Private Beijing Layover Tour: Great Wall and Forbidden City

Layovers can be tricky, but this private Beijing tour offers a seamless solution. Travelers can experience the iconic Great Wall at Mutianyu and explore the historic Forbidden City, all while bypassing crowds with a VIP fast pass. With personalized transportation, knowledgeable guides, and flexible itineraries, this tour provides a unique opportunity to make the most of a limited time in China’s captivating capital. Whether it’s a first-time visit or a returning trip, this layover tour promises an unforgettable adventure.

Key Points

• This private layover tour in Beijing visits the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Mutianyu Great Wall and Forbidden City.
• The tour offers a VIP fast pass to bypass crowds at the Great Wall and includes cable car/chairlift and toboggan tickets.
• The 9-hour tour is customizable based on flight schedule and provides private English-speaking guides and air-conditioned transportation.
• Wheelchair accessibility and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance enhance the convenience of this tour.
• The tour has received exceptional customer feedback, with a 4.9 out of 5 rating based on over a dozen reviews.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This private Beijing layover tour offers travelers a chance to visit two of China’s most renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites – the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

Priced from $134.02 per person, the 9-hour tour includes a private VIP fast pass at the Great Wall, entrance fees, and transportation.

Travelers can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. The tour is wheelchair accessible and can be customized based on flight schedules.

Customer reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and smooth logistics, recommending bringing WeChat and local currency.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with pickup at either the Beijing Capital International Airport or the Hilton Beijing Capital Airport.

The first stop is the Mutianyu Great Wall, where visitors enjoy a 2.5-hour visit with private VIP fast pass access to avoid the crowds.

Next, the tour heads to Tiananmen Square for a 40-minute visit.

The final destination is the Forbidden City, where guests explore the historic site for 2 hours.

The tour includes:

• Transfer times of 1.5 hours to the Great Wall, 2 hours to the Forbidden City, and 1 hour back to the airport or hotel.

• Entrance fees and shuttle bus rides.

• Wheelchair accessibility.

Highlights

A key highlight of the Private Beijing Layover Tour is the private VIP fast pass provided at the Mutianyu Great Wall, allowing visitors to bypass the crowds and fully enjoy this iconic landmark. This exclusive access ensures a less crowded and more personalized experience exploring a remarkable section of the Great Wall. In addition, the tour includes visits to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, providing a comprehensive introduction to Beijing’s rich history and cultural heritage. The tour’s flexibility to accommodate flight schedules and wheelchair accessibility further enhances the convenience and inclusivity of this exceptional experience.

| Highlights |

|————|

| Private VIP fast pass at Mutianyu Great Wall |

| Explore a less crowded section of the Great Wall |

| Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites |

| Customize tour start time based on flight schedule |

| Wheelchair accessible |

Included Services

Private English-speaking tour guides are available to enhance the experience, providing valuable insights and navigational assistance throughout the tour.

Other included services:

• Professional driver with air-conditioned vehicle for comfortable transportation

• Bottled water and warm jackets provided during the winter months

• Cable car/chairlift and toboggan tickets for the Great Wall visit

• Gratuities for the guide and driver recommended for exceptional service

• Flexibility to customize the tour start time based on flight schedules

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Customer Feedback

Based on over a dozen reviews, the Private Beijing Layover Tour has earned an impressive 4.9 out of 5 rating from past participants.

Travelers praise the tour’s helpful and organized guides, as well as the comfortable transportation. Recommendations suggest having WeChat and local currency before arrival for a smooth experience.

Travelers laud the tour’s organized guides and comfortable transportation, suggesting having WeChat and local currency for a seamless experience.

Reviewers highlight the overall seamlessness of the tour, from the private VIP access at the Great Wall to the convenient pickup and drop-off at the airport or hotel.

The tour’s combination of UNESCO sites, time-saving logistics, and customizable schedule make it a top choice for Beijing layovers.

Getting to the Great Wall

The Private Beijing Layover Tour begins by whisking guests from the airport or their hotel directly to the iconic Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.

The drive takes roughly 1.5 hours, but the journey is made comfortable by the private, air-conditioned vehicle and friendly, English-speaking driver.

Once at the wall, visitors enjoy:

• VIP fast-track access to bypass the crowds

• A gondola ride up the mountain for spectacular views

• The chance to explore a less crowded and more serene part of the Great Wall

• Warm jackets provided in the winter months

• Bottled water to stay hydrated during the visit

Exploring Tiananmen Square

After exploring the grandeur of the Mutianyu Great Wall, the tour moves on to the historic Tiananmen Square.

Spanning 100 acres, this iconic plaza is the world’s largest public square and a symbol of China’s political power. Guests spend 40 minutes strolling the expansive grounds, taking in the imposing architecture of the Tiananmen Gate, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, and the Great Hall of the People.

The guide shares the square’s rich history, from the 1989 pro-democracy protests to its role as the ceremonial heart of the nation. This stop offers a glimpse into China’s political legacy.

Discovering the Forbidden City

Next, the tour explores the iconic Forbidden City, the former imperial palace and seat of Chinese power for over 500 years.

The Forbidden City is a vast, sprawling complex of ornate palaces, temples, and courtyards that offer a glimpse into China’s dynastic past.

Visitors can:

• Marvel at the grandeur of the Gate of Supreme Harmony, the main entrance to the inner sanctum.

• Wander through the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the largest and most important building in the complex.

• Discover the elegant Imperial Garden, a serene oasis within the bustling city.

• Explore the fascinating Nine-Dragon Screen, an intricate tile artwork.

• Learn about the rich history and traditions that permeate every corner of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour provider does offer complimentary bottled water, but allows guests to bring their own additional snacks and beverages as desired.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Maps or Guidebooks?

No, a map or guidebook isn’t necessary. The tour includes an English-speaking guide who’ll provide all the information needed to navigate the sites. The tour is designed to be self-contained, so travelers can focus on enjoying the experience.

Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Great Wall and Forbidden City?

There is no strict dress code for visiting the Great Wall and Forbidden City, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Modest attire that covers shoulders and knees is preferred out of respect for the cultural sites.

Can I Modify the Itinerary to Spend More Time at Certain Sites?

Yes, the itinerary can be modified to spend more time at certain sites. The tour operator allows customers to customize the start time and duration at each location based on their interests and flight schedule.

Are Photos and Videos Allowed at All the Tour Stops?

Photos and videos are generally allowed at the tour stops, though visitors should respect any restrictions or requests from site staff. It’s best to check with the tour guide for specific guidelines at each location.

The Sum Up

This private Beijing layover tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the iconic Great Wall and Forbidden City, bypassing crowds and exploring at one’s own pace. With private transportation, knowledgeable guides, and a customizable itinerary, travelers can enjoy the rich history and breathtaking scenery of these must-see destinations during their limited layover time. This tour offers a seamless and enriching experience, making the most of a brief stopover in the captivating city of Beijing.

You can check availability for your dates here: