Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour with Ticket

Imagine walking along the ancient ramparts of the Great Wall in one of its most scenic and well-preserved sections, then drifting into the tranquility of the Summer Palace, China’s largest and most beautiful imperial garden. For just $29 per person, this private tour promises a day of authentic sights, flexible pacing, and personalized attention—no crowds, no shopping detours, just the sites you want to see.

Led by a friendly guide—like Yuli, who earned high praise from travelers—this experience is perfect for those who prefer a relaxed, in-depth visit to Beijing’s top landmarks. We love the freedom to explore each site at our own pace, enjoying up to five hours at Mutianyu and ample time at the Summer Palace. Another highlight: the included skip-the-line tickets and complimentary shuttle bus, saving you both time and hassle.

A potential consideration: this is a daytime tour, so if you’re a night owl or want a later start, you’ll need to plan accordingly. Also, if you’re keen on adding optional extras like the cable car or toboggan, those costs are extra. This tour suits travelers seeking a more personal, flexible experience without the pressure of large groups or rushed schedules.

Key Points

• Private and Flexible: Enjoy personalized exploration at your own pace with up to five hours at Mutianyu.
• Authentic Experience: Skip crowds with early access and avoid sales stops—focusing solely on the sites.
• Excellent Value: For just $29, get tickets, transportation, and a knowledgeable guide, making it a cost-effective way to see two major attractions.
• Comfort and Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and free shuttle buses inside the sites.
• Authentic Highlights: Stunning mountain scenery at Mutianyu and peaceful natural beauty at the Summer Palace.
• Ideal for: Travelers who want a personalized, in-depth visit without the rush or added expenses of shopping or unnecessary stops.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Beijing’s Top Sites with a Personal Touch

Visiting Beijing’s most iconic landmarks can often mean fighting crowds, waiting in long lines, and feeling hurried. This private tour cuts straight to the experience you’re after—seeing two of the city’s most beloved sites without the stress. For just $29, you’ll receive skip-the-line tickets that let you bypass the often-long queues, especially at the Summer Palace and Mutianyu, which are among Beijing’s most visited attractions.

The day begins at the Mutianyu Great Wall, a section celebrated for its superb preservation, stunning mountain scenery, and peaceful atmosphere. Unlike the heavily trafficked Badaling, Mutianyu offers a quieter, more reflective experience with plenty of opportunities for photos, wandering watchtowers, and soaking in the views.

With up to five hours of free exploration, you can choose to walk along the wall, take a cable car to save your legs, or even enjoy the toboggan ride—an optional activity that promises fun and a different perspective of the wall. The flexible timing means you can linger over a scenic spot or retreat for some rest when needed, making this ideal for those who prefer a leisurely pace.

In the afternoon, the tour transitions smoothly to the Summer Palace—a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design. You’ll stroll along elegant pavilions, lakeside walkways, and the famous Long Corridor, all set against the backdrop of Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. The serene natural beauty and historical grandeur make this a perfect spot to unwind and appreciate China’s imperial past.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

For travelers, cost is often a deciding factor, but here, the emphasis is on quality and authenticity. For $29, the package includes entrance tickets, private transport, and a friendly guide, which collectively save you hours of waiting and the hassle of navigating on your own. Compared to large group tours, the private approach ensures you can spend as much or as little time at each site as you wish—especially appreciated at Mutianyu, where up to five hours lets you hike, rest, or enjoy optional activities like the cable car or toboggan.

The private hotel pickup and drop-off add a layer of convenience, especially after a long flight or prior sightseeing. We loved the way this personalized service minimized stress and allowed us to focus on soaking in the views and history.

This tour’s avoidance of shopping stops and scams is a big plus, especially for travelers wary of tour traps. With a trustworthy provider like BusDa—who receives over 100,000 visitors yearly—you can feel confident in the quality and reliability of your experience.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Starting at Hepingxiqiao Station, the tour picks you up at Exit B, near the subway, which is convenient for most travelers arriving by public transport. The guide, easily identifiable in a green vest, ensures a smooth check-in process.

Your first stop, Mutianyu, is about a 1-2 hour drive from central Beijing, but this is part of the journey to escape the city’s hustle. Once there, your guide will handle the tickets, allowing you to head straight into the scenic area. Here, you’re free to explore—walking along the steep, winding walls or taking the cable car for panoramic views, then tobogganing down if you’re feeling adventurous.

The five hours allocated for Mutianyu mean you can take your time. This section of the Great Wall is famous for its beautiful mountain setting, with lush forests around and watchtowers that date back centuries. Many visitors mention that Mutianyu feels more peaceful than other sections, making it a favorite for those craving a more tranquil experience.

After a relaxing lunch (often included if you choose the meal option), you’ll be driven to the Summer Palace, about an hour away. The palace’s expansive grounds include the Lakeside Walkways, pavilions, and the Long Corridor—all perfect for a leisurely stroll. The natural setting is both picturesque and calming, providing a stark contrast to the ruggedness of the Great Wall.

The tour concludes back at the starting point, but with plenty of memories and photos to take home. The flexibility at each site, combined with the comfort of private transport, makes this a truly relaxed way to see Beijing’s highlights.

Authentic Experiences and Authentic Guides

The positive review from Ashwath highlights the value of knowledgeable guides—like Yuli—who are quick to adapt when unforeseen closures occur. Even if Mutianyu was closed on one day, Yuli’s quick thinking to reschedule and take visitors to Badaling showed flexibility and genuine care.

Travelers love the stunning views at Mutianyu and the peaceful beauty of the Summer Palace, with many remarking on the quiet, uncrowded atmosphere and the helpfulness of the guide. These details transform what could be a rushed stamp-collecting tour into a memorable, personal experience.

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The Sum Up: Who Should Book This Tour?

This private tour is perfect for travelers who want authentic, relaxed exploration of Beijing’s most famous sites. It’s especially suited for those who value personalized service, prefer to avoid crowds, and enjoy the freedom to spend more time at each location. The affordability combined with skip-the-line tickets, private transport, and a friendly guide** makes it a smart choice for travelers seeking quality without breaking the bank.

If you’re someone who appreciates a balanced mix of history, natural beauty, and comfort, this tour offers a great way to see Beijing’s highlights at your own pace. It’s especially ideal if you want to maximize your sightseeing without the typical group tour rush or sales stops.

FAQs

What is included in the price of $29?
The $29 fee covers entrance tickets to both the Mutianyu Great Wall and the Summer Palace, private hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected), air-conditioned transportation, and a guide. Optional extras like the cable car and toboggan are not included and cost extra.

Can I customize the visit at each site?
Yes. The tour provides up to five hours at Mutianyu, allowing you to walk, rest, or take optional rides like the cable car or toboggan at your own pace. The Summer Palace visit is also flexible, so you can spend more or less time depending on your interests.

Is this tour suitable if I don’t like crowds?
Absolutely. The tour’s skip-the-line tickets and early access help you avoid the crowds, especially at the Great Wall. Mutianyu is known for being quieter and more peaceful than other sections, making it a good choice for those seeking serenity.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at Exit B of Hepingxiqiao Station on Subway Line 5. The guide will be wearing a green vest with the BusDa logo for easy identification.

Are meals included?
Meals are not included in the basic package, but some options may offer a buffet lunch. You can choose to add this when booking.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring your passport or ID card for entry to the sites, some cash (since credit cards may not be widely accepted at the Wall), and comfortable shoes for walking. It’s also wise to have a hat, sunscreen, and water.

In sum, this private tour offers a balanced, well-priced way to see two of Beijing’s most famed landmarks with enough flexibility to make it your own. Whether you’re after stunning views, peaceful natural beauty, or a hassle-free experience, it’s a solid choice for travelers who want a meaningful visit without the commercial noise.

You can check availability for your dates here: