Exploring the renowned Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China and the expansive Summer Palace on a private day tour is a captivating experience. Visitors can marvel at the well-preserved, scenic Great Wall, surrounded by verdant hills, before discovering the magnificent imperial gardens and palatial buildings of the Summer Palace. With convenient transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and optional chairlift or cable car access, this tour offers an immersive glimpse into China’s captivating history and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to the region, this private day tour promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you eager to uncover more of China’s ancient wonders.
Key Points
- This private, full-day tour explores the renowned Mutianyu Great Wall and the expansive Summer Palace in Beijing.
- The tour includes private transportation, a professional guide, entrance fees, and options for chairlift or cable car rides at the Great Wall.
- At the Mutianyu Great Wall, visitors can wander along the well-preserved section for around 2 hours, taking in the stunning natural surroundings.
- The Summer Palace tour showcases the magnificent Imperial gardens, palatial buildings, and architectural highlights like the Marble Boat and Seventeen Arches Bridge.
- The tour provides a comprehensive experience, covering hotel pickup/drop-off, lunch, and accessibility options for wheelchair users and families with young children.
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Tour Overview
This private, full-day tour allows visitors to explore two of Beijing’s most iconic attractions – the Mutianyu Great Wall and the Summer Palace.
You’ll enjoy a personalized experience with private transportation and a professional guide throughout the day. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as entrance fees to both sites.
At the Mutianyu Great Wall, you’ll have around 2 hours to wander along this UNESCO World Heritage site, with the option to ride a chairlift or cable car.
After, you’ll visit the magnificent Summer Palace, where you can discover the Imperial gardens, palaces, and photogenic lakeside scenery.
With all logistics handled, this tour provides a hassle-free way to tick off two of Beijing’s top attractions.
Mutianyu Great Wall
The Mutianyu Great Wall, a renowned section of the famous UNESCO-listed Great Wall of China, offers visitors a chance to explore this iconic historical landmark.
Visitors can spend around 2 hours walking along this well-preserved and scenic part of the Great Wall, with the option to ride a chairlift or cable car up and down the steep mountain terrain.
The Mutianyu section is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, with verdant trees and stunning views of the rolling hills.
Visitors can also enjoy a typical Chinese lunch at a local restaurant near the entrance, although this isn’t included in the tour price.
This section of the Great Wall provides an unforgettable glimpse into China’s rich history and culture.
Chairlift and Cable Car
Visitors to the Mutianyu Great Wall have the option of riding a chairlift or cable car to ascend and descend the steep mountain terrain, providing an easier and more comfortable way to explore this section of the iconic structure.
The chairlift carries guests 1,500 meters up the mountain over the course of 15 to 20 minutes, offering breathtaking views along the way.
Alternatively, the cable car transports visitors 4,500 meters up the mountain in just 4 to 6 minutes.
Both options allow travelers to save energy and focus on taking in the stunning vistas of the Great Wall snaking across the surrounding peaks.
These convenient transportation methods make the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall accessible to a wide range of visitors.
Local Chinese Lunch
A delightful local Chinese lunch awaits travelers during their visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall. Typically served at a nearby restaurant, this authentic meal provides a welcomed opportunity to refuel and experience the flavors of the region.
Travelers can savor a variety of traditional Chinese dishes, often including staples like rice, noodles, meat, and freshly prepared vegetables.
The lunch menu may feature:
- Steaming hot dishes of Kung Pao chicken or beef with broccoli
- Fragrant vegetable stir-fries and savory dumplings
- Refreshing cold dishes like pickled vegetables or chilled noodle salads
- Warm, fluffy white rice to accompany the flavorful main courses
This hearty and satisfying lunch fuels explorers for the remainder of their Mutianyu Great Wall adventure.
Summer Palace Exploration
Sprawling across Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, the Summer Palace impresses visitors with its magnificent Imperial gardens and palatial buildings.
Travelers can wander through the extensive Long Corridor, admire the elegant Seventeen Arches Bridge, and marvel at the iconic Qingyan Stone Boat, all while taking in the serene lakeside scenery.
The gardens are home to an array of architectural marvels, from ornate pavilions to tranquil temples.
Visitors can explore the grounds by boat, taking in the views from the water, or simply stroll through the verdant landscapes.
With its rich history and stunning natural beauty, the Summer Palace offers a truly unforgettable glimpse into China’s imperial past.
Architectural Highlights
The Summer Palace’s architectural highlights captivate visitors, from the ornate Marble Boat to the iconic Seventeen Arches Bridge spanning Kunming Lake.
Dotting the vast Imperial gardens are numerous palatial buildings and pavilions, each with their own unique architectural styles and stories. Visitors can admire:
- The grand Long Corridor, a 728-meter covered walkway adorned with intricate carvings and paintings
- The striking Kunming Stone Boat, a two-story pavilion designed to resemble a traditional Chinese wooden ship
- The Empress Dowager Cixi’s fanciful Summer Retreat, with its delicate filigree and dragon-embellished roofs
The majestic Longevity Hill, home to an array of temples, pagodas, and other impressive structures.
Inclusion Details
This private day tour includes a comprehensive package of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as the entrance fees to both the Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace. Visitors will also benefit from the services of a knowledgeable private tour guide throughout the day. Plus, the tour covers the costs of tolls, gas, parking, and even provides bottled water. Guests can choose to ride the cable car up to the Mutianyu Great Wall and take a scenic boat ride at the Summer Palace, with these fees also covered in the package.
Inclusions | Details |
---|---|
Transportation | Hotel pickup and drop-off, tolls, gas, parking |
Entrance Fees | Mutianyu Great Wall, Summer Palace |
Activities | Cable car, boat ride |
Guide | Private professional tour guide |
Additional Information
Travelers can rest assured that this private day tour is easily accessible, as it accommodates both wheelchair users and those with strollers. Infant seats are also available for families with young children. On top of that, the tour is suitable for most visitors, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience.
The tour provides several convenient features:
- Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, ensuring a seamless planning process.
- The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it ideal for visitors with mobility needs.
- Infant seats are available, catering to families with young children.
- The tour is suitable for most travelers, allowing a wide range of participants to enjoy the experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. Private tours typically allow flexibility to adjust the schedule and activities based on the group’s interests and preferences, within reasonable limits set by the tour provider.
Will There Be Any Shopping Stops During the Tour?
The tour does not include any scheduled shopping stops. The focus is on providing a comprehensive guided visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall and the Summer Palace. The tour itinerary is set and doesn’t allow for customizable shopping activities.
Is It Possible to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
Yes, it’s possible to extend the duration of the tour. Travelers can coordinate with the tour operator to customize the itinerary and spend more time at the Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace or add additional stops as desired.
Can I Choose to Visit Only One of the Sites?
Yes, it’s possible to visit only one of the sites on this tour. The tour operator offers flexibility, allowing customers to focus on just the Mutianyu Great Wall or the Summer Palace if preferred.
What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?
There is no strict dress code for this private tour. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended, as visitors will be exploring outdoor historical sites. Layering is advised to accommodate changes in temperature throughout the day.
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Recap
This private tour provides a comprehensive exploration of two of China’s most renowned historical and architectural marvels.
Visitors can enjoy the scenic splendor of the Mutianyu Great Wall, accessing it via chairlift or cable car, before discovering the magnificence of the Summer Palace’s imperial gardens and palatial buildings.
With transportation, a professional guide, and entrance fees included, this tour offers a seamless and enriching experience for those seeking to enjoy China’s rich cultural heritage.