ZANBUS: Trip to the Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace

Our review examines a popular day trip in Beijing offered by Zanbus, a well-established Chinese travel agency with over 25 years of experience. While we haven’t taken this tour ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a picture of a well-organized, authentic experience.

What we love about this tour is its affordable price of just $29 per person, making it accessible for many travelers seeking a meaningful day. The professional guides receive praise for their knowledge and friendliness, ensuring you feel well-informed throughout. The no-hassle approach—with no shopping stops or hidden fees—adds to the appeal, especially for those wanting a straightforward culture.

One potential drawback is the long duration (about 10 hours), which might be tiring for some, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are traveling with small children. However, if you’re eager to see two of Beijing’s most iconic sights in one day, this tour offers a good balance of guided time and free exploration.

This experience is ideal for travelers who value well-organized, budget-friendly excursions, and who want a rundown of Beijing’s highlights without the fuss. Perfect for first-time visitors or those short on time, this tour delivers a reliable, enriching day out.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $29, the tour offers excellent value for a full day of sightseeing.
• Expert Guides: Multiple reviewers highlight the friendliness and helpfulness of guides like Judy, Lina, and Dao.
• Comfortable Transport: Fully licensed, well-maintained buses with on-site pickup make travel smooth.
• No Hidden Costs: The tour includes entrance tickets, shuttle service, and optional cable cars or toboggans—no surprise charges.
• Flexible Options: You can choose to add cable cars, chairlifts, or toboggans for extra fun at the Great Wall.
• Authentic Experience: With no shopping stops, the focus remains on historical sites and scenic views.

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Starting Point and Early Morning Pickup

The tour begins bright and early at 7:30 am in the parking lot of The Regent Beijing. This is conveniently located near public transportation, which makes it easy to reach without hassle. From here, a licensed, comfortable bus whisks you away on this approximately 10-hour adventure. Reviewers consistently praise the punctuality and professionalism of the pickup process, with guides like Judy or Lina providing clear instructions and helpful tips.

Mutianyu Great Wall: 4 Hours of Historic Wonder

The first stop is the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, renowned for its stunning panoramic views and well-preserved structure. The tour includes admission tickets and a shuttle service within the park, taking the worry out of navigating this vast site.

Expect around four hours here, which provides plenty of time to explore multiple routes and viewpoints. Some visitors appreciated the option to purchase cable cars, chairlifts, or toboggans in advance, helping them customize their experience.

Reviews mention guides like Dao helping visitors secure tickets for these extras, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy the views comfortably. The Wall’s unique blend of rugged stone steps and smooth pathways means you’ll encounter both challenging climbs and easier scenic routes—so wear sturdy shoes.

What makes Mutianyu special is not just its beauty but also the relatively quieter atmosphere compared to other sections, allowing for more personal moments of awe. Reviewers highlighted how guides explained the structure’s history and recommended routes, making the visit both informative and enjoyable.

Summer Palace: 3 Hours of Royal Splendor

After leaving the Wall, the next highlight is the Summer Palace, where you’ll spend roughly three hours guided through the vast gardens, pavilions, and the iconic Kunming Lake. The tour includes admission tickets, so there’s no need to worry about additional costs.

This site is known for its picturesque scenery, with abundant greenery, ornate architecture, and a tranquil lake that’s perfect for photos. Reviewers particularly enjoyed guides who shared interesting facts about the palace’s history and design, making the visit more meaningful.

While the tour doesn’t include the optional Kunming Lake cruise, you’re free to explore or decide later if you want to indulge in this extra activity. The guided tour ensures you don’t miss key highlights, and the group size—up to 45 travelers—allows for a friendly, communal atmosphere.

Ending at the Bird’s Nest and Flexible Free Time

The day concludes at the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest), where you’ll be transferred after the tour. From here, you’re free to explore on your own, take photos, or head back to your hotel via subway or taxi. The flexibility at the end means you can extend your sightseeing or rest after a long day.

Transportation and Comfort

The tour features a licensed, fully independent bus that’s modern and comfortable. Reviewers repeatedly noted the punctuality and smooth ride, making the long day more enjoyable. The use of headphones and audio guides ensures everyone can hear the guide clearly, even in crowded or lively spots.

Pickup and drop-off are organized to be as convenient as possible, with no hidden costs or complicated logistics. This level of professionalism is appreciated by travelers who want a hassle-free experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price covers round-trip transportation, on-site pickup, bus guide, shuttle within parks, and admission tickets for both the Great Wall and Summer Palace. Optional extras like cable cars or toboggans are available, but you should budget for them separately if you want to add these features.

Not included are meals and personal expenses, so it’s wise to bring snacks and water. Travelers also need to consider that travel insurance isn’t included, so ensure your coverage is adequate before the trip.

Real Visitor Feedback

Most reviews focus on the friendly guides, with Judy, Lina, and Dao receiving particular praise. One reviewer called the trip “well organized and worth the money,” emphasizing the convenience of the pickup and the informative nature of the guides.

Another noted, “The Great Wall is incredible, a must-see,” and appreciated the detailed explanations, which made the experience richer. Several travelers highlighted how they could tailor their visit with optional cable car rides, which added fun and helped with fatigue after a long walk.

The no-shopping policy was a big plus for many, ensuring their time was spent appreciating the sites rather than being led into sales pitches. This straightforward approach was repeatedly mentioned as a key reason they would recommend the tour.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This full-day tour from Zanbus strikes a great balance between value, comfort, and authentic experience. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want an overview of Beijing’s top sights without the stress of organizing transportation and tickets on their own.

Travelers who appreciate professional guides, clear itineraries, and no hidden fees will find this tour reliable and straightforward. The inclusion of admission tickets and options for adding cable cars or toboggans ensures you get the most out of your visit to the Great Wall without extra hassle.

If you’re someone who enjoys guided group tours but still wants some flexibility to explore, this trip offers a nice mix of structure and free time. It’s especially suitable for those with a day to spare, seeking a budget-friendly but comprehensive experience of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins promptly at 7:30 am, with pickup from The Regent Beijing parking lot.

Is transportation included?
Yes, your round-trip bus tickets and shuttle within the parks are part of the package, ensuring comfortable and efficient travel.

Are tickets to the Great Wall and Summer Palace included?
Yes, admission tickets are included for both sites, so there’s no need to buy them separately.

Can I choose to add cable car or toboggan rides?
Yes, these can be purchased in advance on the bus. Guides like Dao assist with securing tickets for these optional extras.

How long is each stop?
You’ll spend about 4 hours at Mutianyu Great Wall and 3 hours at the Summer Palace, giving ample time to explore without feeling rushed.

Is there a break for meals?
The tour does not include meals, so it’s advisable to bring snacks or plan to eat before or after the trip.

What’s the group size?
The group is limited to a maximum of 45 travelers, promoting a friendly atmosphere and easy guide interaction.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly specified, the manageable pace and well-organized itinerary make it suitable for most ages, especially if they enjoy walking and sightseeing.

This Zanbus day trip to the Great Wall and Summer Palace is a dependable choice for travelers looking for value, convenience, and a taste of Beijing’s most famous sights. With friendly guides, straightforward logistics, and no hidden charges, it offers a hassle-free way to make the most of your visit.