Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall+Summer Palace or TempleofHeaven

Exploring the grandeur of Beijing’s historical wonders is an enthralling experience not to be missed. This comprehensive tour takes visitors on a captivating journey, showcasing the iconic Mutianyu Great Wall and offering a choice between the serene Summer Palace or the majestic Temple of Heaven. Skilled guides provide insightful commentary, as guests embark on a scenic hike along the well-preserved Great Wall, followed by a delightful local lunch. The tour’s seamless logistics, including hotel pickup, ensure a hassle-free adventure. But the true allure lies in the opportunity to take in China’s rich cultural heritage, leaving an indelible mark on the mind and soul.

Key Points

• This tour offers a comprehensive experience of the Mutianyu Great Wall and a choice between visiting the Summer Palace or Temple of Heaven.
• The tour is priced at $156.62 per person for a 9-hour experience, including hotel pickup, private transportation, and an English-speaking guide.
• Highlights of the tour include 1.5-2 hours of hiking at the Great Wall and a visit to either the Summer Palace or Temple of Heaven.
• The Mutianyu Great Wall section is known for its picturesque scenery, well-preserved architecture, and opportunities for cable car or toboggan rides.
• The tour is suitable for visitors of all ages, from adults to families with children, and has consistently received 5/5 ratings from previous participants.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers visitors a comprehensive experience, allowing them to explore the iconic Mutianyu Great Wall and choose between the serene Summer Palace or the magnificent Temple of Heaven.

Priced from $156.62 per person, the 9-hour tour includes hotel pickup, private transportation, and an English-speaking guide.

Participants can enjoy a shuttle ride to the Great Wall, followed by 1.5-2 hours of hiking along the historic fortifications.

Lunch at a local restaurant and a visit to either the Summer Palace or Temple of Heaven round out the day’s activities.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a flexible and enriching way to discover Beijing’s top attractions.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with hotel pickup in the morning, with options for departure times at 7:00 AM, 7:30 AM, or 8:00 AM.

From there, the group will drive 1.5-2 hours to the Mutianyu Great Wall, located 76KM from the city center.

After a 4-minute shuttle bus ride, visitors will take a chairlift to the entrance near the No. 6 watchtower and spend 1.5-2 hours hiking along the historic wall.

Following a local lunch, the group will drive 1-1.5 hours to either the Summer Palace or Temple of Heaven, with an option to visit both sites for an additional fee.

Site Highlights: Mutianyu Great Wall

Mutianyu is one of the most picturesque and well-preserved sections of the Great Wall, renowned for its stunning natural scenery and impressive architectural features.

Nestled in the Yanshan Mountains, the Mutianyu Great Wall boasts over 40 watchtowers, ancient guard stations, and a series of fortified passages that wind along the ridgeline.

Visitors can explore the wall’s original Ming-dynasty construction, admire the breathtaking vistas, and even ride a cable car or toboggan down for a thrilling descent.

With its well-maintained pathways and fewer crowds than other sections, Mutianyu offers an immersive Great Wall experience that highlights the sheer engineering prowess and enduring legacy of this iconic Chinese landmark.

Site Highlights: Summer Palace or Temple of Heaven

Situated northwest of central Beijing, the majestic Summer Palace immerses visitors in the opulent legacy of China’s last imperial dynasty. Sprawling across 2.9 square kilometers, this ensemble of lakes, gardens, and ornate pavilions was the summer retreat of emperors.

Stroll along the iconic Marble Boat, admire the intricate Long Corridor, and ascend to the Seventeen Arch Bridge for sweeping vistas of Kunming Lake.

Alternatively, the nearby Temple of Heaven offers a profound spiritual experience, with its grand circular architecture and serene parklands. Visitors can witness the iconic Altar of Heaven, where emperors historically conducted sacred rites and ceremonies, connecting earth and sky.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

This Beijing tour package includes an English-speaking guide service, air-conditioned transportation with a private driver, and entrance tickets to either the Summer Palace or Temple of Heaven.

However, it excludes accommodations, meals, shuttle bus rides, and round-trip cable car or toboggan tickets.

Visitors will need to pay for their own lunch at a local restaurant, which costs between 50-80 CNY per person.

They’ll also have to cover the 15 CNY per person shuttle bus fee and the 140 CNY for cable car or toboggan tickets, if they opt to use them.

International flights and China tourist visas are also not included in the tour price.

Participant Information

The tour generally accommodates participants of various ages, including adults aged 19 to 99, youths aged 7 to 18, children aged 2 to 6, and infants 1 year old and younger.

This diverse range of participants can enjoy the cultural and historical aspects of the Mutianyu Great Wall and either the Summer Palace or Temple of Heaven.

The tour is suitable for:

• Adults seeking an enriching cultural experience
• Families with children of all ages
• Teenagers interested in exploring historical landmarks
• Infants accompanied by their parents or guardians

The tour’s flexible nature ensures that visitors of all ages can participate and create lasting memories of their Beijing adventure.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Consistently, the tour earns an outstanding 5/5 rating based on 8 reviews, with visitors frequently praising the knowledgeable and friendly guides.

Highlights from the feedback include the tour’s ability to avoid crowds and long queues, the flexibility of the drivers, and the overall memorable experiences with personalized attention.

Specific tour guides like Skye and Lisa receive commendations for their service and deep local insights.

The reviews convey a sense of satisfaction with the tour’s execution, from the seamless transportation to the engaging and informative commentary.

Customers appear to leave the tour with a heightened appreciation for Beijing’s iconic landmarks and a sense of having had a truly authentic experience.

Booking and Contact Information

To book this tour, visitors can contact the service provider directly through the company’s website or by phone.

The tour package can be customized to meet individual preferences, and travelers are encouraged to inquire about availability and any special requests.

The service provider offers the following booking options:

• Online booking through the company’s website, which provides a secure payment platform and instant confirmation
• Telephone reservations with a customer service representative, who can guide visitors through the booking process and answer any questions
• Email inquiries for personalized itinerary planning and group bookings
• Multi-language support to accommodate international travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, lunch at a local restaurant is not included in the tour price, so guests may prefer to purchase a meal during the designated lunch stop.

What Should I Wear and Bring for the Great Wall Hike?

For the Great Wall hike, wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, and bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection. Dress in layers as the weather can change quickly. Consider bringing hiking poles for extra stability on the steep sections.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Along the Great Wall?

There are public restroom facilities located at various points along the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. These restrooms provide basic amenities and are maintained by local authorities to accommodate visitors during their hike.

How Much Time Should I Budget for Each Site Visit?

According to the tour itinerary, visitors should budget around 1.5-2 hours for hiking on the Mutianyu Great Wall, and approximately 40 minutes for touring either the Summer Palace or Temple of Heaven. However, the tour also offers the option to visit both sites for an additional fee.

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?

There’s no specific group discount mentioned, but the per-person price is already reasonable for a private tour. The more people in your group, the lower the overall cost will be.

The Sum Up

This comprehensive tour of Beijing’s top attractions is an excellent way to experience the city’s stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. With a scenic hike along the well-preserved Mutianyu Great Wall and a visit to either the majestic Summer Palace or the serene Temple of Heaven, this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in China’s imperial past. Convenient hotel pickup, knowledgeable guides, and a delightful local lunch complete this unforgettable cultural journey.

You can check if your dates are available here: