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Payments - Cash, Bank cards, App

Hi,

I have downloaded Wechat app and add the credit card for payment.

Just want to double check, ticket and entrance for Temple of Heaven, Mutaniyu Wall, bus to the open chair lift and Toboggan ride down, what do they accept as payments?

If app and bank cards, then no need to withdraw much cash when arriving.

Thanks in advance

In Beijing, payment methods for tourist attractions and transport have become increasingly modern, but there are still some nuances to be aware of. Using apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay is very common, but acceptance can vary depending on whether your account is linked to a Chinese bank card or a foreign credit card.

For the specific attractions you mentioned:

  • Temple of Heaven: Entrance tickets can usually be purchased at the ticket office with cash (CNY) or via QR code payments through WeChat or Alipay. If you only linked an international credit card to WeChat, some terminals may not accept it, so having a small amount of cash is advisable.
  • Mutianyu Great Wall (Chair Lift & Toboggan): The ticket office for the Wall itself and the chair lift typically accepts cash and WeChat/Alipay. Some operators at the Wall may not recognize foreign-linked accounts, so cash (about 200–300 CNY for tickets and chair lift round trip) is recommended. Toboggan rides generally accept cash or domestic app payments.
  • Buses or shuttle to chair lift: If you take the official shuttle or public bus, these usually only accept cash (CNY). App payments may work if the operator supports it, but it is not guaranteed.

Practical advice:

  • Bring some cash (CNY) for smaller vendors and transport where app payments might not work.
  • Linking a Chinese bank card to WeChat or Alipay gives seamless payment, while foreign credit cards may be accepted in only some locations.
  • At major attractions like Temple of Heaven or Mutianyu, there are often self-service QR code ticket machines that may accept WeChat/Alipay even with foreign cards, but reliability is not 100%.

Overall, having a mix of WeChat/Alipay and some cash is the safest approach. You likely won’t need to withdraw large amounts, but 200–400 CNY per person for minor expenses, transportation, and unexpected cash-only situations is practical.

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The attractions mentioned in this question

Mutianyu Great Wall
Beijing
Great Wall
Temple of Heaven

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