Early Bird Great Wall Private Tour with Chinese Breakfast from Beijing

Imagine starting your day before sunrise, heading out in a private vehicle to one of the most celebrated sections of the Great Wall — Mutianyu — and doing so before the crowds arrive. This private tour promises a peaceful, authentic experience that combines comfort, culture, and scenic beauty. We’ve reviewed this tour to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your Beijing adventure.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the early morning departure ensures you beat the crowds, giving you ample space to enjoy the views. Second, the inclusion of a traditional Chinese breakfast in a small town adds a local flavor to your morning. Lastly, the flexibility to explore on foot or via optional cable car or toboggan makes it versatile. That said, one thing to consider is that the tour doesn’t include the ride fees, so if you’re eager for that extra adrenaline rush, you’ll need to budget separately.

This tour is perfect for travelers who love authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, prefer a more relaxed pace, and appreciate the comfort of private transportation. If you’re after a peaceful, scenic, and culturally immersive start to your Great Wall visit, this tour has a lot to offer.

Key Points

• Early start helps avoid crowds and get the best lighting for photos
• Private transport ensures comfort and flexibility
• Traditional Chinese breakfast offers a taste of local cuisine
• Flexible exploration options including on foot, cable car, or toboggan
• Includes entrance tickets but not ride fees
• Reviews highlight helpful guides and delicious food

Why Choose the Early Bird Great Wall Private Tour?

This tour is carefully designed for travelers who want to experience the Great Wall without the typical crowd congestion. Starting early means you’ll arrive at Mutianyu around 8:30 a.m., when the site is still peaceful, and the morning light accentuates the stonework and views. The private car and hotel pickup make the logistics smooth, especially after a long flight or busy day.

What we love most about this tour is how it balances comfort and authenticity. The small-town stop in Qiaozi for breakfast feels genuine, not touristy—think millet gruel, steamed dumplings, and soybean milk, all served in a local setting. Plus, the flexibility to choose your mode of ascent on the wall—whether on foot or via cable car/toboggan—is a bonus, especially since the latter options aren’t included in the price.

The reviews consistently praise the helpfulness and friendliness of the driver, often named Kevin or Mr. Guo, who go above and beyond to make the experience special. Guests mention how helpful they are in navigating the entrance, purchasing tickets, or even offering tips on climbing the wall.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Pickup and Departure

Your day begins early, with a pickup at 6:30 a.m. from your Beijing hotel. This early start might seem daunting, but it’s well worth it to beat the crowds and enjoy the cooler morning air. The drive to Qiaozi takes about an hour, giving you time to settle in and share some anticipation with your driver.

Traditional Chinese Breakfast in Qiaozi

Around 7:30 a.m., you’ll arrive in Qiaozi, a small, charming town en route to the Great Wall. Here, the real treat begins — a traditional Chinese breakfast featuring millet or rice gruel, soybean milk, and a variety of steamed or fried dumplings. Several reviewers have noted how much they appreciated this local touch; one, Israel I, even called the experience “fabulous,” highlighting the helpfulness of the driver in ordering and the quality of the food.

Reaching Mutianyu and Ticketing

By approximately 8:30 a.m., you’ll arrive at Mutianyu, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved sections of the Wall. The driver can assist with purchasing entrance tickets and optional rides such as the shuttle bus, cable car, or toboggan. While the tour price includes entrance fees, rides are extra—so if you’re craving that exhilarating slide down the toboggan, plan for an additional cost.

Exploring the Wall

Once on the Wall, you are free to wander at your own pace for about three hours. The early morning light creates stunning photo opportunities, and the less crowded environment allows for a more personal experience. Guests often mention how “amazing” the views are, and how having the time to explore without throngs of travelers makes it feel more authentic.

Optional Activities

Though not included, the cable car or toboggan rides are popular options for those wanting a quick ascent or descent with minimal effort. The reviews mention the optional rides as highlights, with one guest noting how helpful their driver was and how the Wall itself was “great.”

What’s Included & What’s Not

Included

• English-speaking driver who provides local insights and friendly service
• Bottled water for staying hydrated
• Traditional Chinese breakfast in Qiaozi
• Hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience
• Transport by private vehicle to ensure comfort and flexibility
• Entrance tickets for the Wall

Not Included

• Cable car or toboggan tickets — these are optional but cost extra
• Tour guide — this is a private driver service, not a guided tour
• Lunch — you might find yourself hungry after your explorations, so plan accordingly

Practical Details and Tips

• Timing: An early start is key to avoiding crowds and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
• Price & Value: For $108 per person, including private transport, breakfast, and entrance fees, this tour offers good value, especially considering the convenience and authentic experience.
• Duration: Roughly 7 to 8 hours, perfect for a full morning outing without it feeling rushed.
• Weather & Clothing: Dress comfortably and be prepared for the weather—layers work well, especially early mornings.
• Flexibility: The driver can help you choose how to ascend the Wall, making it suitable for all fitness levels.

Authentic Reviews & Insights

Multiple reviewers mention the helpfulness of the driver, often named Kevin or Mr. Guo, who go out of their way to make the experience seamless. One guest raved, “Mr. Gou was our driver, he’s a wonderful guy” and appreciated being taken to a local restaurant. Others complimented the “great food” served for breakfast, with one calling it “everything perfect.” The less crowded early morning visit was a recurring theme, with guests noting how it allowed them to truly appreciate the Wall’s grandeur without the usual crowds.

Beyond the logistics, the reviews highlight how the experience feels personal and warm, emphasizing the value of local food, genuine interactions, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This Early Bird Great Wall Private Tour offers an excellent mix of comfort, authenticity, and quiet beauty. If you’re someone who prefers to avoid crowds, values local cuisine, and appreciates the freedom to explore at your own pace, this tour is a strong choice. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who want a relaxed, in-depth experience without the rush of group tours.

The inclusion of a traditional breakfast, personalized transport, and assistance with tickets makes it a valuable option for those seeking convenience and culture. Plus, the positive reviews on helpful drivers and quality food suggest a memorable, hassle-free outing.

However, if your goal is to have a guided historical narration or include ride fees in your budget, you might want to consider other options or plan for additional expenses. For most, though, this tour promises a peaceful, scenic, and authentic start to discovering the Great Wall.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
Pickup is at 6:30 a.m., ensuring you arrive early at the Wall.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private experience, meaning only your group participates.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, a Chinese breakfast, entrance tickets, and bottled water.

Are guides provided?
No formal guides are included; the service is a private driver who can assist with tickets and logistics.

Can I upgrade to cable car or toboggan?
The rides are available for an additional fee, which you can purchase on-site with the driver’s help.

How long is the sightseeing at the Wall?
You’ll have approximately three hours to explore on your own.

Is this suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for the weather; layers are recommended.

Is the breakfast authentic?
Absolutely, it features local dishes like millet gruel, steamed dumplings, and soybean milk.

This private early start tour of the Mutianyu Great Wall offers a special way to experience one of China’s most iconic landmarks peacefully and authentically. With its friendly guides, delicious local breakfast, and flexible exploration options, it’s a memorable way to kick off a Beijing trip.