Busda:Mutianyu Great Wall, Summer and Old Summer Palace Day Tour

Planning a day in Beijing that hits some of the city’s most iconic sights? This Busda day tour offers a budget-friendly way to see the Great Wall at Mutianyu, the Summer Palace, and the Old Summer Palace — all in one jam-packed day. It’s a well-organized trip with a lot of pros, but also a few things to keep in mind.

We appreciate the value for money, the knowledgeable guides, and the stunning views you’ll enjoy along the way. However, some travelers noted last-minute cancellations or optional activities that might impact your experience. This tour suits those looking for an affordable, guided day trip with plenty of sightseeing, especially if you’re okay with a group setting and some optional extras.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $33 per person, this tour offers a lot of value, including tickets and transportation.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Covers three major attractions — the Great Wall, Summer Palace, and Old Summer Palace — with flexible options for upgrades.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge and helpfulness, making complex histories easier to understand.
• Flexible Optional Activities: Cable car, toboggan, and boat rides are available for an extra fee, adding fun and convenience.
• Transportation & Timing: Comfortable, air-conditioned bus and well-paced schedule make for a smooth day.
• Mixed Reviews: Some guests experienced cancellations or last-minute changes, so flexibility is key.

A Practical Overview of the Tour

This 9-hour trip begins early, with a pickup at a designated meeting point in Beijing around 7:30 am. From there, the journey to the Mutianyu Great Wall takes approximately 1.5 hours by air-conditioned bus. The tour is designed to give you a less hurried experience, which is a major plus when it comes to exploring this iconic structure.

The Great Wall at Mutianyu is renowned for its relatively less crowded sections and picturesque scenery. Once you arrive, you’ll show your reservation and take an internal shuttle uphill. At this point, you’ll have the option to buy a cable car or toboggan ride — costing about 140 RMB each — which many find convenient for managing the climb and descent. The guide will assist with ticketing, so you’re not left to navigate on your own.

Exploring the Great Wall

Expect around 5 hours at this site, which is enough time to stroll along the battlements, snap photos, and soak in views of the surrounding hills. One reviewer praised the knowledgeable guides, highlighting how they explained the different sections of the wall and helped with reservations. Since the tour is designed for a more relaxed visit, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

The Summer Palace Experience

Afterward, the bus heads to the Summer Palace, a former imperial retreat filled with lakes, gardens, and historic buildings. You’ll spend roughly 2.5 hours exploring the Palace Area, including the famous long corridor decorated with paintings and the Imperial Ferry Boat across Kunming Lake (optional at about 100 RMB). The guides share stories about the “Dragon Lady” and her life, adding a human touch to this sprawling site.

The Summer Palace offers stunning views, especially if you enjoy Chinese garden landscapes. You’ll find it’s a place where history and nature blend seamlessly — perfect for strolling and photo-taking. One review acknowledged the large size of the grounds, noting that the walk can be leisurely but may be tiring for some.

Ruins of the Old Summer Palace

The final stop is the Old Summer Palace, which was looted and burned in 1860. Today, it’s a peaceful park with ruins, lakes, and gardens reflecting its past grandeur. You’ll have about 1.5 hours here, enough to appreciate the scenic remains and learn about its history. Many visitors comment on the unique blend of Chinese and Western architecture present here, making it a poignant and visually interesting site.

Optional Extras & How They Impact Your Experience

Throughout the tour, you’ll have opportunities to add optional activities:

• Cable car or toboggan at the Great Wall (140 RMB each)
• Boat rides at the Summer Palace (around 80-100 RMB)

While these extras enhance the visit, they’re paid separately. If you’re on a strict budget, you might skip them, but many find them worth the extra cost for the convenience and fun.

Transportation & Practical Details

The roundtrip transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus is included, which helps keep the day smooth and avoids the hassle of navigating Beijing’s busy streets. The group size is limited to 47 travelers, promoting a more personal experience, though some reviews indicated that last-minute cancellations can be disappointing.

The tour operates with confirmation upon booking, and the pickup point is within easy reach of public transit. The start time at 7:30 am ensures you beat some of the crowds, especially at the Great Wall.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Mutianyu Great Wall (5 hours):
This section is praised for its less crowded environment and scenic views. The internal shuttle and optional cable car or toboggan add convenience, especially for those with mobility concerns. Travelers appreciate the guides’ knowledge, who help with reservations and share fascinating facts.

Summer Palace (2.5 hours):
Walking through the long corridor and crossing the lake on an Imperial Ferry Boat (optional) makes for a relaxing experience. The landscapes are stunning, with abundant Chinese-style gardens and architecture. It’s a great spot to learn about the imperial lifestyle and enjoy nature.

Old Summer Palace (1.5 hours):
This site offers a peaceful reflection of Beijing’s imperial past. The ruins provide a visual history lesson with lakes, gardens, and remnants of palaces. Reviewers mention the “Garden of Gardens” nickname, highlighting its beauty despite its ruins.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking budget-friendly access to major Beijing attractions without the hassle of DIY planning. If you want a guided experience with helpful explanations and scenic views, this trip delivers. It’s especially suited for those who don’t mind group tours and are comfortable with optional activity costs.

However, those expecting a fully tailored experience or wanting to avoid potential last-minute cancellations might prefer private tours or slightly more expensive options. Also, if you’re keen on visiting the full Summer Palace with additional attractions like boat rides included, you might want a more comprehensive package.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This Busda day tour balances affordability with solid sightseeing. The value is excellent, especially considering the included tickets and transportation, making it a practical choice for budget travelers or first-time visitors to Beijing.

You’ll love the stunning views from the Great Wall, the beautiful landscapes at the Summer Palace, and the historical significance of the Old Summer Palace. Plus, the guides’ insights help bring the sites to life, making the experience richer than just sightseeing on your own.

On the flip side, the possible last-minute cancellations and optional activity costs require some flexibility and planning. If you’re okay with some uncertainties and want to see the highlights efficiently, this is a good pick.

In short, this tour packs a lot into one day, offering a practical, cost-effective introduction to Beijing’s top sights — perfect for travelers eager to tick these landmarks off their list with minimal fuss.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, from the meeting point, you’ll be transported by a comfortable, air-conditioned bus to all three sites.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Your reservation covers entry tickets for the Great Wall, Summer Palace, and Old Summer Palace, which you’ll show to staff upon arrival.

Can I upgrade activities at the Great Wall?
Yes, optional activities like the cable car or toboggan are available at an additional cost (around 140 RMB).

How long do I stay at each site?
You’ll have approximately 5 hours at the Great Wall, 2.5 hours at the Summer Palace, and 1.5 hours at the Old Summer Palace.

What if my main excursion gets canceled?
One review noted a cancellation but still found the experience worthwhile, especially with a knowledgeable guide.

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

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
The tour’s pace is moderate, and optional activities like the cable car or boat rides can be skipped, making it relatively flexible for different ages.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and bring sun protection or rain gear depending on the weather forecast.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded, affordable way to experience some of Beijing’s most famous sites with the benefit of guided insights and scenic views. It’s perfect for travelers seeking value, convenience, and a taste of China’s imperial past without breaking the bank.