket per person daily.
Route 1: Easy Family & Senior-Friendly Route (2.5–3 Hours, Low Difficulty)
Take the mandatory shuttle bus from the visitor center to the north cable car station.
Ride the enclosed cable car one-way uphill to Tower 14.
Walk gently west along the wall; note that Tower 19 to Tower 20 is closed for renovation, with the maximum accessible point being Tower 18.
Return to Tower 14 and take the round-trip cable car downhill (round-trip ticket holders must return via the original route).
Pros: Flat and gentle terrain between Tower 14 and Tower 18, fully enclosed and comfortable cabins, suitable for elders and kids.
Cons: Cannot access the Hero Slope and Tower 19–20 closed area; only western wall sightseeing available.
Route 2: Classic Chairlift & Toboggan Fun Route (3 Hours, Moderate Difficulty)
Take the shuttle bus to the south chairlift station.
Ride the open chairlift uphill to Tower 6.
Explore the eastern wall including Zhengguan Platform and Tower 1–6, featuring less crowded photography spots.
Ride the iconic toboggan slide downhill back to the south base station.
Pros: Experience Mutianyu’s most famous toboggan ride with cost-effective combo tickets, ideal for young travelers and teenagers.
Cons: Open chairlift is not suitable for severe acrophobia; visitors aged 60 and above are banned from toboggan riding.
Route 3: Ultimate Cross-Section Full View Route (3.5–4 Hours, Most Popular for Foreign Travelers)
Take the shuttle bus to the north gate and ride the enclosed cable car uphill to Tower 14 (100 CNY one-way).
Walk eastward along the flat wall from Tower 14 to Tower 6 (40–60 minutes casual stroll). The current open section is Tower 1–18; check official updates for dynamic construction adjustments.
Purchase an independent one-way toboggan ticket at Tower 6 station.
Slide downhill via toboggan to the south scenic base.
Total Transport Cost: 200 CNY, covering core eastern and western open wall sections with both comfortable cable car sightseeing and exciting toboggan experience.
Insider Tip: The wall section from Tower 6 to Tower 14 is the flattest trail in Mutianyu with minimal steep steps. Unofficial altitude and length data online are for reference only.
Route 4: Budget Light Hiking Short Route (2 Hours)
Take the open chairlift uphill to Tower 6.
Sightsee only Tower 4–6 without long-distance cross-wall hiking.
Ride the toboggan slide downhill directly to finish the trip.
Perfect for travelers with tight Beijing one-day tour schedules.
4 Step-by-Step Riding Process
How to Ride the Enclosed Cable Car
Take the shuttle bus to the north base station and use the free public elevator to reach the boarding platform (wheelchair and stroller accessible). Enter only from the North Ticket Gate with cable car tickets.
Verify your passport or official QR code ticket for check-in.
Queue in order as instructed by staff; maximum 8 passengers per gondola cabin.
Place backpacks and personal items securely inside the cabin; do not hang items outside windows.
Do not walk around, lean out of windows, shout, or litter during operation.
Disembark at Tower 14 upper station and access the open Great Wall section (Tower 1–18 only).
How to Ride Chairlift & Toboggan Slide
Chairlift Uphill Procedure
Arrive at the south station and scan your official ticket QR code to queue. Enter only from the South Toboggan Ticket Gate.
Fasten small bags tightly and secure hats or scarves to prevent falling off in the wind.
Exit at Tower 6 upper platform, adjacent to the toboggan ticket office.
Toboggan Downhill Procedure
Purchase a separate toboggan ticket if you do not hold a combo pass.
Follow staff safety instructions strictly: keep feet inside the track, do not stand up, and adjust speed according to front traffic.
Queue single file; adults ride alone, and eligible children share a cart with adult guardians.
After finishing the slide, walk 3 minutes to the south shuttle bus stop to return to the main visitor center.
5 Official Safety Rules for All Foreign Visitors
General Cable Car & Chairlift Rules
Prohibited items: flammables, explosives, corrosive goods, controlled knives, lighters, and oversized heavy objects that may damage cabin facilities.
Do not knock cabin glass, lean out of windows, or throw any items outside during operation.
Barrier-free elevator service is available exclusively at the north cable car station for wheelchairs and strollers.
Intoxicated visitors, guests with mental disorders, severe acrophobia, hypertension, or heart diseases are not recommended to take mountain transport.
No pets are allowed in the scenic area except certified service animals.
Unified ticket policy applies to all mountain transport: only children under 1.2 meters enjoy free entry; no discounts for seniors or disabled travelers.
Mandatory Toboggan Safety Regulations
Never stand up, sit sideways, or release the brake handle completely during sliding.
Overtaking is strictly forbidden; slow down immediately when there is a cart ahead.
Secure hats, sunglasses, cameras, and loose accessories with lanyards before riding.
