Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall Entry Tickets, Cable Car & Toboggan review
What this is and isn’t
This is a ticket booking service, not a tour with a bus or a guide. You arrange your own transport to Mutianyu (taxi, private car, friend, etc.) and arrive at the gate. The operator books your entry ticket and chairlift/toboggan slots ahead of time, so you don’t queue at the gate. The e-ticket arrives via WhatsApp the day before — it’s a document you show on your phone at the entrance. Your GetYourGuide QR code is not the entrance ticket; don’t rely on it. The chairlift runs up to the wall in about 15 minutes, dangling you over the forest. The toboggan runs down in about five minutes, a luge-like slide carved into the hillside. It’s exhilarating. Rainy days shut the toboggan (switchover to chairlift down instead). The operator applies a 60-year-old age limit to the toboggan for liability; this was flagged late (the night before) by a 59-year-old reviewer.
What works
- $50 is reasonable for entry + chairlift up + toboggan down
- 4.9 rating on 241 reviews — well-liked by DIY travellers
- Booking ahead means no queue at the gate
- Chairlift and toboggan are included (no rental costs)
- You set your own pace at the wall
- Best for visitors with a car or confident about independent transport
Worth knowing
- You must arrange your own transport to the gate (taxi, private car, etc.)
- E-ticket via WhatsApp is convenient but not physical
- Your GetYourGuide QR code is NOT the entrance ticket (confusion risk)
- Toboggan closes on rainy days; no alternative included
- Age limit of 60 for the toboggan is a surprise to some — check in advance
- Passport name and number required at booking
Confirm your transport to the gate before you book this. A taxi from central Beijing costs ¥200–400. Make sure someone in your group speaks English or Mandarin at the gate, just in case the WhatsApp e-ticket doesn’t display clearly on your phone. Bring a portable phone charger. If the toboggan closes on your day (rain), the chairlift down is included, but it’s slow (20 minutes). If you’re 60 or older and the toboggan matters to you, confirm with GetYourGuide before booking.
Who it’s for
Visitors with a car, private driver, or confident taxi negotiators. Solo travellers who don’t want group tours. Anyone who wants maximum freedom at the wall with minimum stress at the gate. If you don’t want to arrange your own transport, book the bus tour. If you want a guide and a structured day, the private car option includes a driver or guide and hotel pickup.
Other tours to consider
Best SellerBeijing: Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tours with Options
PrivateMutianyu Great Wall Private Tour with English-Speaking Driver
With LunchBeijing: Mutianyu Great Wall Daily Tour with Ticket & Lunch
Frequently asked questions
Is $50 just for the entry ticket, or does it include something else?
It includes entry, chairlift up, and toboggan down. That’s three separate things at the gate, bundled. The entry alone would cost ¥40 at the gate; the cable car and toboggan are extras.
How do I get the e-ticket?
WhatsApp arrives the day before your visit with a document. Screenshot it or show it on your phone at the gate. Don’t rely on your GetYourGuide QR code alone.
What if it rains and the toboggan closes?
Toboggan shuts on rainy days for safety. You get the chairlift down instead (no extra charge, but it’s slower). Bad luck, but that’s the risk of an outdoor luge.
I’m 63. Can I still use this?
Yes, but not the toboggan. You can ride the chairlift up and down instead. If the toboggan is your main draw, confirm with GetYourGuide before booking that you’re comfortable with the chairlift-only option.