Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace All Inclusive Tour

Experience the Beauty and History of Beijing with the Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Tour

Our review focuses on a highly-rated, all-inclusive tour that promises a stress-free day exploring two of Beijing’s most iconic sites. From the moment we learn about this tour, three things catch the eye: the seamless private transportation, the ability to customize your schedule, and the in-depth access to the Great Wall at Mutianyu and the Summer Palace.

A potential consideration is the admission tickets not being included in the price, which means you should budget for entrance fees. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a well-organized, flexible, and immersive way to experience Beijing’s highlights without the hassle of navigating public transport or crowded groups.

This tour suits those who appreciate authentic cultural sights, value knowledgeable guides, and prefer a private experience that can be tailored to their interests. Whether you’re a history buff, a photographer chasing panoramic views, or someone seeking a comfortable way to see the landmarks, this trip is designed with your needs in mind.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Convenience: Private transport, guide, and lunch make for a hassle-free day.
• Flexible Scheduling: Choose departure times and customize your stay at each site.
• Authentic Experiences: Visit the well-preserved Mutianyu section of the Great Wall with fewer crowds.
• Rich Cultural Insight: Experienced guides enhance your understanding of the sites’ history.
• Comfort and Ease: Pickup from your hotel and round-trip transport save time and effort.
• Extra Value: Cable car rides and tobogganing add fun options to your day.

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This tour offers a smooth, well-organized way to see two of Beijing’s most famous sites without the typical stress of navigating on your own. For $149 per person, you get private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, entrance tickets, and a meal—an excellent package for those wanting to maximize value.

One standout feature is the hotel pickup and drop-off, meaning you won’t need to worry about finding your way or dealing with public transport. Whether you stay in the city center or near Beijing Capital Airport (PEK), the tour’s flexibility makes it accessible and convenient.

The tour duration of about 8 to 9 hours is designed to give ample time at each location, with the possibility to customize your schedule. This is particularly appealing if you prefer to beat the crowds or linger longer at a favored site.

Visiting the Mutianyu Great Wall

Mutianyu is often considered the best section of the Great Wall for visitors seeking a balance of stunning scenery and fewer travelers. It’s one of the most well-preserved parts, covering 5.4 km with 20 watchtowers, and the highest tower reaches 1,039 meters above sea level.

We loved the way the tour allows flexibility—your guide can suggest an earlier start to avoid crowds or longer stays at the wall. The cable car ride up and down adds a touch of comfort, especially if you’re not keen on a long hike. For thrill-seekers, the toboggan ride offers a fun descent back down the mountain.

The panoramic views from the highest tower are spectacular, giving you a sense of the wall’s scale and the surrounding landscape. As Jeremy, one of the reviewers, noted, “This tour won’t disappoint. Leo was fun, friendly, and knowledgeable.” Having a guide who can narrate the history and point out interesting details truly enhances the visit.

Note: Entrance tickets are not included, so you’ll need to budget around the admission fee, which is typical for such tours. The 3-hour visit provides enough time for walking, photos, and soaking in the atmosphere.

Exploring the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)

The Summer Palace offers a peaceful escape into China’s royal history and stunning gardens. Built starting in 1750 and reconstructed after destruction in 1860, it remains the only royal garden still standing today.

You’ll explore the longest corridor in the world, a 728-meter covered walkway decorated with over 14,000 intricate paintings. It’s a favorite among visitors for its artistry and the shady relief it provides on hot days. The marble boat is another highlight, symbolizing the empire’s grandeur, and offers a photo-worthy moment.

The tour allocates about 2 hours here, which is enough to wander around the scenic grounds, admire the architecture, and imagine the royal lifestyle that once thrived here. The guide’s insights can help you understand the significance of each spot—something that Jeremy appreciated when he mentioned the well-paced day with plenty of breaks.

Transportation and Practical Details

Private transportation is a key perk, ensuring a comfortable, stress-free experience. The guide, if included in your choice of the car service, adds a layer of knowledge that enriches your visit. The flexibility to depart earlier or later lets you avoid the busiest times, a big advantage for photography or quiet reflection.

The tour lasts around 8 to 9 hours, with travel time included, making it a full but manageable day. Lunch is included, giving you a chance to try local Chinese cuisine without having to search for a restaurant on your own.

Pricing and Value

At $149 per person, the tour offers good value considering the private transport, guide, entrance fees, and meals. When you factor in how much hassle it saves—no public transport, no waiting in lines, and tailored scheduling—the experience becomes even more worthwhile. Budgeting for entrance fees separately is necessary but typical of guided tours.

Why Reviewers Love This Tour

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides who make the history come alive and share little-known facts. Jeremy’s comment about Leo being “fun, friendly, and knowledgeable” highlights how a good guide can elevate the experience from sightseeing to engaging storytelling.

The flexibility and pace of the tour are also appreciated, with Jeremy noting the “lots of time for breaks,” making it suitable for travelers of various ages and activity levels.

Final Thoughts

This Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace tour offers a practical, immersive, and flexible way to see two of China’s most iconic sites. It’s perfect for visitors who want a guided experience that respects their schedule while providing comfortable transport and insider knowledge.

For those who value authentic, less crowded sections of the Great Wall and a serene royal garden, this tour hits the right notes. The inclusion of meals and optional activities like cable cars or toboggans add an extra layer of fun.

If you’re seeking an easy, well-organized way to experience Beijing’s rich history with a local guide, this tour delivers on both value and memorable moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hassle-free pickup from your Beijing hotel, making the start of your day smooth and convenient.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 8 to 9 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and breaks.

Are entrance tickets included?
No, admission fees for the Great Wall and Summer Palace are not included, so you should budget for those separately.

Can I customize the schedule?
Absolutely, you can choose your departure time and decide whether to stay longer or earlier at each site.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the flexible pacing makes it suitable for different activity levels.

What transportation is used?
Private transport with a driver is provided, ensuring comfort and ease throughout the day.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a meal is included, so you won’t need to stop for food during your busy sightseeing day.

What are the highlights of the Mutianyu section?
The well-preserved 20 towers, panoramic views, and optional cable car or toboggan rides make it a memorable visit.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve your spot online in advance, with bookings typically made around 11 days ahead, for a seamless experience.

This private, flexible tour offers a fantastic way to experience Beijing’s top sites comfortably and authentically. Whether you’re snapping photos of the Great Wall’s watchtowers or strolling through the serene gardens of the Summer Palace, it’s a day packed with history, culture, and scenic beauty.