Beijing Layover Tour Of Great Wall And Forbidden City

With limited time in Beijing, travelers can make the most of their layover by embarking on the Beijing Layover Tour. This nine-hour excursion whisks visitors to iconic landmarks like the Mutianyu Great Wall and the Forbidden City, offering a hassle-free experience with transportation and entry fees covered. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a taste of Chinese culture, this tour provides an enriching opportunity to explore the city’s renowned attractions. But the real question is, what fascinating experiences await those who join this remarkable journey?

Key Points

• The Beijing Layover Tour offers a 9-hour excursion to the Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and a tea ceremony for $279 per person.
• The tour includes transportation, entry fees, and a stop at the Silk Museum, with advance booking required at least 8 days prior.
• Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and passport information is required at the time of booking.
• The itinerary includes a private vehicle transport, cable car or toboggan ride, and a 1-hour hike at the Great Wall.
• Participants must provide their arrival/departure flight number, mobile number, passport details, and cannot be pregnant.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This Beijing Layover Tour offers visitors a chance to explore some of the city’s top attractions during a layover.

The tour is priced from $279 per person and lasts 9 hours, departing from Beijing’s international airport. Travelers will be accompanied by an excellent English-speaking guide and visit highlights like the Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and a tea ceremony.

A 9-hour layover tour of Beijing’s top sights including the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and a tea ceremony for $279 per person.

The tour includes transportation, entry fees, and a stop at the Silk Museum.

Advance booking is required at least 8 days prior due to Forbidden City access restrictions, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Travelers can reserve their spot on the Beijing Layover Tour without immediate payment.

The booking process is flexible, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

However, due to restrictions on entering the Forbidden City, the tour requires booking at least 8 days in advance.

Key booking and cancellation details include:

• Reserve now & pay later

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

• Advance booking required at least 8 days prior

• Passport information needed at time of booking

This ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience for guests to explore the highlights of Beijing during their layover.

Itinerary Details

The guide meets participants at either the Crowne Plaza Beijing International Airport or the Starbucks near Exit B of the Capital Airport.

From there, travelers take a private vehicle to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, about a 1-hour drive.

At the Great Wall, guests can choose to ride the cable car or toboggan down, then hike for 1 hour.

Next, the group visits the Forbidden City, tea ceremony, Tiananmen Square, and Silk Museum.

If Forbidden City tickets are unavailable, they’ll visit Jingshan Park instead.

Taxis or the underground may be required for transportation from other airports or train stations.

Participant Requirements

Participants need to provide certain information when booking the Beijing Layover Tour. This includes their arrival/departure flight number, mobile number, passport name, date of birth, and passport number.

These details are required due to the tour’s Forbidden City entry restrictions.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women. Participants must also remember to bring their passport on the tour day, as it’s required.

The tour’s participant requirements ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

• Arrival/departure flight number

• Mobile number

• Passport name, date of birth, and number

• Not suitable for pregnant women

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Important Notes

When meeting the tour guide, travelers can do so at either the Crowne Plaza Beijing International Airport or the Starbucks near Exit B of the Capital Airport.

Those disembarking at Beijing Daxing Airport or other railway stations will need to take a taxi or the underground to reach the meeting point.

Gratuities for the guide and driver are highly recommended.

Souvenir photos may be available for purchase during the tour.

Pets aren’t allowed on the tour.

Travelers should ensure they bring their passports on the tour day as this is required.

Exploring the Mutianyu Great Wall

After meeting the tour guide, travelers head out on the 1-hour drive to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.

Travelers embark on a 1-hour drive to the Mutianyu section of the iconic Great Wall.

This stunning location offers:

• Breathtaking views of the iconic fortification snaking across the mountains

• A choice between taking a cable car or an exhilarating toboggan ride to reach the top

• A leisurely 1-hour hike along the restored wall, admiring the watchtowers and taking in the serene surroundings

• An opportunity to imagine the history and grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage site

The Great Wall experience sets the stage for the rest of the memorable Beijing layover tour.

Discovering the Forbidden City

From the Great Wall, the tour continues to the renowned Forbidden City, the massive imperial palace complex that was home to China’s emperors for nearly 500 years.

Guests explore the stunning architecture, intricate details, and symbolic significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour includes skip-the-line access, allowing visitors to avoid long queues.

Highlights include the Gate of Supreme Harmony, the Imperial Library, and the private living quarters.

After the extensive tour, guests attend a traditional tea ceremony to learn about this integral part of Chinese culture before visiting the nearby Tiananmen Square.

Experiencing the Tea Ceremony and Silk Museum

Following the in-depth exploration of the Forbidden City, the tour heads to a renowned tea house. Here, travelers enjoy the centuries-old tradition of Chinese tea culture.

They witness a mesmerizing tea ceremony, where an expert brewer skillfully prepares and serves fragrant tea.

The tour also includes a visit to the Silk Museum, where guests marvel at the intricate process of silk production.

They learn about:

• The history of silk-making in China

• The delicate silkworm rearing process

• Traditional silk weaving techniques

• The wide range of silk products available

This unique cultural experience offers a well-rounded introduction to Beijing’s rich heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a maximum group size. However, it’s likely a small private tour given the personalized nature of the itinerary and transportation. Smaller groups allow for a more intimate and customized experience on the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand, as there may be some restrictions or recommendations regarding what can be brought along.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors. However, you may want to check if your student or senior ID card can get you reduced admission prices at the tour’s attractions. It’s worth inquiring about.

Can I Extend the Tour to Include Additional Activities?

Yes, you can extend the tour to include additional activities. The tour provider offers customization options, so you can add extra stops or activities to fit your interests and schedule. Just let them know your preferences when booking.

Is the Tour Guide Able to Accommodate Special Dietary Needs?

The tour guide can accommodate special dietary needs, but it’s best to let them know in advance. They’ll work with you to ensure you enjoy the experience while catering to any dietary restrictions or preferences.

The Sum Up

The Beijing Layover Tour offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the city’s iconic landmarks and cultural highlights during a layover. With a well-planned itinerary, transportation, and entry fees covered, travelers can make the most of their limited time in Beijing. Whether exploring the Mutianyu Great Wall, the Forbidden City, or partaking in a traditional tea ceremony, this tour provides an enriching and hassle-free adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: