For travelers with a layover in Beijing, the city offers an enticing opportunity to explore two of China’s most iconic landmarks – the Great Wall and the Summer Palace. This 8-hour tour provides an efficient and enriching experience, complete with private transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a range of options to tailor the adventure to one’s preferences. From scaling the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall to immersing oneself in the serene beauty of the Summer Palace, this layover trip promises an unforgettable glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage. But the real question remains: what hidden gems and captivating stories await those who embark on this remarkable journey?
Good To Know
- This 8-hour tour covers the iconic Great Wall of China and the Summer Palace, providing flexible options like hiking, cable car, or toboggan.
- Private transportation and an English-speaking guide are included, with pickup available from Beijing Capital Airport or designated hotels.
- The tour includes entrance fees, gratuities, lunch, and an optional cable car or toboggan ride at the Great Wall.
- Participants must provide passport information after booking, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or pets.
- The tour is priced from $215 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
This Beijing Layover Trip offers an opportunity to visit two of Beijing’s iconic landmarks – the Great Wall at Mutianyu and the Summer Palace.
Priced from $215 per person, the 8-hour tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and allows you to reserve your spot without any upfront payment.
You’ll have the option to hike, take the cable car, or ride the toboggan up the Great Wall, explore a jade gallery, and participate in a tea tasting ceremony.
Private transportation and an English-speaking guide are included, making this the perfect way to make the most of your Beijing layover.
Itinerary Highlights
Visitors on the Beijing Layover Trip will begin their journey at the renowned Great Wall of China, exploring the stunning Mutianyu section.
They’ll have the option to hike along the Wall, take a cable car, or even enjoy a thrilling toboggan ride down. After seeing the Great Wall’s cultural heritage, they’ll visit a jade gallery to experience China’s rich jade culture.
The tour then moves on to the magnificent Summer Palace, a renowned royal garden from the Qing Dynasty. Participants will also have the chance to participate in a tea tasting and ceremony at a government teahouse, gaining insight into China’s tea traditions.
Transportation and Pickup
How will participants be transported and picked up for the Beijing Layover Trip?
The tour provides private transportation, with an English-speaking guide picking up participants from either Beijing Capital Airport or their designated hotel.
If arriving at Daxing airport or other train stations, the meeting point is at the Crowne Plaza hotel or Exit B of Terminal 3.
The guide will identify participants by a guest name logo.
The tour includes:
- Private vehicle transport
- Pickup from Beijing Capital Airport or designated hotel
- Meet at Crowne Plaza hotel or Terminal 3 Exit B if arriving elsewhere
- English-speaking guide with guest name logo to facilitate pickup
Inclusions and Exclusions
The Beijing Layover Trip includes a range of services and experiences for participants.
It covers professional English-speaking guide, private vehicle transport, entrance fees, gratuities for the guide and driver, and lunch.
Visitors can also enjoy the cable car or toboggan ride at the Great Wall and receive souvenir photos, available for purchase.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, and pets aren’t allowed.
Participants must provide their passport information to the local supplier after booking, and they should bring their passport on the tour day, as the supplier can’t complete the booking without the passport details.
Important Information
Participants must email their passport information to the local supplier after booking, as the supplier can’t complete the booking without these details.
Travelers must bring their passport on the day of the tour.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, and pets aren’t allowed.
To ensure a smooth experience, visitors should check availability for starting times and select the desired participants and date.
The key points are:
- Email passport information to local supplier after booking.
- Bring passport on tour day.
- Not suitable for pregnant women.
- No pets allowed.
Pricing and Booking
The Beijing Layover Trip is priced from $215.00 per person.
This 8-hour tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and guests can reserve their spot with no upfront payment.
Private transportation, including pickup from Beijing Capital Airport or designated hotels, is included. An English-speaking guide will greet participants with a guest name logo.
The tour includes entrance fees, gratuities, lunch, and optional cable car or toboggan rides.
Travelers must provide their passport information to the local supplier post-booking, as it’s required for the tour.
Checking availability for desired start times and dates is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often have questions about the Beijing Layover Trip, and it’s understandable given the tour’s specific requirements.
The local supplier requires passport details post-booking, as they can’t complete the booking without this information. Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, and pets aren’t allowed.
Some key things to note:
- Passport is required on the tour day.
- Pickup locations are from Beijing Capital Airport, designated hotels, or Crowne Plaza hotel.
- The tour includes private transportation, professional English-speaking guide, and all necessary entrance fees.
- Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.
Exploring the Great Wall
Amid the layover in Beijing, participants can explore the renowned Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, celebrated for its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage.
With options to hike, take a cable car, or ride a thrilling toboggan down, visitors can tailor their experience to their fitness level and preferences.
The Mutianyu Great Wall is known for its well-preserved watchtowers and scenic landscapes, offering a glimpse into China’s imperial past.
After admiring the Wall, the tour also includes a visit to a jade gallery, where participants can learn about the significance of this precious stone in traditional Chinese culture.
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 on the Tour?
According to the tour details, outside food and drinks are not mentioned as being allowed. However, participants are advised to bring their own water and snacks, as lunch is the only meal provided during the 8-hour tour.
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Limited Mobility?
The tour is not suitable for people with limited mobility. The itinerary includes visiting the Great Wall, which requires some strenuous hiking and may be difficult for those with mobility issues. The tour provider advises it’s not recommended for pregnant women.
How Strict Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour has a casual dress code, allowing visitors to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for outdoor activities. There are no strict requirements, though guests should dress respectfully when visiting historical sites.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Add Extra Activities?
Yes, you can extend the tour duration or add extra activities, but this would require coordination with the local supplier. Additional fees may apply for any customizations, so be sure to discuss options and pricing directly with the tour provider.
Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available for the Tour?
Yes, there are often discounts and promotions available for this tour. Travelers should check the supplier’s website or contact customer service to inquire about any current offers that could provide savings on the tour price.
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The Sum Up
The Beijing Layover Trip offers a fantastic opportunity to experience two of China’s premier attractions – the Great Wall and the Summer Palace. With private transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a range of activities, this tour provides a seamless and enriching experience. Whether you choose to hike, take a cable car, or enjoy a thrilling toboggan ride, you’ll create unforgettable memories during your Beijing layover.