Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Day Tour

Exploring Beijing’s iconic sights in a single day is a challenge, but this guided tour makes it doable without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Designed for travelers who want a balanced mix of history, culture, and stunning views, this tour offers a lot for its affordable price of just $29 per person. It’s especially appealing for those short on time but eager to see some of China’s most celebrated landmarks.

What we love most about this experience is its convenience—a hassle-free transfer from central Beijing and a carefully curated itinerary that gives you plenty of time to enjoy each site. We also appreciate that there’s no shopping pressure, which is a common frustration on many group tours. However, keep in mind that it’s a full 9-hour day, so it’s best suited for travelers who don’t mind a bit of walking and a busy schedule.

One possible drawback? While the tour offers optional add-ons like a cable car or toboggan, these come at extra costs (around 140 RMB each), so budget accordingly if you want the full experience. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors seeking value, authentic sights, and knowledgeable guides.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want to see two of Beijing’s most famous attractions in one day, especially those who prefer a guided, organized outing over navigating alone. It’s ideal if you value educational guides, good transportation, and a clear itinerary. It’s also a solid choice for visitors on a budget, as the price includes tickets to both major sites and roundtrip transportation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Full-day, well-paced schedule with about 4 hours at the Great Wall and 3 hours at the Summer Palace
• Hassle-free transportation and a convenient meeting point at Hepingxiqiao subway station
• Optional ticket upgrades like cable cars or toboggans to enhance your experience
• Authentic sightseeing with no forced shopping stops
• Expert guides who share stories, history, and tips, making the sites more meaningful
• Good value for money with included tickets and roundtrip transport

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Ease of Starting Out

From the moment you arrive at the meeting point — Hepingxiqiao subway station Exit B — the process is straightforward. Staff in green vests guide you onto the bus, and you’re set for a roughly 1.5-hour drive to Mutianyu. We liked how smoothly this initial step went, especially compared to the chaos some tours can have at departure points. The air-conditioned bus makes the journey comfortable, and the guide’s introduction about Mutianyu sets the stage for what’s ahead.

Visiting the Mutianyu Great Wall

The highlight of the day, undoubtedly, is the Great Wall. Mutianyu is known for its less crowded, more scenic sections and is considered one of the most beautiful parts of the Wall. You get about 4 hours here, which is plenty of time to walk, take photos, and soak in the views.

The tour offers an internal shuttle to help you reach the Wall, and visitors can opt for a cable car ride (additional 140 RMB), which significantly eases the ascent and provides a stunning aerial view. Many reviews highlight how this optional upgrade is worth it, especially if you want to conserve energy or enjoy the vista without the climb.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you might choose the west-line, east-line, or both routes—these provide different perspectives and lengths of walk along the Wall. Some travelers mention the toboggan ride (another optional activity, also about 140 RMB), which adds a fun, fast way down after exploring.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Summer Palace

After the Wall, the guide takes you back to Beijing for the Summer Palace, a sprawling royal garden filled with lakes, pavilions, and traditional architecture. You’ll have around 3 hours to explore, which is enough to see the main highlights and learn about the fascinating stories behind this site.

The guide’s commentary on the ‘Dragon Lady’ and her life, along with details about the historical buildings, enrich your visit. Many reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and energy—one mentioned that Selina’s humor and expertise made the experience more enjoyable. Optional tour-boat rides (costing around 100 RMB) are available, but some travelers note that the main entrance ticket provides ample opportunity to appreciate the site.

Visiting Olympic Park

In the later part of the day, the tour stops at Beijing’s Olympic Park for about 45 minutes. Here, you’ll get a glimpse of architectural marvels like the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube. It’s a brief stop but offers excellent photo opportunities and a chance to see modern Beijing’s innovative side.

Practical Details

The entire day is structured to maximize your sightseeing without feeling overly rushed. The itinerary is tight but flexible enough to allow for personal exploration and photo stops. The tour concludes back at the original meeting point, making logistics simple.

The tour is well-reviewed for its value, with many travelers praising the professional guides, comfortable transportation, and the ability to skip the lines for tickets. Some mention that, despite a long day, the experience was worth every moment, especially given the price.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

One of the most praised aspects is the expert guides. Multiple reviews highlight guides like Yoyo, Lee, and Jackie Chan for their knowledge, humor, and helpfulness, which truly elevates the experience. Their ability to share stories and insider tips makes each site come alive.

The scenic value of Mutianyu is another notable highlight. It’s often less crowded than Badaling, allowing for a more relaxed visit, and the views are stunning. Many travelers appreciated the time allocated, ensuring they could enjoy the Wall without feeling hurried—a common complaint about shorter tours.

The combination of sites—Great Wall, Summer Palace, and Olympic Park—provides a well-rounded snapshot of Beijing’s history, royal legacy, and modern development, making this tour an excellent sampler for first-timers or those short on time.

Considerations to Keep in Mind

While the tour offers great value, some optional activities like cable cars, toboggans, and boat rides come at additional costs. Budget travelers should plan for these expenses if they want to experience these extras. Also, since the day is packed, expect some walking and standing, which might be tiring for some.

The tour does not include meals, so you might want to bring snacks or plan lunch during free time. It’s advisable to arrive at least 10 minutes early and carry your passport or ID, as these are required for entry at the sites.

Final Thoughts

This guided day tour from Beijing offers an excellent way to see two of China’s most iconic sites without the stress of planning and navigating on your own. The professional guides, comfortable transport, and no-pressure tickets make it a smart choice for travelers seeking value, authenticity, and efficiency.

For those who want to experience the grandeur of the Great Wall, the serenity of the Summer Palace, and a taste of Beijing’s modern architecture all in one day, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors, those with limited time, or travelers who prefer guided assistance to enrich their understanding.

In short, it’s a well-organized, well-reviewed experience that delivers a memorable, authentic taste of Beijing — all at an accessible price. Just remember to dress comfortably, bring your camera, and be ready for a long, rewarding day.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation is provided by air-conditioned bus from the starting point at Hepingxiqiao subway station.

How long is the drive to the Great Wall?
The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours each way.

Can I choose to include the cable car or toboggan?
Yes, these are optional add-ons at extra cost (around 140 RMB each), and you can reserve them during the tour.

How much time do I get at each site?
You’ll have about 4 hours at the Mutianyu Great Wall and 3 hours at the Summer Palace, making it a comfortably paced day.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, so plan to bring snacks or eat during free time.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID for entrance, comfortable walking shoes, water, and sun protection.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the sightseeing and walking might suit children used to urban walking, but consider individual stamina.

What’s the group size?
While not specified, reviews suggest guided tours are typically small to medium groups, ensuring more personal attention.

This tour offers a practical, enriching glimpse into Beijing’s treasures, perfect for those who want to see a lot without the hassle. It’s a rewarding, well-reviewed way to make the most of a day in China’s vibrant capital.

You can check availability for your dates here: