Private Tour: Badaling Great Wall and Kangxi Grasslands on Horseback

A private day exploring Beijing’s iconic sights and open landscapes, including a horseback ride at Kangxi Grasslands for just $68.
This tour offers a blend of history and nature — starting with a private visit to the Badaling Great Wall, the most preserved and popular section, followed by an adventure through the Kangxi Grasslands. With a price that feels reasonable given the inclusions, it’s perfect for travelers eager for a mix of culture, scenery, and outdoor activity.

We love how this tour combines two very different experiences: walking along the Great Wall’s sweeping parapets and then riding horses across wide-open grasslands. The guided private setup means you’ll get personalized attention, which is especially helpful when navigating the sometimes busy Great Wall. Plus, the buffet lunch adds a relaxing break after some exertion.

One thing to consider is that the horseback riding and the overall experience can be a bit unpredictable — as one review notes, there can be logistical hiccups with the riding arrangements. But with a helpful guide and a flexible attitude, most travelers find that the highlights outweigh the challenges.

This tour suits those interested in a well-rounded day beyond typical sightseeing, especially families or small groups who want an authentic, active experience. If you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity and enjoy outdoor adventures, this could be a memorable highlight of your Beijing trip.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience tailored to your group size.
• Includes transportation, guide, lunch, and horseback riding, offering great value for a full day.
• Visit the well-preserved Badaling section of the Great Wall, with panoramic views and historical significance.
• Horseback riding at Kangxi Grasslands is suitable for all levels, with staff support.
• Some logistical challenges with horseback riding arrangements might occur, so flexibility helps.
• Ideal for active travelers and families who want more than just sightseeing.

Exploring the Highlights of the Tour

The Badaling Great Wall: An Unmissable Beijing Icon

Starting the day with a private drive from your hotel, you’ll arrive at the Badaling section — arguably the most famous and best-preserved part of China’s legendary wall. It’s easy to see why this stretch draws crowds, but with your private guide, you’ll have the advantage of avoiding the larger tour groups if you wish and exploring at your own pace.

The parapets, steeped in history, provide sweeping views that are simply stunning. Climbing or taking the cable car up to the Sun-view Tower offers a panoramic outlook that makes the effort worthwhile. Our guides tend to emphasize the significance of this site, which has hosted many world leaders, giving you context that enhances the visit.

What travelers love: The guide’s knowledge helps bring the wall’s history alive, and the well-maintained paths make walking manageable for most. The scenery from the top is often described as breathtaking, and the opportunity to stand atop a structure built centuries ago is hard to beat.

Potential drawback: It can get crowded, especially in peak season, but your private tour allows you to avoid some of the hustle. Also, some travelers opt for the cable car, which is included in the ticket, saving energy for other parts of the day.

The Transition: From History to Nature

After soaking in the sights and snapping photos, it’s time for a well-earned lunch. The included buffet offers a chance to sample local dishes or simply refuel before heading out to the Kangxi Grasslands.

Kangxi Grasslands: Wide Open Spaces and Horseback Riding

A short drive from the Great Wall brings you to the Kangxi Grasslands, a peaceful patch of ecological prairie often overlooked by travelers. During the summer, this place transforms into a lively summer resort, but even in other seasons, it offers a great escape from the city’s hustle.

The grasslands are characterized by wide-open spaces, a standard racecourse, and the opportunity to ride horses or even enjoy a camel ride. The experience is designed to accommodate riders of all levels, whether you’re a complete novice or an experienced equestrian.

Your guide will assist with arrangements, helping you select a horse suited to your skill level and teaching basic riding techniques if needed. The staff are professional and attentive, making sure everyone stays within the designated course for safety.

What travelers love: The scenery, with its endless green horizon and fresh air, makes for a memorable outdoor experience. The guides’ expertise and patience are often praised — they go out of their way to ensure everyone enjoys the ride. For those new to horseback riding, this provides a gentle introduction, while seasoned riders can appreciate the relaxed pace.

Potential challenge: According to one review, logistical hiccups with the horseback riding arrangements can occur, leading to delays and changes in plans. Being flexible and understanding that this is a semi-remote rural setting can help make the most of it.

Overall Experience and What’s Included

The tour wraps up with a drop-off back at your hotel, making the day convenient and stress-free. The price of $68 covers hotel pickup and drop-off, admission tickets to both sites, a professional guide, bottled water, and a buffet lunch. The horseback riding is an included 1-hour session, with extra options available at additional cost if you want more time.

This setup offers good value, especially compared to standalone tickets or tours that don’t include transportation or lunch. The private aspect means you’re not stuck with a large group, and your guide can tailor the experience to your interests and pace.

Authentic Experiences and Tips

When we reviewed the tour, we appreciated how the guides brought history to life while also sharing insights about the grasslands’ natural beauty. The horseback ride, in particular, stood out as a genuine outdoor adventure that suits various ages and skill levels.

However, the review from “Marj_E” highlights that logistical issues can happen — she described her guide’s efforts to secure a ride as “a cluster f**k,” but ultimately, the guide managed to turn things around, making it a memorable experience. This underscores the importance of patience and a flexible attitude.

For travelers, this tour offers a rare chance to see the best-preserved section of the Great Wall and then enjoy the tranquil, less-visited Kangxi Grasslands, all in one day. It’s especially suited for those who want a physically active day that combines history and nature, with family-friendly options included.

Other Considerations

• Timing: The tour lasts about 9 hours, so it’s best suited for travelers with a full day available.
• Physical fitness: Moderate fitness is recommended, especially for walking the Great Wall and horseback riding.
• Child-friendly: Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult; kids under 7 ride for free but must be with an adult.
• Vegetarian options: Available if requested when booking.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for more than just a quick snapshot of the Great Wall, and want to combine it with outdoor activity, this tour hits the mark. Families, small groups, or couples who enjoy active days and nature will likely find it a memorable experience. It’s also perfect if you prefer a private, flexible schedule over large group tours, and you’re comfortable with some physical activity.

Travelers who value knowledgeable guides and authentic scenery — rather than just quick photo stops — will appreciate the depth and quality of this experience. While some logistical quirks happen, most find that the chance to stand on the Great Wall and ride through Kangxi Grasslands makes it well worth the price.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics simple and stress-free.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 9 hours, covering both the Great Wall and the grasslands, with time for lunch and travel.

Can beginners ride horses?
Absolutely. The guides and staff are experienced in assisting riders of all levels, and instructions are provided.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes for the Great Wall, and casual outdoor clothing suitable for horseback riding and varying weather.

Is the horseback riding suitable for children?
Children under 11 need to be accompanied by an adult. Kids under 7 can ride for free but must ride with an adult.

What’s included in the price?
Admission tickets to both locations, private transportation, guide, bottled water, buffet lunch, and a 1-hour horseback ride.

What if I want more horseback riding time?
Additional fees apply for extra hours beyond the included one-hour session.

Are there any restrictions I should know?
Moderate physical fitness is recommended, and riders should stay within the designated course for safety.

Is this tour good for photography?
Definitely. The panoramic views from the Great Wall and the open grasslands provide excellent photo opportunities.

What if the logistics don’t go as planned?
While most experiences are smooth, some reviews mention delays with horseback riding. Patience and a flexible mindset are key.

To sum it up, this private tour offers a wonderful combination of history, scenery, and outdoor adventure. It’s well-suited for travelers seeking an active, authentic experience that goes beyond surface-level sightseeing. With knowledgeable guides, scenic views, and the chance to ride horses through peaceful grasslands, it’s a memorable way to see Beijing’s countryside as well as its most famous landmark. Perfect for families or small groups, it balances cultural discovery with fun and nature — all at a reasonable price. Just be prepared for some logistical surprises, and you’ll have a day to remember.