When you think of the Great Wall of China, you probably envision ancient history, grand architecture, and miles of awe-inspiring fortification stretching as far as the eye can see. But what if I told you that this legendary landmark also offers a thrill ride unlike any other? No, this isn’t a scene out of Disneyland, and it’s certainly not a two-bit amusement park in the Midwest. This is the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, where you can zip down a stainless steel toboggan slide attached to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Yes, you heard that right—a carnival ride on this mythical, magical, majestic monstrosity.
The Unexpected Attraction
Just a two-hour drive outside Beijing, we heard about an attraction too good to pass up. Naturally, we made a beeline for it. The Great Wall of China was already on our bucket list, as it is for many travelers. You can’t visit China and not see what is truly one of the most remarkable sites on the entire planet. Seeing the Great Wall in person is a breathtaking experience, showcasing one of the most impressive feats of engineering in history. This fortification, dating back nearly 3,000 years, once stretched an astounding 13,000 miles. It’s no wonder it’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Most tourists flock to the Badaling section, closer to Beijing, known for its well-preserved walls and stunning scenery. However, we chose a different route: the Mutianyu section. Why? Because it offers the most unique way to see the Wall—via a toboggan ride.
Getting up the Great Wall
Our journey began with a long uphill walk to the mountaintop village that welcomes you to this iconic site. After a quick stop at the box office for a ticket costing about $15, which includes access to the gondola ride, the Wall, and the toboggan slide, we were ready to start our adventure. In no time, we found ourselves plopping down on a chairlift, enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the landscape below. From above, you catch a glimpse of the snaking alpine coaster you’ll soon be riding. It’s still hard to believe they put something like this here, of all places.
If you’re scared of heights, the chairlift might not be the best mode of transportation for you. We’re quite a ways up here. But once you see the Great Wall come into view, high atop the mountain ridge, it’s worth every jittery moment. By the time you reach the end of the ride, you’re ready to experience one of the wonders of the world.
The Great Wall Experience
Walking along the Great Wall, you can’t help but marvel at its sheer scale and the history embedded in its stones. Built by more than a million people over hundreds of years, the Wall is a testament to human perseverance. Soldiers, civilians, and convicts all contributed to its construction, using glutinous rice flour to adhere the stones together. Yes, sticky rice soup is what’s holding this massive structure together. It’s mind-boggling.
The Wall stands more than 20 feet high on average, with steep, crumbling steps that are difficult to navigate even for the most agile. Sadly, a third of the Wall has disappeared over time, with miles of it vandalized and destroyed in the 60s and 70s. Conservation efforts only began seriously in 2006. Despite this, the Great Wall remains a symbol of strength and resilience—a destination not to be missed.
The Toboggan Ride down the Great Wall
Okay, so you get it—the place is cool. Now it’s time to get down from here, and we chose the coolest way to do that: flying down on a toboggan. We came up on a slow-moving gondola, but we’re headed down on a fast-moving coaster. Here we go!
Reaching speeds of 12 miles per hour, we whizzed alongside the Great Wall like the other adventure lovers before us. These small sleds make you feel like a kid at one of the oldest attractions in the world. Rumor has it, celebrities like Michelle Obama and Peyton Manning have also descended the Great Wall on this slide. With your hand on the joystick, you control your speed and brakes, twisting and turning the whole way down. The only downside? Your speed depends on the person in front of you. If they’re slow, you have to be slow too. Keep this in mind as you speed toward the bottom. Some of your fellow sledders may not have the same sense of adventure you do.
Conclusion
Once at the end, you can gloat in the knowledge that you’ve conquered the quirkiest attraction on the entire Great Wall of China—a slide befitting a small mountain amusement park, plunked alongside one of the most impressive structures on planet Earth. Any trip to the Great Wall of China is memorable, but this unique experience added an unforgettable twist to our visit.
As we began our trek back to Beijing, we knew we had just spent a day we would never forget. If you’re looking for a blend of ancient history and modern thrill, the Great Wall toboggan ride at Mutianyu is an adventure not to be missed.
