For travelers with limited time in Beijing, the Beijing Layover Tour of the Great Wall and Forbidden City offers an efficient and captivating 9-hour experience. Priced at €249.74 per person, this tour takes visitors to iconic sites like the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall and the historic Forbidden City. With an English-speaking guide, participants can enjoy a cable car or toboggan ride, a traditional tea ceremony, lunch, and insights into China’s silk history. Though the pace is swift, this layover tour ensures a smooth and comprehensive exploration of Beijing’s must-see attractions. Whether you’re passing through or have just a day to spare, this tour provides an enticing opportunity to…
Good To Know
- The tour provides an opportunity to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, and other key attractions during a layover in Beijing.
- The tour is approximately 9 hours long and departs from Beijing International Airport, with an English-speaking guide provided.
- The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and the option to experience a traditional tea ceremony and visit a Silk Museum.
- Advance booking is required at least 8 days prior, and specific traveler details are needed, such as arrival/departure flight information and passport details.
- The tour may not be suitable for pregnant women or those with safety concerns due to the physical demands and uneven terrain.
Tour Overview
The Beijing Layover Tour offers travelers a chance to make the most of their time between flights. Priced from €249.74 per person, this 9-hour tour departs from Beijing International Airport and is led by an English-speaking guide.
Highlights include visiting the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, exploring the Forbidden City, and experiencing a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Travelers will also see Tiananmen Square and the Silk Museum.
Advance booking is required due to government restrictions, and guests must provide their arrival/departure flight details. The tour includes private transportation, entrance fees, and lunch.
It’s not suitable for pregnant women, and pets aren’t allowed. With a 5/5 rating based on one review, this tour provides an efficient way to see Beijing’s top sights during a layover.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Beijing.
Itinerary Highlights
One of the highlights of the Beijing Layover Tour is the visit to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. This stunning part of the iconic landmark offers options to ride a cable car or toboggan down after exploring its ancient stone steps and towers.
The tour also includes a visit to the Forbidden City, the sprawling royal palace that was the center of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Guests can experience a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and tour the Silk Museum to learn about the history of this prized fabric.
The itinerary rounds out with a stop at Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest city-center square.
Booking Information
Booking this Beijing Layover Tour requires advance planning due to government restrictions on entry to the Forbidden City.
The tour must be booked at least 8 days ahead of time. When booking, travelers must provide their arrival/departure flight number, mobile number, passport name, date of birth, and passport number.
The meeting point is either the Crowne Plaza Beijing International Airport or the Starbucks Coffee Shop near Exit B of Capital Airport, depending on the airport of arrival.
If arriving at Beijing Daxing Airport or other railway stations, travelers can take a taxi or underground to the designated meeting points.
Inclusions
This tour package includes private vehicle transportation for airport transfers and sightseeing.
An English-Chinese speaking guide will accompany you throughout the day’s activities.
Entrance fees to all the attractions, including the Mutianyu Great Wall and Forbidden City, are covered. The cable car fee at the Great Wall is also included.
Lunch is provided during the tour.
While tips are highly recommended, they aren’t mandatory.
You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase souvenir photos to commemorate your day.
More Great Tours NearbyAdditional Details
Pregnant women aren’t recommended to join this tour due to the physical demands.
Pets aren’t allowed on the tour.
Travelers should be sure to bring their passport, as it’s required for entry to the attractions.
This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, and pets aren’t permitted.
While souvenir photos are available for purchase, travelers should be aware that gratuities for the guide are highly recommended.
With a strict 8-day advance booking requirement and specific information needed, this layover tour offers a well-organized and efficient way to see the highlights of Beijing during a short stopover.
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Customer Feedback
Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on this tour, awarding it a 5/5 rating based on 1 review. The reviewer highlighted that despite the limited time, they were able to see all the key attractions, led by a great guide who made the experience both interesting and fun. The tour seems to offer an efficient way to make the most of a Beijing layover, providing a chance to explore the iconic Mutianyu Great Wall and Forbidden City in just a few hours.
Overall Rating | Review Highlight |
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5/5 | "Time was short, but we managed to see everything. Great guide, it was an interesting and fun few hours." |
Meeting Point
If arriving at Beijing Daxing Airport or other railway stations, travelers can take a taxi or underground to the Crowne Plaza Beijing International Airport or the Starbucks Coffee Shop near Exit B of the Capital Airport.
This is the designated meeting point for the Beijing Layover Tour of the Great Wall and Forbidden City.
Travelers should arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour departure time to ensure a smooth start.
The tour guide will be waiting at the designated location to greet the group and begin the exciting sightseeing adventure.
Not Suitable For
The Beijing Layover Tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women.
The tour involves navigating uneven terrain at the Mutianyu Great Wall, which could pose a risk to expectant mothers. Plus, the extended walking and standing required throughout the day may be physically taxing.
For the safety and comfort of all participants, the tour operator recommends that pregnant women refrain from booking this excursion.
Alternatives such as a private tour or a less strenuous itinerary may be better suited for expectant mothers. Guests are advised to consult with their healthcare providers before embarking on any physically demanding activities during their pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Transport Provided To/From the Starting Point of the Tour?
Yes, the tour provides private vehicle transport for airport transfers and sightseeing. The meeting point is at the Crowne Plaza Beijing International Airport or Starbucks Coffee Shop near the airport’s Exit B.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, but there are no other age restrictions. Children are welcome, with a note that the physical activity may not be suitable for young children.
Can I Purchase Additional Items or Upgrades During the Tour?
Yes, travelers can purchase additional items like souvenir photos during the tour. While the tour includes major attractions, travelers may opt for optional upgrades like cable car or toboggan rides at the Great Wall.
What Are the Security Procedures for Entering the Forbidden City?
Visitors must pass through security checkpoints to enter the Forbidden City. They’ll need to present their passport and have their bags X-rayed. No large bags or sharp objects are allowed inside the palace complex.
Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour on the Day?
The tour duration cannot be extended on the day. Advance booking is required due to restrictions on Forbidden City entries. However, the tour offers a comprehensive 9-hour itinerary to see the top Beijing attractions during a layover.
The Sum Up
The Beijing Layover Tour offers an efficient and captivating way to see the Great Wall and Forbidden City during a layover. With a nine-hour itinerary, participants can experience iconic sites, enjoy a tea ceremony, and learn about silk history, all while being guided by an English-speaking professional. This tour provides a seamless and enriching experience for travelers with limited time in Beijing.
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