Beijing Highlights: Mutianyu Great Wall Tour + Forbidden City or Summer Palace

Immerse yourself in China's imperial heritage through this full-day journey that highlights several of Beijing's most renowned sites. You'll have the opportunity to discover the magnificence of the Forbidden City or the Summer Palace, along with the breathtaking Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China.

Tour Alternatives

You can select from the following options when reserving:

Mutianyu Great Wall + Forbidden City (9.5 hours)

We will gather at Exit C of Jinyu Hutong metro station to embark on our exploration of China's rich history. Are you ready to discover two of Beijing's most significant landmarks in one remarkable day?

Our first stop will be the Forbidden City, China's largest and most well-preserved imperial complex. This sprawling palace served as the residence for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

During a 3-hour guided tour, we will navigate through majestic halls and serene courtyards while delving into the lives of the emperors and the historical context of their reigns.

Next, we will embark on a journey lasting approximately 1.5 hours to reach the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Your guide will enrich the trip with intriguing insights and useful tips about this monumental structure.

Upon arrival, tickets will be collected at the Visitor Center, followed by a shuttle bus ride to the wall's entrance. You will then enjoy approximately 3.5 hours of leisure time to explore Mutianyu at your rhythm. With stunning landscapes of pine and cypress forests surrounding it, this beautifully renovated section invites you to wander between watchtowers, ascend higher for panoramic views, and consider taking the cable car at your leisure. Don’t forget to savor a meal at one of the nearby eateries.

At the end of your exploration, we’ll reconvene at the Visitor Center and return to Beijing, concluding the tour close to the Olympic Park.

Mutianyu Great Wall + Summer Palace (10 hours)

For this experience, we will meet at Exit E of Dongsi metro station. Following a drive of about 1 hour and 15 minutes to Mutianyu, your guide will share fascinating historical anecdotes. After obtaining tickets and taking the shuttle bus to the entrance, you'll have 4 hours of leisure time to investigate this historic segment of the wall, which has been standing for over 600 years.

From various watchtowers, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. There will also be time to enjoy a meal at one of the nearby establishments before we head back to Beijing.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Summer Palace, a stunning example of Chinese landscape artistry. During a 3-hour guided tour, we will explore its graceful pavilions, ornate corridors, and peaceful lakes. Learn about the Qing dynasty and envision Empress Cixi at the Marble Boat on Kunming Lake. Optionally, you may take a boat ride on the lake, at an additional cost.

Our day will conclude at the Beijing Olympic Park.

Mutianyu Great Wall + Summer Palace + Old Summer Palace (10 hours)

This option follows a similar itinerary to the previous one but allocates time for a visit to the Old Summer Palace.

Commissioned by Emperor Qianlong, this site was inspired by French and Italian architectural styles, aiming to reproduce the grandeur of European palaces, complete with imported furnishings. Notably, the gardens contained intricate mazes, remnants of which you can still explore today.

The palaces faced destruction by French and British forces during the Second Opium War (1860–1862). Currently, the ruins of the Old Summer Palace remain, along with a spacious garden featuring lakes, trees, and pathways.

Mutianyu Great Wall + Summer Palace + Lunch (10.5 hours)

For this experience, we will convene at Exit B1 of the Dongzhimen metro station. After a drive lasting 1.5 hours, we will arrive at Mutianyu, where you will have 4 hours of free time to wander along the wall and take in the beautiful surroundings.

Following this, enjoy a buffet lunch at the Great Wall View Restaurant, offering views of the wall itself. Sample local favorites such as dumplings and various rice dishes.

In the afternoon, we will proceed to the Summer Palace. On a 2-hour guided tour, we will stroll by Kunming Lake and traverse the famed Seventeen-Arch Bridge, enveloped by the exquisite Qing imperial gardens.

The tour will conclude at the Olympic Park, where you are welcome to capture images of the iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium and the Water Cube.

Children Under 6

Children under the age of 6 can participate in the tour without charge but must sit on an adult’s lap on the bus, as no separate seat will be provided.

Additional Information

Booking within three days of the tour may hinder our ability to secure advance tickets for the Forbidden City, potentially requiring you to queue at the entrance. We advise arriving early at the meeting location for a smoother entry process.

Great Wall Day Trip

If your preference is to focus solely on this iconic structure, consider checking out the separate Great Wall of China tour from Beijing.

Forbidden City Guided Tour

If your interest lies in exploring the city without visiting the Great Wall, you might want to look into the guided tour of the Forbidden City.