Travelers passing through Beijing with limited time can make the most of their layover with the Mutianyu Great Wall tour. This comprehensive 8-hour experience allows visitors to explore the iconic landmark while enjoying the convenience of private transportation and an English-speaking guide. From hiking the centuries-old ramparts to taking a thrilling sleigh ride, participants can tailor their Great Wall adventure to their interests. With flexible scheduling and a hassle-free return to the airport, this tour offers an efficient yet immersive way to discover China’s rich history. Whether it’s your first or fifth time in Beijing, the Mutianyu Great Wall tour promises an unforgettable layover experience.
Good To Know
- 8-hour tour of the Mutianyu Great Wall, including transportation, guide, and options for hiking, cable car, or sleigh ride.
- Tour departs from Beijing International Airport or downtown hotel, with a 1-hour drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall site.
- Inclusions cover entrance fees, cable car, local tea ceremony, and a provided meal during the tour.
- Tour not recommended for pregnant women, and passport is required for ticket purchase on the day of the tour.
- Comprehensive package includes all transportation needs, with a hassle-free return journey to the airport after the Great Wall exploration.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
The Beijing Layover Tour of Mutianyu Great Wall offers an efficient and immersive experience for travelers with limited time in the city.
This 8-hour tour provides a rundown of the iconic Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, allowing visitors to choose between hiking, taking a cable car, or riding a sleigh.
Priced at $196 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation from the airport or downtown Beijing, an English-Chinese speaking guide, entrance fees, and even a tea ceremony.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this tour is a convenient and flexible way to explore one of China’s most famous landmarks during a Beijing layover.
Itinerary and Experience
Travelers depart from Beijing International Airport to embark on this immersive tour.
The group is picked up at the Starbucks Coffee Shop near Exit B of Capital Airport or their hotel in downtown Beijing. They then drive for approximately 1 hour to reach the iconic Mutianyu Great Wall.
At the wall, visitors can choose to:
- Hike the Great Wall
- Ride the cable car
- Experience the sleigh ride
The tour includes a 3-hour Great Wall hike followed by a tea ceremony at a local teahouse.
Afterward, the group returns to the airport, concluding this comprehensive layover experience.
Inclusions
This tour includes an English-Chinese speaking guide to lead the way.
The guide will provide transportation by private vehicle, picking up and dropping off guests at either the airport or downtown hotel.
Entrance fees to the Mutianyu Great Wall are covered, as well as the cable car fees.
A tea ceremony at a local teahouse is also part of the included experience.
Gratuities are highly recommended for the guide.
Souvenir photos are available for purchase.
Lunch is provided during the tour.
Guests should bring their passport, as it’s required for the ticket purchase.
Important Information
This tour is suitable for the general public, though it isn’t recommended for pregnant women.
Guests are required to bring their passport on the day of the tour, as it’s necessary for ticket purchase. Pets aren’t allowed on this tour.
The meeting point for this tour is either the Crowne Plaza Beijing International Airport or the Starbucks Coffee Shop near Exit B of Capital Airport.
The key requirements for booking are:
- Provide arrival/departure flight number, cell phone number, passport name, date of birth, and passport number.
- Passport is necessary for ticket purchase.
- Tour guide will hold guest name tag for identification.
Booking Requirements
To book this tour, guests must provide several key details. This includes their arrival/departure flight number, cell phone number, passport name, date of birth, and passport number.
A passport is necessary for ticket purchase and must be brought on the tour day. The tour guide will hold a name tag for each guest to aid in identification.
Providing this information at the time of booking ensures a smooth experience and allows the tour operator to properly prepare for the group. Guests can then relax, knowing their Beijing layover tour of the Mutianyu Great Wall is all set.
Departure and Pickup
Guests depart from Beijing International Airport to begin their Mutianyu Great Wall tour. They can be picked up at one of two locations: the Starbucks Coffee Shop near Exit B of the Capital Airport or at their hotel in downtown Beijing.
The tour guide will be waiting at the pickup spot, holding a name tag for easy identification. Guests should remember to bring their passport, as it’s required for the tour.
The tour then sets off for the approximately 1-hour drive to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, where the day’s activities will commence.
The tour offers three options for exploring the Great Wall:
- Hike along the wall
- Ride the cable car
- Take a toboggan ride
Great Wall Exploration
Upon arriving at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, guests can choose from three options to explore this iconic landmark.
They can hike along the winding pathways, taking in the breathtaking views from the wall’s watchtowers. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the cable car provides a scenic ride to the top, allowing guests to admire the stunning landscape.
Alternatively, guests can opt for the thrilling sleigh ride, gliding down the wall’s gentle slopes.
Whichever option they choose, visitors are sure to be captivated by the Mutianyu Great Wall’s grandeur and enjoy its rich history during the 3-hour exploration.
Return to Airport
After exploring the Mutianyu Great Wall, it’s time to head back to the airport. The tour provides a hassle-free return journey:
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The tour guide will transport guests back to the airport in a private vehicle.
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Guests will be dropped off at their desired location, either at the Crowne Plaza Beijing International Airport or the Starbucks Coffee Shop near Exit B of Capital Airport.
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This ensures a smooth and efficient transition from the Great Wall tour to the airport, allowing guests to catch their flights with ample time to spare.
The tour’s comprehensive package covers all transportation, making the return trip a seamless part of the overall Beijing layover experience.
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
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. The tour does not provide lunch, so bringing snacks or a packed lunch is allowed and recommended to save money and have the flexibility to eat what you prefer.
Is There a Restroom Available at the Great Wall?
Yes, there are restrooms available at the Mutianyu Great Wall. Visitors can use the public restrooms located along the wall during their hike. The facilities are well-maintained and accessible to all tour participants.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
The tour provides discounted pricing for children under 12 and seniors over 65. Children receive a 50% discount, while seniors get 20% off the standard tour rate. This makes the tour more accessible for families and older travelers.
Can I Extend the Tour if I Want to Spend More Time?
Guests can extend the tour if they’d like to spend more time at the Mutianyu Great Wall, but they’ll need to communicate this with the tour provider before the tour begins. Additional fees may apply for the extended duration.
Is the Tour Guide Licensed and Experienced?
The tour guide is licensed and experienced. They speak both English and Chinese fluently, and they’re knowledgeable about the Mutianyu Great Wall and the local culture. Guests can rely on the guide’s expertise to make the most of the tour.
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The Sum Up
The Beijing Layover Tour of Mutianyu Great Wall offers a seamless and engaging way for travelers with a layover to experience China’s iconic landmark. With private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and flexible exploration options, this tour ensures a memorable and hassle-free visit to the Great Wall. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking to make the most of their limited time in Beijing.