Mutianyu Great Wall Beijing: Cable Car & Ropeway Ticket

The cable car climbs through forest to the Great Wall's quietest, best-kept stretch

You ride the cable car up through forest to the quietest, best-preserved section of the Great Wall near Beijing, walk the restored stone pathways and watchtowers at your own pace, and return by bus to central Beijing. The ticket includes round-trip transport from Dongzhimen metro station, admission, and cable car access: no separate fees or entry lines. Plan for a half-day or full day depending on how far you want to walk the wall.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Mutianyu Great Wall

• Ride cable car or ropeway up
• Walk along restored Great Wall
• Explore historic watchtowers
• Learn about UNESCO World Heritage
• Take panoramic photos
• Enjoy natural mountain scenery

The experience

The bus pulls up to Dongzhimen metro station at 7:50am, and you're already talking to the driver about which section of the Great Wall gets the real crowds. He's been running this route for three years: tells you straight that Mutianyu is where locals send their families because you can actually walk without shoulder-to-shoulder tourists. The cable car takes about ten minutes to climb, and the view shifts as you rise: the wall snakes across the ridge ahead, stone towers catching the light, forest rolling down the slopes on both sides. It's the kind of detail that doesn't make it into the marketing photos but stays with you.

Once you're at the top, the restored sections of the Great Wall at Mutianyu are genuinely well-kept. The stone pathways are solid, the watchtowers have railings, and you can move at whatever pace makes sense. The ticket includes round-trip cable car access, so you're not fighting a time limit or a crowd pushing you through. Some people spend two hours walking the wall, some spend four. The panoramic views from the higher towers stretch across the mountains, and on clear days you can see the wall disappearing into the haze toward other sections. Bring water and decent shoes. The stone gets uneven in places, and the elevation is real but not punishing.

The return bus leaves from the same pickup point and drops you at the National Art Museum of China subway station, which puts you back in central Beijing by early afternoon. The whole day (pickup, cable car, admission, the walk itself, and the return) is included in the ticket price. No separate fees, no negotiating with guides at the gate. The skip-the-line access means you don't lose an hour in the entry queue, which matters on weekends when other sections of the Great Wall get backed up. Opening hours run 7:30am to 6pm most of the year, with the cable car operating until 5:30pm in winter, so you've got a real window to move at your own speed.

What’s included

• Round-trip bus transfer from Dongzhimen metro station Exit C to Mutianyu Great Wall.
• admission ticket to Mutianyu Great Wall.
• round-trip cable car access to the top of the wall.
• skip-the-line entry.
• return drop-off at National Art Museum of China subway station.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesUp to age 80

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by FawSha Travels

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the Great Wall without spending half the day in entry lines or fighting crowds: the cable car and skip-the-line access get you walking within an hour of pickup, and the quieter section means you can actually explore at your own pace.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What time does the pickup happen?

The bus departs from Dongzhimen metro station Exit C at 7:50am. You should arrive a few minutes early.

Is the cable car included in the ticket price?

Yes. Round-trip cable car access is included with admission. You can also take a ropeway if you prefer, both are covered.

How long does the cable car ride take?

About ten minutes to reach the top of the wall.

What's the difference between Mutianyu and other sections of the Great Wall near Beijing?

Mutianyu has fewer crowds than sections like Badaling, better preservation, and more forest scenery. It's quieter and easier to walk at your own pace.

When does the last bus return to Beijing?

The return bus departs after visitors have had time on the wall. Confirm the exact time with your guide when you arrive, as it varies by season.

What are the opening hours?

March 16 to November 15: 7:30am–6pm (cable car until 6pm on weekends, 6pm weekdays). November 16 to March 15: 7:30am–5:30pm daily. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.

Can I walk the entire Great Wall at Mutianyu?

No. The restored section you can walk is several kilometers long. Most visitors spend 2–4 hours exploring, depending on fitness and interest. You set your own pace.

Is this suitable for families with young children?

Yes. The cable car is safe for all ages, and infants can sit on an adult's lap. The restored pathways are solid, though some sections have steps and uneven stone.