The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is one of Beijing’s most scenic and less crowded spots, making it a popular choice for tourists. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit, it’s helpful to know a few tips about transportation, ticketing, and activities. Whether you’re visiting on a weekend or during a holiday, planning ahead will help you save time and avoid unnecessary hassles.
1. Traveling to Mutianyu by Bus: There are plenty of tourist buses available from the city center to Mutianyu. However, only the buses from the Beijing Tourist Distribution Center can drive directly into the scenic area, so you won’t need to transfer to a shuttle bus. Other buses will only take you to the entrance, where you’ll need to walk 500 meters to the shuttle bus station before continuing to the Great Wall.
2. Holiday Bus Alternatives: During peak holiday periods, if there aren’t enough tourist buses, public buses may be deployed as replacements. However, be prepared for a less comfortable ride as you might end up on a crowded public bus instead of a dedicated tourist vehicle.
3. Pay Attention to Return Bus Timings: If you buy a round-trip bus ticket, make sure you check the last return bus time. The buses operate on a schedule, and you don’t want to miss the last bus back to the city after a day of sightseeing.
4. Consider Taxi for Groups of 3 or More: If you’re traveling with three or more people, taking a taxi can save you time and hassle. It’s more flexible, and you don’t have to worry about transferring from your hotel to the bus station. You can go directly to Mutianyu and avoid waiting in lines. A round-trip taxi from Xidan costs around 370 RMB, and you can expect to arrive by 8:30 AM without any queues if you set off at 7:00 AM.
5. Cable Car and Toboggan Ticketing: The cable car and toboggan are operated by two different companies. If you want to combine both for a round-trip ticket, be aware that you will need to purchase them separately, which will cost you an additional 60 RMB compared to buying a single-ride return ticket.
6. Weather Considerations for Toboggan: The toboggan ride may close if it rains. In fact, even if it’s sunny when you visit, rain the day before can delay the opening time. When I visited, I found the toboggan was delayed by two hours because of water that had accumulated from the previous day’s rain. It’s best to check the opening status with the park beforehand.
7. Avoid Long Lines at Peak Hours: During busy times, the toboggan can have long wait times. If you want to avoid wasting time in line, aim to get there before 9 AM. Otherwise, the cable car is a better option if you don’t want to queue for too long.