All Inclusive Small Group Tour to Ming Tomb and Mutianyu Great Wall from Beijing

<h3 id="section-0">Introduction

Trying to piece together a visit to Beijing’s iconic sights can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re trying to do it on your own. This all-inclusive small group tour promises a seamless experience, guiding you through some of the city’s most celebrated landmarks without the hassle of transportation or planning.

What we love about this tour is the convenience of door-to-door pickup, the chance to learn about Chinese culture from a knowledgeable guide, and the opportunity to see both the Ming Tombs and Mutianyu Great Wall in one day. However, some reviews indicate that the experience can be a bit unpredictable or disorganized at times, which is worth considering if you’re after a perfectly smooth day.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of history, scenic views, and ease—especially those who prefer to avoid the stress of navigating busy Beijing streets alone or managing multiple entry tickets. It suits first-timers eager to tick off major sights with a guided touch, but also those interested in a relaxed pace with included meals and transport.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Convenience: Entrance fees, lunch, and transfers are covered, making this a straightforward option.
• Guided Insight: Learn about jade culture and Ming Dynasty tombs from a professional guide.
• Less Crowded Experience: Mutianyu is quieter and less commercialized than other sections of the Great Wall.
• Family-friendly & Small Group: Offers a more intimate experience with a maximum of 15 travelers.
• Flexible & Easy: Door-to-door pickup and a well-organized itinerary save time and effort.
• Considerations: Some reviews mention potential disruptions like vehicle breakdowns or schedule changes.

Exploring the Itinerary: What’s in Store

Visiting the Ming Tombs (Ming Shishan Ling)

The day kicks off with complimentary hotel pickup, which already sets the tone for a hassle-free experience. Your guide will introduce you to jade culture, a craft with thousands of years of significance in China, adding an extra layer of appreciation before you head to the tombs.

The highlight here is the Changling Tomb, where Emperor Yongle, the third Ming Emperor, is laid to rest. The environment is described as tranquil, with impressive architecture that showcases the grandeur of Ming dynasty burial practices. Expect your guide to share stories about the tomb’s design and its cultural importance, enriching your understanding of Chinese traditions.

One reviewer noted that the tomb’s grand architecture and peaceful setting are particularly striking, making it a worthwhile stop. The visit lasts about an hour, giving you enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

A Tasty Lunch and Scenic Cable Car Ride

After soaking in Ming Dynasty history, the tour includes a delicious Chinese lunch at a local restaurant. The meal’s included, so there’s no need to worry about finding a decent spot or navigating menus—plus, vegetarian options are available if you let the organizers know in advance.

Refreshed, you’ll head to Mutianyu to experience the Great Wall’s quieter side. The cable car takes you up to the wall, where you’ll have panoramic views of orchards and pine trees. This section of the Great Wall is less crowded, offering a more relaxed atmosphere compared to other sections like Badaling.

Walking the Wall and Sliding Down

Once at the top, you’ll have around two hours to walk along the ancient stones. The view of the surrounding countryside—with its fruit and chestnut orchards—is stunning and less commercialized, giving a more authentic feel.

One of the tour’s highlights is the toboggan slide, which adds a fun and thrilling element to your visit. Many travelers find this a memorable way to descend, laughing and chatting as they speed down the slope.

On the way back, you’ll enjoy a relaxing tea break before being transferred back to your hotel.

The Practical Side: What to Expect

Transportation & Group Size

The tour provides air-conditioned vehicle transfers, which are essential for comfortable travel during Beijing’s busy climate. The group size is capped at 15 travelers, striking a balance between social interaction and personal space.

Some reviewers have praised the professionalism of the guide and driver, noting how navigation through Beijing’s traffic is handled skillfully. However, one review mentions an incident involving a driver change or vehicle breakdown, which caused some schedule adjustments. While this seems isolated, it’s a reminder that flexibility may sometimes be needed.

Timing & Duration

Starting at 7:00 am, the day is approximately 9 hours long. The early start helps avoid peak crowds and gives ample time at each site. The itinerary is structured to maximize sightseeing while maintaining a relaxed pace, with a lunch break included.

Cost & Value

Priced at $260 per person, the tour includes guiding, entrance fees, lunch, and transportation. Considering the convenience and all-inclusive nature, this price offers fair value—especially if you’re wary of the hassle of managing tickets and transport on your own.

Authentic Experiences and Review Insights

From actual travelers, we learn that guides are knowledgeable, providing richer context for the sights visited. One reviewer mentioned their guide was “fabulous,” adding extra color to their experience and navigating Beijing’s traffic with ease.

However, some reviews highlight the importance of patience due to minor disruptions. For example, one person pointed out a vehicle breakdown that cut their time at the wall short, and another noted some disorganization related to vehicle issues. These incidents seem to be exceptions rather than the norm but are worth keeping in mind.

On the positive side, many travelers appreciated the value for money, especially the combination of sites covered in a single day with included meals and transport. The quieter Mutianyu section was also frequently praised for its less touristy environment and scenic beauty.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive and relaxed day exploring Beijing’s top sights without the stress of planning logistics. It’s ideal if you value guided insights, local cuisine, and scenic views that are less crowded.

Family groups and first-time visitors will appreciate the door-to-door pickup and well-organized schedule. However, if you prefer to explore independently or want the most flexible schedule, this might feel a bit structured.

The Sum Up

This all-inclusive small group tour offers a practical way to see two of Beijing’s most important landmarks—the Ming Tombs and Mutianyu Great Wall—without the hassle of organizing transport or tickets. Thanks to knowledgeable guides, scenic views, and inclusive amenities, it delivers good value for those eager to combine history, culture, and natural beauty in one day.

While schedule disruptions have been mentioned, they seem infrequent, and most travelers walk away with a richer understanding of China’s imperial past and stunning scenery. The quiet Mutianyu section and fun toboggan ride make it a memorable part of any Beijing itinerary.

If you’re looking for a stress-free, guided experience that covers major sights efficiently, this tour fits the bill perfectly. Just keep in mind that like any tour, it’s best suited for those comfortable with small surprises and eager to enjoy a well-organized day of sightseeing.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes complimentary hotel pickup, making it easy to start your day without worrying about transportation.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience compared to larger tours.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance tickets for the Ming Tombs and Mutianyu Great Wall are covered, along with a Chinese lunch.

Does the tour include a cable car at the Great Wall?
No, the cable car is not included, but the cable ride is available for scenic ascent. You might find it worth the extra cost, but it’s not part of the package.

Can I request vegetarian food?
Yes, vegetarian options are available if you advise in advance when booking.

What if there’s a vehicle breakdown or schedule change?
Some reviews mention minor disruptions like vehicle issues, which can cause schedule adjustments. These seem to be rare but are worth being aware of.

How long do we spend at each site?
The Ming Tombs visit lasts about an hour, and you’ll have approximately two hours at Mutianyu, including hiking and the toboggan ride.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers say yes, especially with the fun toboggan ride, but always check with the tour provider if your children have specific needs or age considerations.