Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall+2 Summer Palaces Tour

Traveling to Beijing often means facing the challenge of fitting in its iconic sights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. This Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall + 2 Summer Palaces Tour promises a well-organized, affordable way to see some of China’s most famous landmarks, all while enjoying the comfort of a guided, no-hassle experience. What sets this tour apart is its focus on value for money and authentic guided insight, making it an appealing choice for those who want more than just a selfie with the Great Wall.

We especially appreciate the ample time allocated at each site—around 3.5 hours at the Great Wall and 2.5 hours exploring the Summer Palace—allowing you to soak in the scenery and history without feeling hurried. Plus, the hassle-free transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off in Taipei ensures you don’t waste precious sightseeing time navigating public transit or figuring out complex routes. That said, the tour’s price of $38 per person is hard to beat, especially considering the inclusion of tickets, internal shuttle, and guide.

However, one thing to keep in mind is the fixed itinerary and optional extras. While optional tickets like cable cars or toboggans are available, they come at additional cost, and some travelers might wish for more flexibility in their visit. This tour caters best to travelers who enjoy organized outings, value guided commentary, and prefer the convenience of scheduled transfers over solo exploring.

If you’re a traveler who appreciates authentic insights, well-timed visits, and good value, this tour is likely to suit your style. It appeals particularly to first-time visitors to Beijing, or those short on time but eager to see key sites with minimal fuss.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 10-hour day combining the Great Wall and two Summer Palaces
• Hassle-free transfer service from Taipei City hotel
• Ample time at each site—about 3.5 hours at the Great Wall
• Expert English-speaking guides offering insights and assistance
• No-shopping guarantee ensures a focus on sightseeing, not sales pitches
• Optional extras like cable cars, toboggans, and boat rides at extra cost

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on This Tour

This organized day trip begins with a hotel pickup in Taipei, making it particularly convenient for those staying in the city. Once you’re on the bus, the 1.5-hour drive to Mutianyu offers a chance for your guide to introduce the history and significance of the Great Wall. We loved the personalized touch guides bring—answering questions and sharing stories that bring the site to life.

Arriving at Mutianyu, you’re given about 3.5 hours to explore. The site is renowned for its restored sections, scenic views, and fewer crowds compared to Badaling. You can choose the east or west line, or both if you’re feeling adventurous. The optional cable car or toboggan ride, both costing 140 RMB, adds some fun to your visit, and your guide can help you purchase tickets if you want.

After the Wall, the tour heads to the Summer Palace, a sprawling royal garden and retreat that served as the summer home for Chinese emperors. The 2.5-hour guided walk takes you around major sights like Longevity Hill and the Kunming Lake, with stories about the “Dragon Lady” and her life. If you opt for the tour-boat (costing 100 RMB), you’ll enjoy a relaxing cruise on the lake, adding a different perspective to the palace grounds.

The next stop is the Old Summer Palace, or Yuanmingyuan Ruins Park—an area rich in history but also marked by its turbulent past, having been looted and burned in 1860. The site offers a fascinating look at what was once a grand complex blending Chinese and Western architectural styles. The optional boat here (80 RMB) can give you a scenic view of the ruins from the water, providing a peaceful contrast to the historic chaos.

The day wraps up with a visit to Olympic Park, where iconic landmarks like the Bird’s Nest stadium await. The entire trip is designed to maximize sightseeing while keeping logistics smooth, thanks to the pre-arranged transportation and guides.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Starting Point & Transportation

The tour begins at Hepingxiqiao subway station Exit B, where you’ll show your reservation to staff in a green vest. The comfortable, air-conditioned bus ensures a relaxed start, and your guide will handle ticket reservations and provide insightful commentary during the drive. The 1.5-hour ride to Mutianyu is an excellent time for your guide to share background stories, setting the context for what you’ll see.

Mutianyu Great Wall

This section of the Great Wall is loved for its restored condition and scenic setting. Unlike the more crowded Badaling, Mutianyu offers a more peaceful experience, and the 3.5 hours of free time lets you climb, photograph, or just soak in the views at your own pace. The optional cable car (140 RMB) can help you reach higher vantage points, while the toboggan ride offers fun for those looking for an adrenaline rush.

More Great Tours Nearby

Summer Palace

The second highlight is the Summer Palace, a vast complex renowned for its beautiful gardens, palaces, and lakes. The guided 2.5-hour tour gives enough time to see key structures and learn about imperial life. Fans of history will appreciate the stories about the “Dragon Lady,” while those interested in landscape will enjoy strolling along the Long Corridor or taking a boat cruise if they add the optional ticket.

Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan)

The ruins are both evocative and educational. The site was once a glorious imperial retreat, but the looting and burning in 1860 turned it into a poignant reminder of the past. The 1.5-hour guided tour allows visitors to appreciate the scale and architectural styles, with optional boat rides adding a tranquil element to the visit.

End of Day at Olympic Park

The final stop allows you to see Beijing’s modern architectural achievements—like the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube—affirming the city’s blend of tradition and innovation. The entire day concludes here, with a bus ride back to the meeting point.

The Value of This Tour

At just $38 per person, this tour offers remarkable value considering the inclusions—entry tickets, transportation, and guide services. The longer sightseeing times at each site mean you won’t be rushed, unlike some bus tours that skim the highlights. The guides’ knowledge appears to be a highlight, with reviews praising their helpfulness and supportiveness.

The optional extras like cable cars, toboggans, and boat rides are reasonably priced but can add up if you choose to indulge. They are designed to enhance your experience, not to pressure you into spending more. For travelers on a budget, the core experience—visiting the Great Wall and Summer Palaces—already provides significant depth and insight.

The tour also suits those who prefer organized, guided experiences over solo exploring, especially given the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. It’s a good fit for first-time visitors or those with limited time in Beijing who want a comprehensive yet manageable day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing without the hassle of logistics. If you value professional guides who can bring sites to life with stories and context, this tour delivers. It’s especially suited for those unfamiliar with Beijing’s layout or those who prefer a set schedule that covers major highlights efficiently.

Those who dislike optional upselling might appreciate the no-shopping guarantee, keeping the focus on cultural and historical discovery. Budget-conscious travelers will also find this offer compelling, as it bundles multiple major attractions at an affordable price.

Finally, if you enjoy authentic, guided insights and well-paced visits, this tour ticks many boxes—delivering a satisfying snapshot of Beijing’s imperial and modern heritage.

The Sum Up

This Mutianyu Great Wall + 2 Summer Palaces Tour offers excellent value for travelers eager to see some of Beijing’s most iconic sights in one day. The combination of comfortable transportation, experienced guides, and generous time at each site makes it especially appealing for first-time visitors or those short on time.

What makes this tour stand out is its balance of structured itinerary with enough flexibility for optional activities, all delivered at an affordable price point. The guides’ reviews highlight their helpfulness, which is crucial in making the experience more enriching and less stressful. The no-shopping policy ensures your focus remains on the sites, not sales pitches.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, well-organized day trip that covers the essentials and provides authentic insights into Beijing’s cultural history, this tour is a solid choice. For travelers who prefer independence and a more flexible schedule, it might be a bit too structured, but for most, it hits the perfect sweet spot between convenience and immersion.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation by air-conditioned bus is included, with hotel pickup and drop-off in Taipei City.

How long is the drive to the Great Wall?
The drive from the meeting point to Mutianyu takes about 1.5 hours.

How much time do we get at the Great Wall?
You’ll have approximately 3.5 hours to explore the Mutianyu section, which is plenty of time for walking, photos, or optional rides.

Are optional tickets like cable cars included?
No, optional tickets such as the cable car or toboggan cost extra (around 140 RMB), and guides can assist with purchasing.

What about the Summer Palace?
You’ll spend around 2.5 hours on a guided tour, exploring the gardens, palaces, and lakes, with optional boat rides at additional cost.

Is this suitable for all fitness levels?
Generally, yes, but be prepared for some walking and possibly climbing stairs—especially at the Great Wall and Summer Palace.

Can I customize the tour?
This is a fixed itinerary, but optional activities like boat rides and cable cars can be added for an extra fee if you wish.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy food during the day.

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

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The group atmosphere and guides make it easy for solo travelers to feel comfortable and engaged.

This tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to experience Beijing’s greatest highlights—with the comfort and guidance to make your day smooth and memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: