Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace All Inclusive Tour

Discover Beijing’s treasures with the Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace All-Inclusive Tour. For $149 per person, you gain a worry-free day exploring two of China’s most iconic sites—the well-preserved Mutianyu section of the Great Wall and the historic Summer Palace. With around 8 to 9 hours of guided sightseeing, private transport, and flexible departure times, this tour offers a convenient way to see these highlights without the hassle of navigating on your own.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the personalized service: hotel pickup, private driver, and the option to customize your schedule—whether you’d like to beat the crowds by leaving early or spend more time at the Wall. The inclusion of entry tickets, cable car rides, and lunch adds to the value, giving you a seamless visit.

That said, one consideration is that admission tickets are not included in the price, so you’ll pay extra for the Wall and Palace entry. Still, this allows some flexibility based on your interests. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comfortable, well-organized day with ample free time to explore at their own pace, especially if you’re keen to avoid the typical crowds and want an authentic experience.

Key Points

• Private transport and hotel pickup make for a smooth day without the stress of hailing taxis or navigating public transit.
• Flexible departure times allow you to avoid crowds or spend more time at your favorite spots.
• Expert guides enhance your understanding, sharing insights that make the experience more meaningful.
• Admission tickets and optional cable car or toboggan offer the convenience of a bundled experience, saving time and effort.
• Free time for exploration gives you the chance to soak in the views and take memorable photos.
• Cost-effective at $149 per person, considering the inclusion of transportation, guide, and meals.

Exploring the Itinerary: What to Expect

The Mutianyu Great Wall

Our day begins with a private pick-up from Beijing, heading straight to the famous Mutianyu section—one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall. This stretch is known for its stunning scenery, fewer travelers, and excellent condition. Stretching 5.4 km, with 20 towers, it offers plenty of opportunities for a memorable hike.

The highlight here is reaching Tower 20, the highest point at 1,039 meters above sea level. Standing here, you’ll understand why the Great Wall is a symbol of China—panoramic views, rugged terrain, and the ancient stones tell stories of centuries past. Expect about three hours at this site, with options for cable car rides or a toboggan descent to make the ascent and descent easier and more fun.

One traveler shared: “The panoramic view from Tower 20 is incredible. You can really appreciate the scope and scale of this ancient marvel.” The optional cable car adds a bit of ease, especially if you’re not keen on a lengthy climb, but many still choose to hike to enjoy the authentic experience.

The Summer Palace

After lunch, we move to the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), a vast royal garden built starting in 1750. It was heavily damaged during the 1860 invasion by British and French forces but was rebuilt by Empress Dowager Cixi in 1886. The Summer Palace is the only surviving royal garden of its kind in China, and it’s easy to see why—it’s an expansive, tranquil space filled with history, architecture, and beautiful landscaping.

Here, you’ll enjoy about two hours exploring highlights like the longest corridor in the world—a covered walkway of 728 meters adorned with over 14,000 paintings— and the marble boat, a symbol of imperial leisure. We loved the way this garden offers a peek into royal life, especially during summer months when the royal family retreated here to escape the heat.

A guest mentioned: “The Summer Palace’s corridors and gardens are breathtaking. It’s a peaceful contrast to the busy city.” The combination of scenic spots and historical sites makes this stop both relaxing and culturally enriching.

What’s Included and What to Expect

This tour offers private transportation, meaning you won’t need to worry about navigating Beijing’s traffic or public transit. A private driver and an English-speaking guide (if you opt for the guided version) ensure that your day flows smoothly. The entry tickets for both the Wall and Palace are included, along with cable car rides or toboggans at the Wall, which add extra fun and sightseeing comfort.

Lunch is also part of the package, giving you a chance to refuel and try some local flavors. During the day, you’ll have plenty of free time to explore each site on your own, taking photos, or simply soaking in the views.

Personalized Experience

One of the standout features is the ability to customize your departure time. Whether you prefer an earlier start to beat the crowds or to stay longer at the Wall, the flexibility makes for a more tailored experience.

Authentic and Relaxed

The reviews highlight a knowledgeable guide named Leo, who made the day enjoyable with friendly service and insightful commentary. The tour’s pace is well-managed, with enough breaks and free time, making it accessible for most travelers.

Potential Drawbacks

While this tour offers a lot of value, the admission tickets are not included—you’ll need to purchase them separately at each site. This adds a small extra cost but also gives you some flexibility to choose what you want to see.

Also, since it’s a fully private tour, it might not be suitable if you’re looking for a larger group or a more social atmosphere. That said, for those who prefer a more intimate experience, this can be a benefit.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and a well-organized day. It’s ideal if you’re eager to see the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall without the hassle of self-guided planning, and if you want a relaxed visit to the Summer Palace without feeling rushed. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate knowledgeable guides and the option to customize their schedule.

Final Thoughts

This Beijing tour strikes a great balance between convenience and authenticity. The inclusion of private transportation, guide, and meals means you can focus on enjoying the experience rather than logistics. The stops are carefully selected to showcase Beijing’s historical grandeur—the rugged beauty of the Great Wall and the elegant serenity of the Summer Palace.

The flexibility to choose departure times and spend ample free time adds to its appeal, especially if you like the idea of avoiding crowds or capturing perfect photos. The knowledgeable guides, especially those like Leo, turn a sightseeing trip into a more engaging and insightful outing.

If you’re after a comfortable, well-structured day that hits all the highlights, this tour offers excellent value for the price. It’s especially suited for those who want a personal touch and authentic experiences without overpaying or overcomplicating their day.

FAQ

Are the admission tickets to the Great Wall and Summer Palace included?
No, the tickets are not included in the $149 price but are part of the tour package, meaning they’re covered if you choose the guided option. You will pay for the tickets directly at each site.

Can I customize the departure time?
Yes, the tour offers flexible departure times, so you can leave earlier to beat the crowds or stay longer at the Wall, depending on your preferences.

What transportation is provided?
A private driver and private vehicle will pick you up from your Beijing hotel and take you directly to the sites, making the trip comfortable and stress-free.

Is the tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the pace is managed well with plenty of breaks. However, if you have mobility concerns, check with the provider about the terrain at each site.

How long do I spend at each site?
Expect about 3 hours at the Mutianyu Great Wall and 2 hours at the Summer Palace, with additional time allocated for travel and lunch.

What’s the benefit of choosing this tour over others?
The main advantages are the private, customizable experience, knowledgeable guides, and the inclusion of transport and meals, offering great value and convenience.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded, hassle-free way to see two of Beijing’s most iconic attractions. It’s perfect for travelers who want comfort, flexibility, and authentic experiences, all while minimizing the stress of planning and navigating. Whether you’re here for the history, the scenery, or simply a relaxing day out, this tour provides a solid window into China’s imperial past.