Mutianyu Wall, Summer Palace & Old Summer Palace Day Tour

Exploring Beijing in a single day sounds ambitious, but this tour does a good job of balancing highlights with manageable pacing. For just $23 per person, you get to walk along the beautiful Mutianyu Great Wall, relax in the serene Summer Palace, and reflect at the historic ruins of the Old Summer Palace. Our guide, Christina, was praised for her knowledge and care, making the experience both informative and comfortable.

What we loved most were the less crowded Mutianyu section, offering stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere, and the well-organized logistics, including convenient shuttle buses inside the scenic areas. The optional cable car and toboggan rides add a fun touch without breaking the bank. One thing to consider is that the tour doesn’t include visits to the Palace interiors unless you opt for the upgraded packages, so if you’re after more in-depth palace exploration, that’s something to keep in mind.

This tour suits travelers who want to see Beijing’s major sights efficiently without feeling rushed. It’s perfect if you value authentic experiences, knowledgeable guides, and straightforward logistics. Whether you’re a history buff, a first-time visitor, or someone eager to tick off iconic sites, this trip offers a balanced introduction with accessible pricing.

Key Points

• Affordable value: At just $23, this tour offers access to three major sites with included entrance tickets.
• Trusted operator: Operated by BusDa, a reputable local company serving over 100,000 international visitors annually.
• No shopping or scams: The tour is straightforward, focusing on sights rather than sales pitches or detours.
• Expert guides: Guides like Christina and Yoyo are praised for their knowledge, making history come alive.
• Flexible options: Choices range from just transportation and tickets to private tours and buffet lunches.
• Authentic, less crowded sites: Mutianyu provides a tranquil, scenic experience away from the crowds of Badaling.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting at Mutianyu Great Wall

The day kicks off with a visit to Mutianyu, often touted as the most scenic and best-preserved section of the Great Wall. Unlike Badaling, which can get overwhelmed with travelers, Mutianyu offers a quieter, more contemplative experience. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, the views are breathtaking. You’ll walk along well-restored stone paths, exploring watchtowers and enjoying sweeping mountain vistas.

Many reviews highlight the value of the optional cable car and toboggan rides, which can add fun while easing the climb. The cable car offers a quick ascent, perfect if you’re short on time or prefer to skip the strenuous parts. The toboggan, a favorite for many visitors, adds a dash of thrill and is an inexpensive way to descend.

Our guide, Christina, was praised for her detailed explanations and care for the group, even managing weather disruptions smoothly. She kept everyone informed and comfortable, which makes a big difference when navigating a busy historical site.

What makes Mutianyu special? It’s less crowded, the scenery is stunning, and the infrastructure supports a relaxed visit. You can enjoy the architecture, take plenty of photos, or just soak in the views in peace.

The Summer Palace: China’s Largest Imperial Garden

After the Wall, we headed to the Summer Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage site combines natural beauty with imperial elegance. The vast Kunming Lake and the ornate Long Corridor are real highlights, offering endless photo opportunities and peaceful walks.

Many reviewers appreciated the serenity of the Summer Palace. You’ll love walking along lakeside paths, exploring elegant pavilions, or taking a peaceful boat ride (optional). The Longevity Hill provides a lovely vantage point, and the architecture is decorated with colorful paintings and intricate woodwork.

While some might wish for more time at the palace, the tour balances sightseeing with logistical efficiency. It’s a good choice for those who want a taste of imperial grandeur without getting bogged down in lengthy visits. If you’re interested, optional boat rides cost around 100 RMB, adding another layer of enjoyment.

The Old Summer Palace: Ruins of a Glorious Past

The final stop is the Old Summer Palace, which offers a stark contrast to the lush beauty of the Summer Palace. Once a magnificent imperial complex, it was destroyed in the 19th century, leaving behind broken stone columns and scattered relics. Many reviews find this site poignant and thought-provoking, a reminder of history’s darker chapters.

