Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall Private Tour with Lift & Toboggan

Summary

Mutianyu Great Wall day trip from Beijing with lift and toboggan

You’ll ride up Mutianyu Great Wall by cable car or chairlift, walk peaceful ramparts with your local guide sharing stories along the way, then zip down by toboggan if weather allows. Hotel pickup and entry fees are included—expect laughs, history, and views you’ll remember long after leaving Beijing.

What’s the experience like?

I’d always pictured the Great Wall as this distant, almost unreal thing—so when our guide, Li, met us right in our Beijing hotel lobby (smiling, holding a little sign), I felt that weird mix of nerves and excitement. The drive out to Mutianyu took about 90 minutes, but it didn’t drag. Li pointed out little villages and explained how this section was less crowded than Badaling. The air changed as we left the city—sort of piney, cool even though it was late morning. That surprised me.

We got to the base and there was this choice: cable car or chairlift up. We went for the cable car because I wanted to see everything stretch out below us—my hands were a bit sweaty on the glass (heights aren’t really my thing), but wow. At the top, you step right onto these stones that have seen centuries of footsteps. It’s quieter than I expected; just wind and some far-off laughter from other families. Li showed us where old watchtowers stood guard over Beijing—he told a story about soldiers using smoke signals here, which made me imagine what it must’ve sounded like at night back then.

The best part? You can take a toboggan down if it’s dry—a metal slide twisting through trees. I laughed so hard trying to steer; Li laughed too when I nearly spun out at a curve (don’t worry, it’s safe). If it rains they switch you back to the cable car for safety, but we lucked out with dry weather so I got that rush all the way down. There’s something about going from ancient stone to zipping through forest on a sled that just sticks with you—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Mutianyu Great Wall and return

• Picked up from hotel lobby
• Drive to Mutianyu Great Wall
• Take cable car up to Great Wall
• Stroll and enjoy Great Wall views
• Descend by cable car or toboggan
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

How far is Mutianyu Great Wall from Beijing?

It’s about 75 km northeast of central Beijing; driving takes around 90 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, your guide will pick you up directly from your hotel in Beijing.

Can I choose between cable car and chairlift at Mutianyu?

Yes, you can choose either option for going up; both are included.

What happens if it rains on the day of my tour?

If it rains, the toboggan will be closed for safety and you’ll take the cable car down instead.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and infants can ride in prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available.

Does this Mutianyu Great Wall tour include entrance fees?

Yes, all entrance fees are covered in your booking.

How long does the whole trip take?

The private guided tour lasts about 5 hours including travel time from Beijing.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Beijing, entry tickets for Mutianyu Great Wall, bottled water for the journey, plus round-trip tickets for either the cable car or chairlift—and if weather allows, a fun toboggan ride down before heading back into town with your private guide.