Badaling Great Wall and Ming Tombs Day Tour From Beijing

Exploring China’s renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be a truly captivating experience. The Badaling Great Wall and Ming Tombs Day Tour from Beijing offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the country’s rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors will embark on a journey that showcases the grandeur of the Ming Tombs, the final resting place of 14 Ming emperors, before savoring a traditional Chinese lunch and discovering the iconic Badaling Great Wall. This comprehensive tour promises to immerse guests in the breathtaking landscapes and profound historical significance that have made these sites renowned worldwide.

Key Points

• This full-day tour explores two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Ming Tombs and the Badaling section of the Great Wall.
• The tour is led by an English-speaking guide and includes entrance fees, a Chinese lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
• The itinerary covers 1.5 hours at the Changling Tomb, a 2-hour hike on the Great Wall, and a stop at a jade factory and teahouse.
• The tour provides culture and historical insights throughout, with an approximate duration of 12 hours.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps, but it has an overall rating of 4.5/5 from 11 reviews.

Tour Overview

The tour offers a full-day exploration of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Ming Tombs and the Badaling section of the Great Wall of China.

Led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, the tour includes entrance fees, a Chinese lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off within the 4th ring road of Beijing.

Prices start at $197.00 and vary by group size. Travelers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the tour with no penalty.

The tour duration is approximately 12 hours and isn’t wheelchair accessible, with infants required to sit on laps.

Itinerary

Departing from the hotel at 8:00 am, the tour makes its way to the Ming Tombs, located approximately 50 miles and 1 hour’s drive from Beijing. Visitors spend 1.5 hours exploring the Changling Tomb, the burial site of 14 Ming emperors. Afterward, the group stops at a jade factory and teahouse for a 1-hour lunch. The tour then drives to the famous Badaling section of the Great Wall, where participants hike for 2 hours. An optional round-trip cable car ride is available, offering panoramic views from the wall’s highest point at 800 meters above sea level.

Activity	Duration
Ming Tombs	1.5 hours
Lunch & Shopping	1 hour
Great Wall Hike	2 hours
Total Tour Duration	Approximately 12 hours

Ming Tombs

Upon departing the hotel, the tour makes its way to the Ming Tombs, located approximately 50 miles and 1 hour’s drive from Beijing.

The first stop is Changling Tomb, the burial site of 14 Ming emperors. Visitors spend 1.5 hours exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, learning about the rich history and architecture of the imperial tombs.

The guide provides insightful commentary, sharing the significance of the site and the remarkable achievements of the Ming dynasty.

This visit offers a glimpse into China’s dynastic past and the grandeur of the once-mighty Ming emperors.

Lunch and Shopping

After exploring the historical significance of the Ming Tombs, the tour makes a stop at a nearby jade factory and teahouse for lunch.

This 1-hour break provides an opportunity to:

1. Enjoy a delicious Chinese meal.
2. Observe the intricate process of jade carving and learn about the importance of this precious stone in Chinese culture.
3. Sample a variety of traditional Chinese teas and understand their health benefits.

This stop not only offers a chance to refuel but also allows visitors to enjoy the country’s rich cultural heritage through hands-on experiences and educational demonstrations.

Great Wall at Badaling

Wrapping up their stop for lunch and cultural exploration, the tour group now makes its way to the renowned Badaling section of the Great Wall of China. This is widely considered the most famous and well-preserved part of the Great Wall, drawing countless visitors each year. The group will have 2 hours to hike along this UNESCO World Heritage Site, taking in the stunning panoramic views from atop the 800-meter high peaks. An optional round-trip cable car ride is available for those who prefer not to make the full trek on foot.

Hike Duration	Elevation	Difficulty	Cable Car	View
2 hours	800 meters	Moderate	Optional	Panoramic

Pickup and Meeting Details

The tour provides pickup service from hotels within the 4th Ring Zone of Beijing. Guests should provide their hotel or Airbnb address at the time of booking.

If the pickup location is outside the designated area, a meeting point will be arranged.

The tour’s pickup and meeting details include:

1. Pickup from hotels in the 4th Ring Zone of Beijing.
2. Provide your hotel or Airbnb address when booking.
3. A meeting point will be arranged if the pickup location is outside the designated area.

This convenient transportation service ensures a hassle-free start to the day’s exploration of the Ming Tombs and the Badaling Great Wall.

Additional Information

A few additional details about this tour are worth noting.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. This is a private tour, meaning only your group will participate.

The total duration of the tour is approximately 12 hours, allowing you to fully experience the Ming Tombs and Badaling Great Wall.

While the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within the 4th ring road of Beijing, if your accommodation is outside this area, a meeting point will be arranged.

With an overall rating of 4.5/5 from 11 reviews, this tour offers great value and a chance to explore these UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a knowledgeable guide.

Reviews Summary

Based on an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11 reviews, this Badaling Great Wall tour seems to offer great value and an enjoyable experience.

The highlights of the tour include:

1. Knowledgeable and informative guides who provide valuable insights about the historical sites.
2. The opportunity to admire the stunning natural beauty and panoramic views from the Great Wall.
3. The overall value for money, with the tour offering a comprehensive package that includes transportation, entrance fees, and a Chinese lunch.

However, some reviewers noted that the shopping stops, while providing a cultural experience, can feel somewhat time-consuming.

Plus, the English proficiency of the guides varied, which may impact the overall quality of the tour for some visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

The minimum group size for this tour is not specified. The tour is offered as a private experience, with only your group participating. The price varies depending on the group size.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour allows for some customization of the itinerary, though major sites like the Ming Tombs and Badaling Great Wall are standard. Guests can discuss options with the tour operator to tailor their experience within the overall tour framework.

Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

There are no specific student or senior discounts mentioned for this tour. However, the tour price is flexible based on group size, so larger groups may be able to negotiate a lower per-person rate.

How Often Does the Tour Run on a Weekly Basis?

The tour runs daily, with multiple departure times throughout the week. Specific schedule details can be found on the tour operator’s website or by contacting their customer service team.

Can We Request a Specific Tour Guide?

Customers can’t request a specific tour guide for this tour. The tour company assigns guides based on availability and tour schedules. However, guests can provide feedback on their guide’s performance after the tour.

Recap

The Badaling Great Wall and Ming Tombs Day Tour from Beijing offers a comprehensive exploration of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Travelers will marvel at the grandeur of the Ming Tombs, savor a traditional Chinese lunch, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Badaling Great Wall. This tour provides an unforgettable and culturally enriching experience for those seeking to discover China’s rich history and stunning landscapes.