2 Days Beijing Group Tour Including Great Wall And Forbidden city

Travelers looking for an efficient way to see Beijing’s top sights in a short time often turn to guided tours. This 2-day group tour offers a well-rounded experience, showcasing the imperial grandeur of the Forbidden City, the serenity of the Summer Palace, and the awe-inspiring views from the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.

What we love about this tour is its comprehensive itinerary, the competent guides, and the convenience of hotel pick-up. A potential consideration is the group size—although it’s limited to around 25 travelers, some may prefer more personalized experiences.

Ideal for first-time visitors, history buffs, or anyone with limited time in Beijing, this tour packs a lot into two days, all at a very reasonable price. You’ll get a solid introduction to China’s imperial past and some breathtaking sights along the way.

Key Points

• All-inclusive sightseeing with tickets to major attractions like the Forbidden City and Summer Palace
• Knowledgeable guides enhance understanding of Beijing’s history and culture
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off within Beijing’s 2nd ring road
• Visit the Mutianyu segment of the Great Wall, less crowded and more scenic
• Affordable price point at $299 per person for an immersive two-day experience
• Additional cultural insights like Chinese medicine and jade culture enrich the tour

Overview of the Tour Experience

This two-day guided tour is designed as an efficient, deep-dive introduction to Beijing’s most iconic sites. The tour is well-suited for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing time without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. With an emphasis on comfort, history, and local insights, it offers a strong value proposition, especially considering the inclusion of tickets and meals.

The tour is led by English-speaking guides, who are often praised for their knowledge and friendliness. The company, Private China Tours, has received glowing reviews for their professionalism—guides like Michael, Terry, and John are frequently highlighted for their enthusiasm and responsiveness.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: The Imperial Heart of Beijing

Start around 7:00am with hotel pickup, which is a major convenience if your accommodation is within Beijing’s 2nd ring road. This early start allows you to beat some of the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience at each site.

Forbidden City – The Palace Museum

The highlight of Day 1 is the Forbidden City, the sprawling palace complex built 600 years ago that once housed emperors and their courts. The tour includes tickets, but during peak seasons, securing tickets can be tricky. If unavailable, your guide may instead take you to Jingshan Park on the south side, where from its hilltop, you can still enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City’s layout.

Travellers describe the Forbidden City as “the largest and best-preserved ancient imperial palace,” with extraordinary architecture and history. Some reviews note that guides like Michael make the visit more engaging with stories and context, turning a cookie-cutter site into a vivid storybook.

Chinese Medicine Center

Next is an intriguing visit to a Chinese medicine center, where guides often share insights into traditional Chinese healing practices. This stop adds an extra cultural layer to your trip, giving you a sense of how ancient wisdom still plays a role in modern health.

Temple of Heaven

After a quick lunch, you’ll visit the Temple of Heaven, a vast sacred space where emperors once prayed for bountiful harvests. The site is famous for its impressive architecture and symbolism, and visitors often appreciate the chance to see locals practicing tai chi or playing traditional instruments. The guide explains its significance as the largest ancient imperial worship temple.

Summer Palace and Pearl Gallery

In the afternoon, your tour includes a visit to the Summer Palace, an expansive imperial garden with lakes, pavilions, and temples. Its serene beauty and meticulous landscaping make it one of Beijing’s most impressive sights.

Before heading back to your hotel, you’ll stop at a pearl gallery—a typical tourist stop, but one that provides insight into China’s long-standing pearl culture and an opportunity to purchase souvenirs.

Day 2: The Great Wall and Ming Tombs

Early start again, with hotel pick-up around 7:00am, heading out to explore beyond the city center.

Ming Tombs

Your first stop is the Ming Shishan Ling, where you’ll explore the tomb of an ancient Ming emperor. The site’s architecture and layout are notable, and reviews highlight how guides like John enrich the visit with stories that bring the tombs to life. It’s a chance to walk through a peaceful, historical site that reflects imperial power and elaborate funeral rites.

Lunch at Jade Restaurant

A traditional Chinese restaurant provides a break and an opportunity to learn about jade culture, which is deeply embedded in Chinese history. The meal is typically included in the tour, making it a stress-free experience.

Mutianyu Great Wall

The day’s highlight is the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, famous for its stunning vistas and fewer crowds compared to Badaling. The wall here snakes along lush mountains, offering spectacular photo opportunities.

Some reviews note that the tour includes the option to enjoy tea at a traditional Chinese tea house, a relaxing way to digest the scenic views. Although the cable car charge is not included, the chance to walk on or take the cable car (if you wish) adds flexibility.

Transportation and Group Size

Travel is via air-conditioned bus, ensuring comfort on Beijing’s busy roads. The group size is limited to around 25 travelers, balancing social interaction with enough space for everyone to enjoy the sites comfortably. The hotel pickup and drop-off within the 2nd ring road is a significant perk, saving you time and taxi fares.

Value and Cost Analysis

Price-wise, at $299 per person, this tour offers good value considering ticket prices, guide expertise, transportation, and meals. The inclusion of tickets to major sites saves you the hassle and potential stress of ticket procurement—especially important for popular attractions like the Forbidden City and Great Wall.

Reviewers consistently praise guides like Terry, Michael, and John for their knowledge and friendliness, which enhances the overall experience. One reviewer noted that the tour offered “great value,” emphasizing how comprehensive and well-organized it is for the price.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

Based on reviews, one of the most appreciated aspects is the guides’ ability to share personalized stories and insights. For example, Terry’s humor and confidence helped put visitors at ease during busy days, making the experience more relaxed and engaging.

The inclusion of cultural visits, such as the Chinese medicine center and jade gallery, adds depth beyond just sightseeing. These stops often spark curiosity and provide memorable lessons about China’s enduring traditions.

Practical tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as both days involve a fair amount of walking. The early start means you should prepare for busy mornings, and since the tour is within the city, packing light and dressing in smart casual wear is suitable.

The Sum Up: Who is this tour best suited for?

This 2-day Beijing tour is perfect for first-time visitors eager to see the city’s most iconic sites without the stress of planning. It’s great for those interested in Chinese history and culture, offering a good balance of major landmarks and cultural insights. The included tickets and meals mean you won’t have to worry about extra costs, making it a sensible choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Families, small groups, or solo travelers who enjoy guided experiences will find this tour particularly valuable. Although it’s a group tour, reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of guides, making it feel personalized despite the shared experience.

If you’re short on time but want a thorough, hassle-free introduction to Beijing, this tour delivers excellent value and memorable moments.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off within Beijing’s 2nd ring road, which makes getting to and from the sites super convenient.

How many days does the tour last?
It spans two days, with each day starting around 7:00am and lasting until late afternoon or early evening.

Are tickets included?
Yes, tickets for the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Ming Tombs, and the Great Wall are included. However, cable car charges at the Great Wall are extra.

What’s the group size?
The maximum group size is about 25 travelers, which helps keep the experience comfortable and manageable.

Can I join if I stay outside the 2nd ring road?
No, the tour guide and bus can only pick up guests from hotels within the 2nd ring road.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers participate comfortably, but check with the provider if traveling with very young children, as some sites involve a good amount of walking.

What should I wear?
Smart casual attire is recommended. Comfortable shoes are a must, as there’s a good amount of walking involved.

In all, this 2-day guided tour of Beijing offers a solid, value-packed way to experience the city’s highlights. With expert guides, thoughtful itineraries, and inclusive tickets, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone eager to explore Beijing’s imperial past and breathtaking sights without the fuss.