Although in ruins, the site’s haunting beauty and stories of lost grandeur resonate deeply. It’s a reflective place that invites questions about history, resilience, and cultural loss. Several visitors appreciated the balance of beauty and history, noting that it’s an essential part of understanding Beijing’s past.

Transportation and Group Size

The inclusion of round-trip air-conditioned bus transport makes the day smooth and comfortable, especially in Beijing’s sometimes oppressive heat. The meeting point at Hepingxiqiao Station is easy to find, with guides wearing recognizable vests. The tour’s small to medium group size means you get personalized attention without feeling lost in the crowd.

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Timing and Pacing

The tour typically lasts around 12 hours, which might seem long but is well-organized. Guides like Yoyo and Selina are praised for keeping the group moving efficiently while allowing enough time to enjoy each site. Some reviews mention a need for more time at the Wall, but overall, most visitors felt the pacing was balanced.

Optional Extras and Costs

Most of the fun extras, such as cable cars, toboggans, and boat rides, are paid separately—ranging around 100-140 RMB each. The tour price covers entry tickets and transportation, making it a good value overall. Lunch is optional but recommended for a break — a buffet is available if you select that option, providing a convenient respite.

Accessibility and Comfort

The tour emphasizes comfort with air-conditioned buses and well-maintained sites. However, note that the Old Summer Palace involves walking on uneven ruins**, so comfortable shoes are advisable. The guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive to group needs, making the long day more manageable.

This experience is ideal for first-timers wanting a rundown of Beijing’s highlights without the hassle of planning logistics. It’s perfect if you value authentic sites, good guide insights, and straightforward logistics. Budget-conscious travelers will also appreciate the reasonable price with many inclusions. If you’re after a quiet, scenic visit to the Great Wall and want to see both imperial splendor and historical ruins in one day, this tour hits the mark.

On top of that, the positive reviews about guides like Christina, Yoyo, and Selina suggest that you’ll be in caring, knowledgeable hands. It’s a flexible option with upgrade choices, suitable for those who might want more personalized or luxurious experiences.

For travelers eager to make the most of a single day in Beijing, this tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, imperial history, and poignant ruins. The mutually complementing sites give a well-rounded picture of China’s heritage, from ancient military architecture to imperial leisure estates and the scars of history.

The combination of affordable pricing, trusted operator, and highly praised guides makes this a practical choice. Whether you’re a history lover, a photographer, or simply want to tick off top sites efficiently, you’ll find this tour offers genuine value and memorable experiences.

If you prefer a less crowded, scenic walk along the Great Wall, enjoy calm, natural settings, and want insightful guides, this tour will serve you well. Just be ready for a full day, and bring comfortable shoes and a curious mind.

What sites are included in this tour?
You will visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, the Summer Palace, and the Old Summer Palace. The tour includes tickets to all three sites, with optional activities like cable cars and boat rides available.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the evening, providing ample time at each location.

Are transportation arrangements comfortable?
Yes, the round-trip transfer is by air-conditioned bus, which many reviewers find very comfortable, especially after a long day of sightseeing.

Can I opt for private or small group tours?
Yes, there are options for private tours, including guides and hotel pickups, for those seeking a more personalized experience.

Are there meal options included?
A buffet lunch is available as an upgrade, but it’s not included in the base price. You can also choose to bring your own snacks.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
While most sites involve some walking, the tour’s pace and transportation options make it manageable for many families and older travelers, provided they are prepared for some walking.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and a camera are essentials. Also, bring your full passport details if required for entry tickets.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather conditions can affect the plan, especially for outdoor sites like the Wall. Guides are flexible and will adapt the itinerary if needed, possibly substituting with other sites or rescheduling.

This tour offers a practical, engaging way to see Beijing’s most iconic sites in a single day, with a focus on authentic experiences, expert guides, and balanced pacing. Whether you’re here for the history, the scenery, or both, it’s designed to give you a memorable and smooth adventure through China’s capital.

You can check availability for your dates here: