Busda:Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Guided Bus Tour

If you’re visiting Beijing and looking for an affordable, well-organized way to experience two of its most famous sights, this Busda guided bus tour hits the spot. For just $29 per person, you get a comprehensive day packed with history, scenery, and cultural insights, all while traveling comfortably on an air-conditioned bus. It’s a trip that aims to balance sightseeing with relaxed exploration, making it ideal for travelers who want a hassle-free, informative experience without feeling rushed.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the guided experience means you get expert commentary and tips from guides who know the sites inside out. Second, the scenic beauty of Mutianyu’s rugged hills and the expansive Summer Palace offer unforgettable views you’ll remember long after your trip. Third, the affordable price combined with the inclusion of tickets and shuttle services makes it great value. But, on the flip side, the tour does have some optional extras like cable cars and toboggans that come at additional costs, which you should budget for if those are on your must-do list.

This tour works best for those who enjoy a mix of history, culture, and scenic nature, and who prefer a structured day with transportation and expert guidance taken care of. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors or travelers short on time who want a balanced, straightforward introduction to Beijing’s highlights.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience combining the Great Wall and Summer Palace in a single day
• Affordable price with tickets, shuttle, and guide included
• Flexible options for cable cars, toboggans, and boat rides at extra costs
• Comfortable transportation on an air-conditioned bus from central Beijing
• Informative guides sharing stories and tips, enhancing your understanding
• Ideal for first-time visitors wanting a well-organized, hassle-free tour

An In-depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off early at 7:30 am from a centrally located meeting point in Chaoyang, Beijing. Once you show your reservation to the staff wearing a green vest, you’ll hop aboard an air-conditioned bus for the roughly 1.5-hour drive to Mutianyu. This setup makes it easy for travelers, especially those unfamiliar with Beijing’s public transportation, to start the day smoothly.

Traveling with a group of up to 47 travelers, you’ll appreciate the spacious, comfortable ride, giving you time to settle in and review the itinerary. The guides typically use this time to introduce the sites and help you pre-purchase tickets or arrange optional activities, which can save you time once you arrive.

Mutianyu Great Wall: Less Crowded, More Rugged

Arriving at Mutianyu, one of the most scenic and less crowded sections of the Great Wall, sets the tone for a more relaxed exploration compared to the heavily visited Badaling. You’re free to collect your tickets and then take an internal shuttle uphill, which saves your legs and gives you quick access to the Wall itself.

The Great Wall cable car (costs extra at 140 RMB) stands out as a popular optional add-on, especially if you want to skip the steep climb and enjoy panoramic views from above. The cable car, along with the fun toboggan, offers a fun way to descend after your walk, adding a dash of adventure. From the reviews, many travelers love the flexibility—”We took the cable car up and the toboggan down, which made the visit extra memorable,” says one.

Expect about four hours on site, giving you plenty of time to take in the views, snap photos, and walk along the ancient stones that stretch across hillsides. The Wall’s rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas make it worthwhile, even with the optional costs.

Transfer to the Summer Palace

After your Wall adventure, the bus takes you to the Summer Palace, a sprawling imperial garden featuring lakes, pavilions, and corridors. The drive allows for a quick rest and some scenic glimpses of Beijing’s outskirts, setting the mood for the culture ahead.

Exploring the Summer Palace

Once there, your guide will lead you through the Palace Area, explaining the grandeur of imperial life and the stories behind the buildings. The Longest Corridor, adorned with detailed paintings, is a highlight—its intricate artwork spans over 700 meters and tells stories of Chinese history and folklore.

A favorite optional activity is the Imperial Ferry Boat ride on Kunming Lake (costs 100 RMB). This serene boat ride offers a different perspective of the Palace, with views of the surrounding hills and gardens. Reviewers mention that the boat ride “adds a peaceful touch to an otherwise bustling day,” and many appreciate having this optional choice.

You’ll have approximately three hours here, enough to soak in the scenery and learn about the “Dragon Lady” and other stories from your guide, making the Palace come alive beyond just tourist sightseeing.

