Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace All Inclusive Tour

Exploring Beijing’s Must-See Sights: Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace All-Inclusive Tour

Imagine spending a day wandering among China’s most famous landmarks—without the hassle of logistics or crowds. For around $149 per person, this all-inclusive tour takes you to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall and the Summer Palace, combining the best of Beijing’s ancient monuments with a comfortable, hassle-free experience.

What’s great about this tour? First, the flexibility — you can choose your pick-up and drop-off times, making it ideal for layovers or tight schedules. Second, the VIP fast pass at Mutianyu helps you skip the line and avoid the crowds, which can be a real blessing during peak season.

One potential consideration? It’s a long day, covering about 75 km from central Beijing to the Wall. If mobility is an issue, keep in mind that part of the experience involves walking and standing in outdoor spaces, though the tour does include convenient cable cars and toboggans.
Ultimately, this tour suits travelers who want to experience Beijing’s highlights comfortably and at their own pace—especially families or those eager to combine culture with scenic views.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Flexible pick-up and drop-off options allow you to customize your schedule
• Skip-the-line VIP fast pass at Mutianyu saves time and avoids crowds
• Includes transportation, tickets, and lunch, providing excellent value
• Comfortable transportation options with various vehicle sizes to suit your group
• Relaxed pace with plenty of time at each site for exploring
• Ideal for layovers or short stays in Beijing looking for a comprehensive experience

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Visiting the Mutianyu Great Wall

The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is often praised for its stunning views and well-preserved towers. Located about 75 km northeast of downtown Beijing, it’s one of the most iconic stretches—famous for its panoramic vistas and relatively less crowded atmosphere compared to Badaling.

Our guides and reviews mention the VIP fast pass, which cuts down wait times significantly, especially during summer weekends, allowing us to start enjoying the wall sooner. The 20 towers along this section are the highest points above sea level, reaching above 1,039 meters—a highlight for anyone wanting impressive vistas.

For those who enjoy a thrill, the toboggan ride down the mountain is a definite bonus. It’s a fun, scenic way to end your visit and offers a bit of adrenaline before heading to your next destination. The cable car options provide a convenient way to ascend and descend, making it accessible even if walking long distances isn’t ideal.

The Summer Palace: A Royal Garden

In the afternoon, the tour takes you to the Summer Palace, the only remaining royal garden in China. Originally constructed in 1750 during Emperor Qianlong’s reign, it was destroyed in 1860 during the Second Opium War and rebuilt by Empress Dowager Cixi in 1886.

Covering 2.9 square kilometers, the Summer Palace offers a seamless blend of natural landscape and classical architecture. It’s a perfect place for a relaxed stroll, with beautiful lakes, bridges, and pavilions.

Reviewers highlight how the site provides a calming contrast to the energetic morning at the Wall, giving us time to absorb the history and enjoy the serene environment. In particular, the natural beauty and traditional structures make it a favorite for families wanting a slower pace in the middle of a busy sightseeing day.

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Practicalities and Included Features

This tour is notably well-rounded. The price of $149 includes private transportation, a private driver, entry tickets, and lunch. You also have the choice of cable cars or chair lifts and toboggans at Mutianyu, which adds to the experience without extra hassle.

If you prefer a guide, the English-speaking tour guide can enhance your understanding, pointing out interesting details and helping you navigate the sites. If you opt just for transportation, the driver, Bieber, was praised for being friendly and courteous, and he shared insights about Beijing along the way—something reviewers appreciated.

Transportation and Flexibility

The tour offers many vehicle options — from 5 seats to 17 seats — perfect for families, groups, or couples. The private transportation ensures a comfortable, relaxed journey, especially considering the long distance from Beijing’s city center.

You’ll appreciate the flexibility to pick your own timing for pickups and drop-offs, making this a versatile option whether you’re on a layover or want to maximize your limited time in Beijing.

Authentic Experiences and Value

While the tour is packaged, it doesn’t feel rushed. It strikes a balance between guided insights and free time at each site. Reviewers say they could spend as much time as they wanted at the Wall and Summer Palace, especially since the guide or driver was attentive to their pace.

The lunch included is another highlight—adding value by saving on extra expenses and offering a taste of local cuisine. This convenience is especially helpful for travelers on tight schedules.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is particularly suited for first-time visitors who want a comprehensive experience without the hassle of organizing transportation themselves. It’s also a great choice for families or small groups that appreciate comfort and flexibility.

If you’re short on time but want to see two of Beijing’s most iconic sites with minimal stress, this tour delivers. The skip-the-line feature and private transport ensure a smooth, enjoyable day.

However, if you’re someone with mobility issues or require wheelchair access, keep in mind that walking and outdoor activities are involved, so some parts may be challenging.

The Sum Up

This Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace All-Inclusive Tour offers an excellent way to experience two of China’s most famous landmarks comfortably and efficiently. With flexible scheduling, skip-the-line VIP access, and well-organized logistics, it provides good value for the price.

Travelers who want to maximize their day without the hassle of navigating public transport or waiting in lines** will find this tour especially appealing. The friendly guides and drivers add a personal touch, making the experience feel both informative and relaxed.

While it’s a long day and involves some walking, the included transportation and tickets make it an accessible and worthwhile option for most visitors wanting a memorable Beijing adventure.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention families enjoying the trip, especially with the fun toboggan at Mutianyu. Just be aware that some walking is involved, so consider your children’s mobility.

Can I customize the pick-up and drop-off times?
Yes, the tour offers flexible pick-up and drop-off options, so you can arrange times that suit your schedule.

What is included in the price?
The price of $149 covers private transportation, an English-speaking guide (if selected), tickets to both sites, cable car or chair lift rides, toboggan, and lunch.

Are there options for larger groups or families?
Absolutely, the tour offers various vehicle sizes, from 5 to 17 seats, accommodating different group sizes comfortably.

How much time do we spend at each site?
The tour typically spends 2-3 hours at the Great Wall and ample time at the Summer Palace, with the pace set to your comfort.

Is there a guide available during the tour?
Yes, you can choose an option with an English-speaking guide to enrich your understanding, although some reviews note that guides are quite knowledgeable even if not included.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport for entry tickets and cash for personal expenses or tips.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Partly. While it involves some walking and outdoor activities, the availability of cable cars and lifts helps. However, it may not be ideal for those with significant mobility impairments.

How do reviews rate this experience?
All reviewed travelers rated it 5 out of 5, praising the reliability, helpfulness, and knowledgeable guides. Many appreciated the relaxed pace and good value.

In the end, this tour offers a straightforward, enjoyable way to tick off Beijing’s most iconic sights—with enough flexibility and comfort to make your visit memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: