Great Wall of China at Badaling and Ming Tombs Day Tour From Beijing

Exploring the iconic Great Wall of China and the captivating Ming Tombs is a must-do experience for many visitors to Beijing. This comprehensive day tour provides the opportunity to marvel at these UNESCO-listed sites, offering a balance of culture and scenic vistas. Whether climbing the steep north face or the more gradual south face of the Great Wall, guests can soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The tour also includes a visit to the impressive Ming Tombs, where underground chambers, stone carvings, and marble statues await. To cap off the day, an authentic Chinese lunch showcases the local cuisine and gastronomic heritage. With hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour streamlines the experience, leaving travelers eager to…

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Beijing visits the Great Wall at Badaling and the Ming Tombs, offering the opportunity to climb the north or south face of the Great Wall.
• The tour includes pickup and drop-off services, an air-conditioned coach, a professional English-speaking guide, admission tickets, and an authentic Chinese lunch.
• The UNESCO-listed Great Wall at Badaling provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, with the north face being more challenging and the south face more gradual.
• The Ming Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, feature impressive underground chambers, stone carvings, and marble statues, providing a glimpse into the Ming Dynasty’s cultural and historical significance.
• The authentic Chinese lunch, which includes Peking-style roasted duck, steamed dumplings, and stir-fried vegetables, enhances the cultural exploration of the day.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour takes visitors from Beijing to explore the iconic Great Wall of China at Badaling and the expansive Ming Tombs.

Guests will visit one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall, where they can climb the north or south face.

After the Great Wall, the tour continues to the Ming Tombs, where travelers can marvel at the excavated courtyards of the Chang Ling Ming Tomb.

An authentic Chinese lunch is included, and the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off services within Beijing’s 4th ring circle highway.

With an air-conditioned coach and a professional English-speaking guide, this tour offers a comprehensive and convenient way to experience these two renowned Chinese landmarks.

Inclusions

The tour includes pickup and drop-off services, an air-conditioned coach, a professional English-speaking tour guide, a Chinese-style lunch, and admission tickets.

These inclusions ensure a seamless and comfortable experience for travelers.

The pick-up and drop-off services make it easy to get to and from the tour locations, while the air-conditioned coach provides a relaxing mode of transportation.

The professional English-speaking guide will share their expertise and provide valuable insights throughout the tour.

An authentic Chinese-style lunch will be served, giving participants a taste of the local cuisine.

Exclusions

The tour doesn’t include the cable car fee and gratuities. These additional costs are the responsibility of the travelers.

The cable car is an optional mode of transport up to the Great Wall, and it costs extra. Travelers may also choose to tip the tour guide and driver if they’re satisfied with the service provided.

While the tour covers admission tickets, transportation, and meals, these exclusions give travelers flexibility in customizing their experience.

It’s important for guests to budget for these optional expenses in advance to ensure they’ve a smooth and enjoyable day exploring the Great Wall and Ming Tombs.

Climbing the Great Wall

Upon reaching the UNESCO-listed Great Wall at Badaling, travelers can choose to climb either the north or south face, offering breathtaking vistas along the ancient fortifications.

The north face is steeper and more challenging, with over 300 steps leading to the top.

The south face, on the other hand, is a more gradual incline, making it suitable for visitors of all fitness levels.

Regardless of the chosen route, climbing the Great Wall is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of history and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

The tour guide will provide guidance and assistance throughout the climb, ensuring a safe and memorable experience.

Exploring the Ming Tombs

After exploring the grandeur of the Great Wall, travelers explore the excavated courtyards of the Chang Ling Ming Tomb, one of the most significant imperial mausoleums in China. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a fascinating glimpse into the Ming Dynasty’s architectural and cultural legacy, as visitors wander through the elaborate underground chambers and royal gardens. The tomb complex features an impressive array of artifacts, including intricate stone carvings, giant marble statues, and ancient burial relics that provide insight into the rituals and beliefs of the Ming emperors. A visit to the Ming Tombs completes the day’s journey, offering a deeper understanding of China’s rich history and imperial traditions.

Feature	Description
Location	Changping District, northwest of Beijing
Construction	Began in 1409, completed in 1427
Emperors Buried	13 Ming Dynasty emperors
Architecture	Impressive underground chambers, stone carvings, marble statues
Significance	UNESCO World Heritage Site, cultural and historical importance

Authentic Chinese Lunch

Following the tour of the iconic Ming Tombs, travelers will enjoy an authentic Chinese lunch, providing a delightful taste of the local cuisine. The meal is included in the tour package, allowing visitors to sample a variety of traditional Chinese dishes in a comfortable setting.

The lunch features classic favorites like Peking-style roasted duck, steamed dumplings, and stir-fried vegetables, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Travelers can expect an immersive culinary experience that complements the cultural exploration of the day.

The authentic Chinese lunch is a highlight of the tour, offering a well-rounded introduction to the rich gastronomic heritage of the region.

Hotel Pickup and Drop-off

The tour provides convenient hotel pickup and drop-off services within the 4th ring circle highway of Beijing, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s excursion.

Travelers are picked up from their hotels and transported in an air-conditioned coach to the key sites on the itinerary.

At the end of the tour, the coach will return guests to their original hotel, eliminating the need to navigate public transportation or arrange their own transportation.

This included service allows travelers to focus on enjoying the sights without worrying about logistics. The pickup and drop-off service is a valuable perk that enhances the overall convenience and comfort of the Great Wall and Ming Tombs day tour.

Additional Information

This tour operates in all weather conditions, ensuring it runs as scheduled regardless of the day’s forecast. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with limited mobility may have difficulty navigating the uneven terrain at the Great Wall and Ming Tombs sites. Infants must sit on laps during the tour, as no separate seating is provided for them.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 999 travelers, allowing for an intimate and personalized experience.

Travelers should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection. Photography is allowed at all sites, but flash photography may be restricted. Souvenirs and local goods can be purchased at the Longdi jade factory. Tipping for the tour guide and driver is optional but appreciated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Children Under 5 Years Old?

The tour may not be suitable for children under 5 years old. Infants must sit on laps, and the tour involves extensive walking and climbing. Parents should consider their child’s age and abilities before booking this tour.

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

Travelers can customize the tour to visit additional sites, but it may incur extra fees. It’s best to discuss any desired changes with the tour operator beforehand to ensure availability and pricing.

What Is the Refund Policy if I Need to Cancel the Tour?

The refund policy typically allows full refunds for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance. Last-minute cancellations may incur fees. Travelers should review the specific policy before booking to understand the tour operator’s cancellation terms.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

There is an option to upgrade to a private tour. This allows for a more personalized experience with a private vehicle and guide. Upgrades are subject to availability and may incur an additional fee.

Can I Pay With a Credit Card on the Day of the Tour?

Travelers can generally pay by credit card on the day of the tour. However, it’s best to confirm the accepted payment methods with the tour provider in advance to ensure a smooth booking and payment process.

Recap

This guided tour offers the opportunity to explore two renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites – the Great Wall of China at Badaling and the Ming Tombs.

Visitors can choose between different hiking options along the Great Wall and discover the underground chambers, stone carvings, and marble statues at the Ming Tombs, before enjoying an authentic Chinese lunch.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a convenient and comprehensive experience.