Wrapping Up and Return

After completing your sightseeing, the tour concludes at Beijing Olympic Park. The return trip provides a chance to relax and reflect on the day’s highlights before being dropped off at the designated endpoint. The tour’s flexible schedule and included transportation mean you avoid the hassle of navigating city traffic or booking separate tickets.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Price and Value

At $29, this tour offers good value, especially considering it includes admission tickets to both sites, internal shuttle services, and professional guides. Optional extras like the cable car, toboggan, and ferry are extra, so it’s worth budgeting around 340 RMB if you plan to do all three. Compared to independent visits, which require arranging transport and tickets, this package simplifies logistics and saves time.

Group Size and Guides

With a maximum of 47 travelers, this tour isn’t overly crowded, making it easier to move around and ask questions. Guides are generally knowledgeable, sharing interesting stories and helpful tips, which greatly enhances the experience. Multiple reviewers have lauded the guides’ friendliness and expertise, noting that “they made the history come alive.”

Timing and Pacing

Starting early at 7:30 am, the tour gives you a full day of sightseeing. The total duration is roughly nine hours, including travel, sightseeing, and breaks, so it’s a full but manageable day. The schedule allows ample time at each site, preventing the feeling of rushing.

Accessibility and Convenience

Meeting at a central location with public transport nearby makes it convenient for most travelers. The tour does not specify any accessibility features, but from the logistics, it’s suitable for most physically able travelers. Note that credit cards are not widely accepted at the Wall scenic area, so carrying some cash or using Alipay/WeChat is recommended.

Additional Considerations

While the tour is well-arranged, travelers should be prepared for optional costs if they choose to upgrade their experience. The cable car and toboggan are popular for added fun, but they do require extra money. Also, the ferry boat ride at the Summer Palace offers a tranquil experience, but again, at an additional fee.

Weather can be a factor—poor weather may result in cancellations or rescheduling, and the tour provider recommends bringing cash for purchases, as card acceptance is limited at the sites.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This guided tour is perfect for first-time visitors eager to see Beijing’s top sights without the hassle of planning logistics. It’s suited for those who prefer a structured day, with transportation, tickets, and guides all taken care of. The flexible options for extras like the cable car and boat rides appeal to travelers seeking a personalized experience within a budget.

It’s also ideal for those who want a balanced mix of scenic beauty, history, and cultural stories, all delivered in a comfortable, guided setting. However, if you’re seeking a highly active or independent experience, or plan to visit specific attractions outside this itinerary, you might prefer to customize your own day.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation by an air-conditioned bus from the starting point and back is included in the ticket price.

What time does the tour start and end?
It begins at 7:30 am and concludes at the Beijing Olympic Park in the late afternoon, allowing for a full day of sightseeing.

Are tickets for the Great Wall included?
Yes, the entrance tickets to Mutianyu are included, along with the internal shuttle service.

Can I purchase optional activities on-site?
Yes, you can buy optional extras like the cable car, toboggan, and ferry boat at the sites, but these come at additional costs.

What should I bring?
Cash for optional activities and purchases, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and water. Weather can vary, so be prepared for outdoor exposure.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most likely yes, especially if they’re able to walk and handle outdoor activities, but check the physical demands of walking on rugged terrain.

How large are the groups?
Up to 47 travelers, which allows for manageable group interactions without feeling crowded.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included in the tour price, so plan to bring snacks or eat before or after the tour.

Is there accessibility for disabled travelers?
The tour does not specify accessibility features, so travelers with mobility issues should inquire directly with the provider.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This Busda guided day tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Beijing’s most iconic sites with a focus on convenience, insightful guidance, and scenic beauty. The combination of the rugged Mutianyu Great Wall and the expansive Summer Palace makes for an enriching day, especially if you prefer a guided experience that removes the stress of navigating alone.

The price point makes it accessible, and the inclusion of tickets and shuttle services adds to its value. The optional extras allow you to tailor your adventure, whether you want a quick descent on the toboggan or a peaceful boat ride across Kunming Lake.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate good organization, engaging guides, and a balance of culture and scenery. It’s ideal for first-time visitors, families, or anyone wanting a straightforward, enjoyable way to see some of Beijing’s most treasured sights without the fuss of doing everything independently.

If you value expert guidance, scenic views, and a comfortable, organized day out, this tour will deliver a memorable experience in Beijing.