Ticket to Forbiden City Summer Palace Temple of Heaven Mutianyu

Exploring Beijing just got easier with this all-in-one ticket package covering iconic sites like the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and Mutianyu Great Wall.
This tour setup is perfect for travelers who want flexibility, insider knowledge, and value — all without breaking the bank. The best part? For just $7.90 per person, you get the chance to see some of China’s most celebrated landmarks in a single day. We love the fact that you can tailor your experience with different optional add-ons and that the tickets are pre-arranged, saving you hours of planning and stress. However, keep in mind that some attractions, like Mutianyu, don’t include cable cars or toboggans in this price, so if you’d like those added experiences, you’ll need to pay extra. This tour suits those who enjoy an authentic, efficient, and well-organized sightseeing day in Beijing.

Key Points

• Flexible Itinerary: You pick which sites to visit and customize your day.
• Cost-Effective: All entrance fees included for just $7.90; optional extras paid separately.
• Expert Guidance: Private English-speaking guides available with certain options for more cultural insights.
• Additional Free Resources: PDFs on Chinese history, shopping, local foods, and modern Beijing to enhance your experience.
• Seamless Entry: Just swipe your passport or show your digital ticket, avoiding long lines.
• Peak Season Planning: Tickets for places like the Forbidden City are prebooked well in advance, which is crucial during busy periods.

A Complete Look at the Tour Experience

This tour offers a surprisingly flexible way to explore Beijing’s most famous sights with a focus on convenience and value. The core idea is that you can select different options—whether you want entry to the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, or the Temple of Heaven—and enjoy simplified access. The price of $7.90 per person covers the entrance fees, which is an incredibly affordable way to tick off major landmarks. Additional features, such as private guides or transportation, are available but at extra cost, giving you control over your budget and experience.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Cover

Tiananmen Square — A natural starting point, this massive public space is absolutely worth seeing. Free to enter, it’s a spot that captures China’s modern history and is the perfect photo-op backdrop. Expect about an hour here, where you can stroll around and absorb the scale of the square. One reviewer pointed out that the tour staff often provide quick, hassle-free entry, which saves valuable time.

The Forbidden City — The highlight for many travelers, this sprawling imperial complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 15th century. It’s the heart of Beijing’s history and architecture, with stunning halls, ancient artifacts, and beautiful courtyards. The tour offers the convenience of pre-booked tickets, crucial during peak seasons when availability drops sharply. Travelers who have used the service praise the professionalism of the staff, who help with entry just by showing a passport or digital ticket. Expect around three hours here, enough to walk through the major halls and enjoy the grandeur.

Temple of Heaven — Known for its exquisite design and historical significance, the Temple of Heaven was where emperors performed sacred rituals. It’s a large park-like setting, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Visitors mention that guides provide insightful commentary, deepening understanding of the site’s importance. Two hours here is enough to appreciate the architecture and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

Mutianyu Great Wall — Regarded as one of the best-preserved sections, Mutianyu offers breathtaking views and a less crowded experience than Badaling. The basic ticket includes entrance and shuttle bus transfer, making it a practical option. For those craving extra fun, cable cars, toboggans, or ropeways need to be booked separately. Reviewers highlighted the convenience of having clear directions and the ability to choose different arrival and departure options—by bus, taxi, or Didi. Expect about three hours for exploration, with plenty of photo opportunities and walking.

Summer Palace — Built in 1750, this royal garden features landscapes, lakes, and ancient architecture. It’s a tranquil spot to relax after more energetic sites. The tour allows around two hours here, which is sufficient to take in the main sights like Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. Visitors often comment on the beautiful scenery and well-preserved structures.

Jingshan Park — Located just north of the Forbidden City, this park’s central hill offers sweeping views of the palace complex. Wanchun Pavilion sits atop, providing the perfect vantage point. An hour here is enough for a quick climb and photo session, with many reviewers noting it’s a highlight for panoramic shots.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The Flexibility and Customization

Unlike rigid guided tours, this offering lets you choose which sites to prioritize. Whether you prefer to spend more time at the Great Wall or explore less-visited temples, you’re in control. This flexibility is especially valuable during busy seasons when attractions sell out quickly. The fact that tickets are prebooked means no last-minute scrambling, and you can plan your day confidently.

The Private Guided Option

For those who want to deepen their understanding, the option to have a private English-speaking guide makes a huge difference. Reviewers mention guides who are knowledgeable and responsible, offering insider tips and cultural context that you wouldn’t get from just wandering alone. Guides can also assist with transportation—taxis or Didi—making the logistics smoother, though these services are paid separately.

The Added Free Resources

Before your trip, you receive PDFs packed with tips on Beijing’s shopping districts, modern attractions, must-try foods (like Peking Duck or Beijing BBQ), and an introduction to Chinese history. These are perfect for travelers who want to get more out of their visit without extra effort.

Seamless Entry and Ease of Use

You simply show your digital ticket or swipe your passport—no waiting in long lines, especially at popular spots like the Forbidden City. This convenience saves hours, letting you maximize your sightseeing time.

Cost-Effective But Not Cheap

While the base price is remarkably low, keep in mind that extras like cable cars, toboggans, private guides, and transportation are paid separately. Still, considering the many included site fees and the value of pre-arranged tickets, this package offers excellent savings compared to booking everything independently during peak times.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of This Tour

• Book in advance — especially during high season, as tickets sell out quickly.
• Use the PDFs — they contain helpful maps, dining options, and historical context that enrich your visit.
• Prioritize your sites — pick your must-see spots to fit into the 12-hour schedule.
• Prepare for weather — Beijing’s climate varies; bring sun protection or rain gear accordingly.
• Separate extras — budget for transportation or cable cars if you want to enhance your experience at Mutianyu.
• Carry your passport — it’s necessary for quick entry at major sites.
• Consider a guide — if you love in-depth stories and insider tips, opt for the private guide upgrade.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want a rundown of Beijing’s highlights without the hassle of planning each site individually. It’s also perfect for those who value flexibility and the ability to customize their day. If you’re traveling during peak season, having prebooked tickets means less stress and more sightseeing. The optional private guide service makes it suitable for culturally curious visitors craving extra insight.

Final Thoughts

At just $7.90 per person for the core experience, this tour offers incredible value, especially for travelers who don’t mind a full day of sightseeing. The ability to choose from different sites, combined with the convenience of pre-arranged tickets and added free resources, makes it stand out from standard guided tours. Whether you want to focus on the Forbidden City, walk along the Great Wall, or enjoy the tranquility of the Summer Palace, this flexible package has you covered.

For those eager to explore Beijing efficiently without missing the essentials or wasting time in queues, this tour delivers. The optional guide service and extra resources also mean you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the city’s culture and history.

In essence, this is a smart, affordable way to get a thorough taste of Beijing’s most iconic sights—ideal for curious, budget-minded travelers who want authenticity, convenience, and a little flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose which sites to visit?
Yes, this tour allows you to pick different options such as the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and Mutianyu Great Wall, giving you flexibility to customize your day.

Is the ticket price really only $7.90?
Correct, the $7.90 fee covers the entrance tickets for the sites included in your selected options. Additional services like guides, transportation, or extras at Mutianyu are paid separately.

Do I need to prebook tickets?
Yes, during peak seasons, tickets for popular spots like the Forbidden City are in high demand and need to be booked at least 7 days in advance. The service assists with this process.

Are guides included in the basic package?
The standard option doesn’t include a guide, but you can opt for a private English-speaking guide to enhance your experience with insider info and help with transportation.

What about transportation?
The basic package includes entrance fees and shuttle bus for Mutianyu but does not include private transportation, taxis, or Didi. You’ll need to arrange or pay for those separately if desired.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 12 hours, from morning to evening, allowing sufficient time to visit all selected sites comfortably.

Is this suitable for families?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, including families, especially since it’s flexible and easy to manage with prebooked tickets and optional guides.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport for quick entry, comfortable shoes for walking, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera to capture the stunning views.

This tour offers an unbeatable combination of affordability, flexibility, and convenience. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to explore Beijing’s essentials without the usual stress—perfect for busy travelers or those new to the city.