Bringing the whole family to the Great Wall is completely possible, but the choice of section and route matters greatly. Visiting the Great Wall with kids and elderly relatives requires a different plan than a solo hike: you want cable cars, gentle gradients, shorter loops, and a clear exit strategy if energy runs low. Fortunately, both Badaling and Mutianyu are family-friendly, with complete facilities enabling easy access to viewpoints for seniors and kids.
- Best section for families: Mutianyu for scenery and the toboggan slide; Badaling for the most convenient transportation
- Key tip: Cable cars at both sites help seniors and young kids reach viewpoints without steep climbs
- Stroller reminder: Strollers are not feasible on steep, uneven Great Wall steps. Use a baby carrier or hip seat for children under 3
- Badaling recommended route: South line via ground cable car to South Tower 4, then flat walking to South Tower 7
- Mutianyu recommended route: West cable car up to Tower 14, ridge walk eastward, toboggan slide down from Tower 6
Badaling: The Most Accessible Option
Choose Badaling if transportation convenience is your top priority. It is the only Great Wall section with direct high-speed rail from central Beijing, saving time on shuttle buses, long transfers and tiring journeys before sightseeing.
Getting There
High-speed trains from Beijing North Railway Station or Qinghe Railway Station reach Badaling Great Wall Station in 20–40 minutes, with frequent daily departures.Please prepare extra time for escalator transfers when traveling with seniors and infants.
Tickets for the train are in high demand during public holidays and are sold out days in advance. Book as early as possible, ideally one week ahead during Golden Week or Spring Festival.
Strollers can be stored in the luggage storage area near the ticket gate, as they cannot be used on the wall.
The South Route: Flat and Family-Friendly
The south route is ideal for visitors with seniors or children under 10, featuring shorter distances, gentle slopes and fewer crowds.
Take the ground cable car (Huache) to South Tower 4, home to the Hero Stone for photos. Walk leisurely to South Tower 7 along wide, flat ridges with open views. Return via the same cable car.Total visiting time: 1.5–2 hours, with a relaxed pace.
The North Route with Cable Car Assistance
The north route features iconic steep ridges and panoramic views.
Take the aerial cable car (Suodao) to North Tower 7, then walk to North Tower 8 — the highest point known as Hero Slope.This section is steep; seniors and young kids may stop at a comfortable spot for photos before returning.
Practical Notes for Badaling
Carry valid ID for all group members; ID checks are required for ticket checking and cable car boarding. Children under 1.2m ride cable cars free of charge.
Pack windproof outerwear. The Great Wall sits at a high altitude with noticeably lower temperatures. Bring water and snacks in advance, as on-site prices are overpriced.
Luggage storage near the ticket gate is available for bulky bags; traveling light eases walking.
Refuse unofficial fast-track and free-ticket scalpers at the entrance to avoid fraud.
Mutianyu: Better Scenery, Plus the Toboggan Slide
Mutianyu is highly recommended for families with moderate physical strength. It boasts milder slopes, fewer crowds and richer landscapes. The eastern toboggan slide is a favorite attraction for children.
Getting There
Take direct tourist coaches via the Baosida mini-program or Beijing Tourism Departure Centre for hassle-free transfers.For self-driving visitors, park at Mutianyu P4 Car Park (¥20 daily fee), then take the mandatory scenic shuttle bus (20–30 minutes) to the cable car area.
Cable Cars, Gondolas, and the Toboggan Slide
Mutianyu has two independent lift systems with non-interchangeable tickets; please check signs before queuing.
1. West Enclosed Cable Car: One-way: ¥100 | Round-trip: ¥140
Fully enclosed, stable and suitable for seniors and kids under 5. It arrives at Tower 14 with unique brick graffiti walls.
2. East Open Chairlift:One-way: ¥100 | Round-trip: ¥140
Open-air design, not suitable for acrophobic visitors, toddlers or elderly travelers.
3. Toboggan Slide (1,580m): One-way: ¥100
Strict restrictions: Visitors over 60 and children under 3 are not allowed. Kids aged 3–12 must ride with an adult. Children under 1.2m ride free with a paying guardian.
Family classic route: West cable car up to Tower 14 → easy ridge walk to Tower 6 (45 mins) → toboggan slide down.
Total duration: 2.5–3 hours | Adult combined cost: ¥200
What to See Along the Ridge
Tower 20 (好汉坡, the highest point on the western section) has the “not a real man until you’ve climbed the Great Wall” stone inscription and a viewing platform worth reaching if the group has the energy. Tower 15 is the filming location for the movie 非诚勿扰2 [Fēi Chéng Wù Rǎo 2] (If You Are the One 2) and has a particularly cinematic view across the ridgeline. Tower 14 has the graffiti wall mentioned above.
Practical Notes for Mutianyu
Arrive before 9:00 a.m. to skip long cable car queues and crowded photo spots.
Wear non-slip, sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes. High heels and thin flat sandals are prohibited for safety.
Replace strollers with baby carriers for infants; uneven steps make stroller use unsafe.
Use child safety wrist straps for active kids, as low parapets pose falling risks on outer ridges.
Planning where to eat after your visit? See our restaurant guides for eating near Badaling Great Wall and eating near Mutianyu Great Wall. For a full comparison of Beijing’s major sections and which suits your group best, see where to visit the Great Wall of China.
FAQ
Easiest Great Wall Section for Seniors?
Badaling South Route with ground cable cars is the gentlest option. Mutianyu’s west enclosed cable car route offers better scenery. Both sites have complete English signage and accessible facilities. High-speed rail to Badaling minimizes long-distance travel fatigue.
Can Young Kids Visit?
Yes. Strollers are unavailable on the wall; use baby carriers for toddlers under 3. Kids aged 5+ can walk flat sections independently. Mutianyu’s toboggan is popular for older children with age limits.
Family Visiting Duration?
A relaxed half-day visit with cable cars takes 3–4 hours. Add 30–60 minutes for the Mutianyu toboggan. A full day round trip from downtown Beijing takes 7–9 hours.
Toboggan Safety for Kids?
Safe when following official rules. Riders control manual brakes, and staff strictly enforce age and height restrictions.
Packing List for Family Trips?
Windproof clothing, sufficient water and snacks, valid ID documents, non-slip shoes, baby carriers (for infants), and small first-aid supplies such as band-aids.
Have questions about visiting? Email hello@jollyeast.com and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
