Exploring the wonders of ancient China is an enticing prospect for many travelers. This all-inclusive private day tour promises to whisk guests away to two UNESCO World Heritage sites – the iconic Mutianyu Great Wall and the serene Summer Palace. From soaring cable car rides to exhilarating toboggan descents, the itinerary offers an immersive experience that blends history, natural beauty, and modern thrills. But the true allure lies in the opportunity to uncover the hidden stories that have shaped these legendary landmarks, leaving the curious mind eager to delve deeper.
Key Points
- This private day tour from Beijing visits two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Mutianyu Great Wall and the Summer Palace.
- The tour includes round-trip transportation, guided experience, and select admission tickets, such as for the cable car/ski lift and toboggan ride.
- At the Mutianyu Great Wall, visitors can access the historic fortification via cable car or ski lift and enjoy hiking along the well-preserved walls and towers.
- The Summer Palace exploration includes a serene dragon boat cruise on the tranquil palace lake, offering a unique vantage point to admire the elegant architecture and lush gardens.
- The tour provides convenient inclusions such as bottled water, provided lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off within the 5th ring road in Beijing.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
This private day tour from Beijing takes visitors to two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites: the Mutianyu Great Wall and the Summer Palace.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, a guided experience, and select admission tickets.
At the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, travelers can ride a cable car or ski lift up to the historic fortification and then toboggan back down.
At the Summer Palace, guests will explore the classical gardens and temples before taking a dragon boat cruise on the palace lake.
With bottled water, lunch, and a professional guide included, this tour provides an all-inclusive experience to see two of Beijing’s top attractions.
Mutianyu Great Wall
At the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, visitors can ride a cable car or ski lift up to the historic fortification. From there, they can hike along the well-preserved walls and towers, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Mutianyu Great Wall offers several highlights:
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Toboggan down from the Great Wall: After exploring the walls, visitors can opt for an exhilarating toboggan ride back down to the base of the mountain.
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Minimal crowds: Compared to other sections of the Great Wall, Mutianyu is less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.
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Excellent preservation: The Mutianyu section is one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall, providing a glimpse into its rich history.
Cable Car and Toboggan
Visitors typically begin their Mutianyu Great Wall experience by riding a cable car or ski lift up the mountain, providing a scenic ascent to the historic fortification. The cable car ride offers stunning panoramic views as it climbs up the steep slopes, allowing travelers to take in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
For a thrilling descent, guests can choose to ride a toboggan sled down from the wall. The toboggan track winds its way down the mountainside, offering an exhilarating and unique way to return to the base.
This activity adds an extra element of excitement to the Mutianyu Great Wall visit, creating a memorable experience for all who partake.
Hiking the Fortification
Hiking along the historic fortification of the Mutianyu Great Wall offers visitors a chance to experience the grandeur and scale of this iconic Chinese landmark. Travelers can explore the well-preserved sections of the wall, marveling at the intricate architecture and stunning vistas that unfold with each step.
Whether trekking to watchtowers or navigating the steep staircases, the hike provides an immersive glimpse into the Wall’s storied past and the engineering feats of its original builders.
The highlights of hiking the Mutianyu Great Wall include:
- Scaling the steep, winding staircases for panoramic views
- Admiring the intricate watchtowers and guard towers
- Traversing the well-maintained, restored sections of the fortification
Summer Palace Exploration
The classical gardens and temples of the Summer Palace invite visitors to explore the opulent grounds, where they can witness the blend of nature and architectural grandeur that defined this former imperial retreat.
Visitors can stroll through the exquisite lakeside landscapes and admire the intricate details of the palace’s architecture, from the iconic Marble Boat to the ornate pavilions and bridges.
The highlight of the experience is the dragon boat cruise on the tranquil palace lake, offering a serene and picturesque perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Whether admiring the landscape or learning about the palace’s rich history, visitors are sure to be captivated by the Summer Palace’s timeless beauty and elegance.
Dragon Boat Cruise
One of the highlights of exploring the Summer Palace is taking a serene dragon boat cruise on the tranquil palace lake, offering visitors a picturesque perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
The dragon boat cruise allows guests to:
- Admire the elegant architecture and lush gardens of the Summer Palace from the water.
- Glide past the iconic marble boat, a symbol of the palace’s opulence.
- Enjoy a peaceful respite from the crowds and gain a unique vantage point of this historic site.
This enchanting boat ride is included in the private tour, providing a seamless and memorable experience for visitors to fully enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the Summer Palace.
Inclusions and Amenities
This private tour includes a variety of amenities to enhance the overall experience.
Along with the guided tour and transportation, visitors receive bottled water and a provided lunch.
Plus, the tour provides the necessary admission tickets, including for the cable car/ski lift, toboggan, and dragon boat cruise.
To ensure a seamless experience, hotel pickup and drop-off within the 5th ring road are also included.
Whether you prefer to ride the cable car or ski lift up to the Great Wall, or take the thrilling toboggan ride down, this all-inclusive package has you covered.
With these convenient inclusions, you can focus on enjoying the magnificent Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace without worrying about logistics.
Booking and Accessibility
Booking for this private tour is straightforward, with confirmation provided at the time of booking. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so those with mobility concerns should keep this in mind.
The tour features several key booking details:
- 24-hour cancellation policy for a full refund
- Vegetarian meal options available upon request
- Hotel pickup and drop-off service within the 5th ring road in Beijing
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Private 4-Hour In Depth Walking Tour to the Forbidden City
- Mutianyu Great Wall Private Day Tour With English Driver
- Great Wall at Gubeikou and Jinshanling Private Sunset Tour
- Mutianyu Great Wall Private Layover Guided Tour
- Private Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour From Beijing City/Airport
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX) to Hotel
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Tour Group Size?
The tour is a private tour, so the group size is typically small, usually just the traveler and their party. The tour is not conducted with a large group.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour package includes bottled water, but additional snacks or meals from outside are permitted. This allows flexibility for personal preferences and dietary needs.
Are There Any Discounts for Children or Seniors?
According to the tour details, discounts may be available for children and seniors. Travelers should inquire about any applicable discounts when booking the tour. The tour provider can provide specifics on pricing for different age groups.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour operator generally allows customers to customize the itinerary to some extent, such as adding or removing activities, within the overall scope of the tour. However, any changes may incur additional costs or require prior arrangement.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no formal dress code for this tour. Visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe walking shoes. Layers are recommended as temperatures can vary, especially on the Great Wall.
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Recap
The Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace day tour offers visitors a comprehensive and seamless experience.
Guests can access the well-preserved Great Wall, enjoy thrilling activities, and explore the exquisite Summer Palace.
With convenient inclusions like transportation and admission tickets, this tour provides an efficient way to discover two UNESCO World Heritage sites in a single day.