The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall offers a variety of ways to explore this iconic historical site, whether you’re looking for an adventure or a more relaxed experience. Visitors can choose from hiking, cable cars, gondolas, or toboggans to ascend and descend the wall, making it accessible for people of all ages and fitness levels. To help you plan the best visit, here’s a detailed guide on the different transportation options at Mutianyu, including the pros and cons of each, so you can select the one that fits your preferences and needs.
Over of The Three Main Ways
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall features a number of watchtowers open to visitors, ranging from No. 1 to No. 20. There are three main ways to reach these towers: walking, cable car, or gondola. The walking trails are divided into north and south routes, with the south route reaching towers 6 and 8, and the north route reaching tower 10. The cable car’s starting and ending point is near the No. 14 watchtower, while the gondola ends at the No. 6 watchtower, where the toboggan also begins.
Each of these transportation methods can be paired with various options for descending the Wall, so you can choose the combination that best suits your needs. Whether you prefer to hike or take a more comfortable option, you can combine ascending and descending methods in multiple ways. Below are some suggested combinations for your visit.
1. Most Budget-Friendly: Hiking Up and Hiking Down
This is the most affordable option, perfect for young travelers or those seeking a more physically challenging experience. The advantage of hiking both up and down is that it costs nothing, but be prepared for a workout — it’s quite a strenuous walk, especially during peak seasons when the Wall can become crowded. The path can get so packed that it feels like sardines in a can. This option is best suited for those in good physical condition and those who are up for a bit of an adventure. If you’re not accustomed to hiking, be cautious when choosing this option.
2. Most Comfortable: Cable Car Up and Cable Car Down
This is the best choice for families with young children or elderly members, offering the least physical exertion. You can take the cable car up to the vicinity of the No. 14 watchtower and then walk to the No. 20 watchtower. From there, you return to the cable car and ride it back down. This option focuses on enjoying the natural beauty of the Wall’s western section while reaching its highest point. The enclosed cable car cabins offer a 360-degree view of the Wall, making the ride an experience in itself. The main downside is that this option requires purchasing separate tickets for the cable car. It’s the best option for those who prefer a more relaxed visit, with minimal physical strain and great views.
3. Most Fun: Gondola Up and Toboggan Down
This combination is perfect for students, families, or anyone looking for a bit of excitement. You’ll take the gondola up to the No. 6 watchtower, from where you can continue east along the Wall toward the No. 1 watchtower, visiting iconic spots like the “Zhengtai Pass.” After exploring, you return to the No. 6 watchtower and descend via the toboggan. The ride down gives you the feeling of flying while allowing you to control your speed as you race down the hill. It’s a fun way to experience both the Great Wall’s views and a thrilling ride. The downside is that you need to purchase separate tickets for both the gondola and the toboggan, so it will be a bit more expensive.
4. Most Exciting: Cable Car Up and Toboggan Down
For those seeking a balance between comfort and thrill, this is the best option. The cable car provides a relaxing and scenic ride up to the No. 14 watchtower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Wall. Then, you can descend via the toboggan, which offers a thrilling descent all the way down to the No. 6 watchtower, skipping the return walk. This combination provides both a quiet, scenic ride up and an exciting descent. However, this is the most expensive option, as it requires separate tickets for the cable car and toboggan. Additionally, the descent from No. 14 to No. 6 is mostly downhill, which can be hard on the knees, so make sure this option is suitable for your physical condition before choosing it.
Summary of the Pros and Cons
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking (Up and Down) | Free, good physical challenge, great for hiking and exercise enthusiasts | Can be tiring, crowded during peak seasons |
| Cable Car (Up and Down) | Comfortable, minimal physical exertion, great for families, spectacular views | Requires separate ticket purchases, may not be adventurous or challenging enough |
| Gondola and Toboggan (Up and Down or Combination) | Fun and exciting, thrilling ride, scenic and adventurous elements | Requires two separate tickets, more expensive than other options |
| Cable Car and Toboggan (Up and Down) | Combines relaxing cable car with thrilling toboggan descent, great views, no need to walk back | Most expensive option, challenging for those with knee issues due to downhill descent |