Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. This Beijing one-day tour provides two flexible travel choices to match your preferences, both including hotel pick-up and drop-off for extra convenience. Option 1 is the Boutique-Style Small Group Tour, which caps the group size at 8 people. This ensures a more intimate, comfortable experience with no overcrowding—ideal for travelers who like sharing their journey with a small group while still receiving attentive service. Option 2 is the Private Tour, which shines with exclusive, customized experiences. You’ll have a dedicated private guide focusing solely on your group, offering detailed explanations, adjusting the pace to fit your interests, and answering all your questions. Reserved exclusively for your party—no sharing with other travelers—letting you relax fully between attractions. Whichever option you pick, you’ll explore two of Beijing’s most iconic scenic spots in one day, helping you make the most of your time to absorb the city’s historical and cultural charm.

   Passes by

2. Meet your private guide in the hotel lobby at a time that suits you best. Step into a clean, air-conditioned vehicle. Settle into your comfortable seat and as you set off, soak in the passing scenery while your knowledgeable tour guide regales you with captivating historical tales and fascinating stories. Upon arriving at the magnificent Mutianyu Great Wall, you will be greeted with a serene and laid-back atmosphere. This section of the Great Wall offers the perfect opportunity to stand in awe of this architectural wonder and the breathtakingly beautiful surrounding hillsides. You have the option to ascend to the Wall via cable car or ski lift, and then embark on a memorable hike along its various sections, exploring the ancient watchtowers and beacon towers.

   2 hAdmission included

3. Your tour guide will not only provide in-depth historical information but also allow you sufficient time to explore at your own pace, discovering the hidden nooks and crannies of this historical site. After the exhilarating hike, you can choose an exciting way to descend. Opt for the thrilling toboggan ride down the slope, or take the ski lift or cable car back to ground level. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is renowned for being less crowded compared to the bustling Badaling section, offering a more secluded and rugged experience. With over 96% of the area covered by lush trees and fragrant orchards, the air is filled with the sweet aroma of chestnut blossoms in spring, and the environment remains refreshingly clean and fresh throughout the year. Following your visit to the Great Wall, it's time to savor a delicious lunch.

   20 minAdmission included

4. In the afternoon, make your way to the Summer Palace, a stunning and impeccably preserved royal garden. This magnificent site is renowned for its captivating landscape, where tranquil lakes, winding canals, and meticulously maintained gardens come together in perfect harmony. The awe-inspiring architecture of the Summer Palace exemplifies the pinnacle of traditional Chinese design, earning it a well-deserved place on the World Heritage List. It stands as a shining example of the world's most esteemed and timeless gardens, a true testament to the artistry and grandeur of eras long past.

   1 hAdmission included

5. Upon your arrival, enter through the East Gate under the guidance of your tour guide. As you step inside, prepare to be captivated by the intricate stories and grandeur of this imperial garden. Begin your journey by visiting the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, a site where significant political events of the Qing Dynasty unfolded. Your guide will regale you with tales of emperors and empresses who once made crucial decisions within these very walls, shedding light on the center of power that this space once represented.

   20 minAdmission included

6. Continue to Hall of Happiness and Longevity, a place of unparalleled luxury and comfort for the royal family, stands as a testament to the opulent lifestyle of the Qing Dynasty. The guide will vividly detail the daily life of the Empress Dowager Cixi, who made this hall her residence. Cixi's mornings here were steeped in luxury. Attended by a bevy of maids, she was dressed in sumptuous silk robes, adorned with dragon and phoenix embroidery. Her jewelry selection was equally lavish, featuring rare gems. Meals were a grand affair, with dozens of gourmet dishes, like shark fin soup and Peking duck, served on fine porcelain and silverware. This was the world of Empress Dowager Cixi here, a world where luxury and comfort were not just a way of life but a symbol of imperial power.

   20 minAdmission included

7. After that, make your way to the world - famous Long Corridor. As you walk along this covered passageway, your guide will point out the thousands of paintings on the beams, each telling a story from Chinese mythology, history, and literature. You'll be amazed at the tales behind these artworks as you enjoy the unique architecture of the corridor.

   20 minAdmission included

8. Finally, arrive at the Marble Boat. Your knowledgeable guide will delve into the symbolism behind this remarkable structure, which was constructed to symbolize stability and permanence within the imperial garden. Gain insight into the construction process and the pivotal role it played in the overall design of the Summer Palace. As you explore the Summer Palace, your guide's vivid explanations will breathe life into the historical events and cultural significance of each location. Prepare for an unforgettable journey as you immerse yourself in the rich history and beauty of this iconic landmark.

   15 minAdmission included

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 850 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Beijing

• Its from-price is 18% below the median of the 3624 experiences we list in Beijing.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 13 of 3624.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Beijing

Beijing, China's capital for centuries, holds imperial palaces, sacred temples and stretches of the Great Wall within reach of its modern boulevards.

At the city's heart, the Forbidden City spreads behind vermilion walls, a labyrinth of halls and courtyards that housed the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Tiananmen Square lies to its south, and the hill of Jingshan Park to its north gives the finest view over its golden roofs. The Temple of Heaven, set in a park where locals practise tai chi and dance, is a masterpiece of imperial design.

Top-ranked sights in Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City (Palace Museum), Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang).

See all 3624 experiences in Beijing