Visitors with back or leg injuries, hypertension, heart problems, pregnancy, and those aged 60 and above are banned from riding.
No eating, drinking, or smoking on the slide track or inside carts.
Emergency stop zones are set every 300 meters; pull the brake fully to seek staff assistance.
6 Top Travel Tips for Overseas Tourists
Peak Avoidance: Visit before 08:00 or after 14:00 on weekends to cut queue time by half; weekdays have the shortest waiting time.
Booking Advice: Book all tickets in advance via the official Mutianyu English website. On-site windows accept cash and international credit cards, while mobile payment offers faster processing. The scenic area supports 15-day advance real-name reservation with passports for foreign visitors.
Entrance Reminder: Cable car tickets correspond to the North Ticket Gate; chairlift and toboggan tickets correspond to the South Ticket Gate. Please enter via the correct gate according to your ticket type.
Packing Suggestion: Use a lightweight crossbody bag instead of large backpacks for toboggan convenience. Strong mountain winds prevail year-round, so prepare windproof jackets, hats, and sunglasses.
Child Travel Tip: Children under 1.5 meters must ride the toboggan with an adult guardian; attach lanyards to phones and cameras to avoid loss.
On-Site Facilities: Small rest kiosks at Tower 6 and Tower 14 provide water, snacks, and hot drinks for mid-hike refreshment.
Photography Guide: The best shooting time is 07:30 to 09:00 with soft golden sunlight and no harsh shadows for panoramic Great Wall photos.
Ticket Refund Policy: Unused and unchecked reservation tickets can be refunded or rescheduled before 24:00 on the visiting day; refunds will be processed within 7 working days.
Data Reminder: All precise altitude and mileage data online are unofficial estimates, please refer cautiously for travel planning.
7 Frequently Asked Questions for Overseas Travelers
Q1: Can I use a round-trip cable car ticket for the toboggan slide?
A: No. The cable car and toboggan systems are operated by independent companies with non-transferable tickets. You need to purchase a separate one-way toboggan ticket if you wish to slide downhill after taking the cable car up.
Q2: Is the toboggan slide safe for young children?
A: Children aged 10 or above or taller than 1.5 meters can ride alone. Younger or shorter children must share a cart with an adult. Visitors aged 60 and over are strictly prohibited from riding.
Q3: Is the shuttle bus ticket mandatory?
A: Yes for all visitors. The 3-kilometer connecting section between the parking lot and mountain stations has no pedestrian access. The round-trip shuttle bus fare is 15 CNY per person with uniform height-based free ticket rules.
Q4: Are there wheelchair-accessible facilities?
A: The north enclosed cable car station is equipped with a public barrier-free elevator for standard wheelchairs and foldable strollers. The south open chairlift station has no elevator access.
Q5: Can I get a refund if mountain facilities close due to bad weather?
A: Full refunds are available for all unused transport tickets on-site. You may still hike the open Tower 1–18 section on foot if weather conditions permit.
Q6: How long does it take to walk from Tower 14 to Tower 6?
A: 40 to 60 minutes at a casual sightseeing pace. This section features gentle slopes and far fewer steep stairs than other Great Wall segments.
Q7: Are official combo tickets available?
A: Official bundled packages including entrance, shuttle bus, and mountain transport are available on the English booking website, saving 10–20 CNY compared to separate purchases.
Q8: Can I visit Hero Slope and Tower 20 now?
A: No. Since April 7, 2026, the upper Hero Slope area of Tower 19 to Tower 20 has been temporarily closed for renovation. The current open sightseeing range is Tower 1 to Tower 18. Check official platforms for the latest reopening news.
Q9: What are the official peak and off-season dates?
A: Peak Season: March 16 – November 15; Off Season: November 16 – March 15 (next year). All mountain transport hours follow this official schedule.
Q10: Do I need to enter from specific gates for different tickets?
A: Yes. Cable car ticket holders enter via the North Gate; chairlift and toboggan ticket holders enter via the South Toboggan Gate.
Q11: Can foreign visitors check in with passports?
A: Yes. Visitors with passport reservations can enter directly with the original passport without paper ticket exchange.
Travel Advice
Choose your Mutianyu mountain transport mode based on your travel group and physical condition. The enclosed cable car round trip is ideal for seniors, kids, and relaxed panoramic sightseeing with stable and comfortable cabin experience. The chairlift and toboggan combo is perfect for young travelers seeking fun mountain adventures and eastern wall scenery. For the most comprehensive Mutianyu experience mixing comfort and excitement, the classic cable-car-up and toboggan-down cross-wall route is highly recommended by international independent travelers.
Always note the temporary renovation closure of Tower 19–20 and confirm the latest open wall range via official channels before departure. Strictly follow the scenic area’s official ticket policies, age and height restrictions, and safety regulations to ensure a smooth and pleasant Mutianyu Great Wall tour.
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