Mutianyu (Great Wall) internal shuttle bus

Question

Hi all,

need your advice. I've read that to visit Mutianyu Great wall, there's a internal shuttle bus that will bring you to the designated Mutianyu scenic location entrance. I'll be getting a private driver to send me to Mutianyu from Beijing City and my questions are as follows:-

i) Is the private car not allowed to send me to the cable car station?

ii) If I need to take the shuttle bus, where can I buy the tickets? Can I buy when I reach there?

iii) What is the frequency if the shuttle bus? Where can I find the timetable/schedule of the shuttle bus?

iv) What is the official website to purchase the mutianyu tickets with the cable car? I am unable to find it.

Thanks so much for your help!

Answer

Visiting the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is a popular choice because it is well-maintained and offers cable cars and shuttle buses for easier access. Here’s detailed guidance for your questions:

i) Private car access to the cable car station:

Private cars are allowed to drive to the Mutianyu parking lot, but they are not allowed to go directly to the cable car or entrance area. Visitors must take the internal shuttle bus from the parking lot to the base of the cable car or chairlift.
The shuttle ensures organized traffic flow and limits congestion near the scenic entrance.

ii) Buying shuttle bus tickets:

Shuttle bus tickets are typically purchased at the parking lot or ticket office
The cost is separate from the Great Wall admission ticket and the cable car or chairlift ticket.

iii) Shuttle bus frequency and schedule:

The shuttle buses run frequently, approximately every 10–15 minutes during peak hours.
Operational hours are generally from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, but it may vary slightly by season. You can confirm timing on-site.
There is no official online timetable, as buses operate continuously based on visitor demand.

iv) Official ticket purchase website for Mutianyu and cable car:

The official ticketing site is operated by the Mutianyu Great Wall Scenic Area. You can purchase admission and cable car tickets in advance online. Search for “Mutianyu Great Wall official ticket website” to access the English-language booking page.
Tickets can also be purchased at the entrance upon arrival, but during busy periods, online booking ensures availability and may reduce waiting time.

Additional tips:

If you are using a private driver, plan to arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends or public holidays.
Wear comfortable shoes as the wall has steep sections, and the cable car or chairlift is highly recommended for ascending and descending.

Overall, the internal shuttle bus is straightforward, tickets are easy to buy on arrival, and advanced online booking of cable car tickets can help streamline your visit.

Mutianyu (Great Wall) internal shuttle bus

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