Full-Day Private Tour: Summer Palace and Badaling Great Wall

Exploring the captivating allure of two of China’s most iconic landmarks, the full-day private tour to the Summer Palace and Badaling Great Wall promises an immersive cultural experience. Visitors embark on a journey through the serene gardens and pavilions of the Summer Palace, before tackling the historic Badaling section of the Great Wall, renowned for its stunning vistas. With round-trip transportation and entrance fees included, this comprehensive tour offers an efficient and seamless way to discover the rich heritage and natural beauty that have made these sites beloved destinations. Intrigued to learn more? Let’s delve deeper into the details that make this tour a must-consider for any traveler’s China itinerary.

Key Points

• This full-day private tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the Summer Palace gardens and the iconic Badaling section of the Great Wall.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a guided experience at both the Summer Palace and the Badaling Great Wall.
• Highlights of the tour include a 1.5-hour visit to the Summer Palace, an optional boat ride on Kunming Lake, and a 2-hour hike along the Badaling Great Wall battlements.
• The tour provides an opportunity to observe artisan craftsmanship at a nearby jade workshop, but this is an optional activity at an additional cost.
• While the tour has received mixed reviews, it is generally considered an effective way to see the key highlights of the Summer Palace and Badaling Great Wall in a single day.

Tour Overview

The full-day private tour of the Summer Palace and Badaling Great Wall from Beijing offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of two of China’s most iconic historical sites.

This 8-hour experience, operated by Trippest Travel, is rated 3.7 out of 5 stars based on 3 reviews. Priced from €188.96 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, a professional English-speaking guide, and all entrance fees.

Highlights include wandering the 18th-century imperial gardens of the Summer Palace, observing artisans at a jade workshop, and hiking along the restored 16th-century Badaling section of the Great Wall.

With central hotel pickup and drop-off, this private tour provides a convenient and customized way to discover these renowned Chinese landmarks.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors on this private tour first explore the sprawling, 18th-century imperial gardens of the Summer Palace, known as Yiheyuan.

They’ll spend 1.5 hours wandering the palace’s lakeside pavilions, bridges, and temples. An optional boat trip on Kunming Lake is available during warmer months.

Next, the tour visits the Badaling section of the Great Wall, the most popular and restored part dating back to the 16th century.

Guests can hike along the wide battlements, enjoying views of watchtowers and stunning landscapes, or take a cable car to the top.

The 2-hour visit allows ample time to take in this iconic landmark.

Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)

Sprawling over 2.9 square kilometers, the Summer Palace, known as Yiheyuan, is an 18th-century imperial garden that enchants visitors with its serene lakeside setting, intricate architecture, and picturesque landscapes.

Guests will explore the palace’s expansive grounds, including Kunming Lake, ornate pavilions, intricate bridges, and tranquil temples.

Although an optional boat ride on the lake is unavailable during the winter months, visitors can still marvel at the stunning scenery.

Plus, guests have the opportunity to visit a nearby jade workshop, where they can observe the craftsmanship of skilled artisans and browse the selection of exquisite jade pieces, though at their own expense.

Badaling Great Wall

After exploring the serene Summer Palace, the tour moves on to the iconic Badaling Great Wall. This section of the Great Wall, dating back to the 16th century, has been meticulously restored and is the most visited portion. Visitors can choose to hike along the wide battlements, taking in the stunning vistas of watchtowers and landscapes, or opt for a cable car to ascend to the top. The tour allows ample time to wander the Great Wall and immerse in its historical grandeur.

Feature	Details
Duration	2 hours
Admission Ticket	Included
Hiking	Optional, along the restored battlements
Cable Car	Optional, for ascending to the top
Highlights	Panoramic views, watchtowers, historical significance

Transportation and Pickup

The tour includes round-trip coach travel, with hotel pickup and drop-off within the 4th Ring Zone of Beijing City.

The pickup time is confirmed via voucher the day before the tour, and the guide will contact you to provide the details.

This convenient transportation arrangement allows you to focus on the sightseeing experience without worrying about getting to and from the locations.

The coach ensures a comfortable journey, while the personalized pickup and drop-off service adds to the overall ease and seamlessness of the tour.

Additional Information

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for this tour, as it involves extensive walking at both the Summer Palace and Badaling Great Wall.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility issues may face challenges.

While the tour provides central hotel pickup and drop-off within the 4th Ring Zone of Beijing City, any personal expenses and gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows for cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Reviews Summary

According to the reviews, this private tour has garnered a mix of positive and negative feedback.

On the positive side, travelers praised the tour as great, feeling it was a private experience with a small group size and a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide.

However, some reviewers expressed concerns about the guide’s explanations, feeling they were limited. Plus, a few guests believed the tour had too little time at the key sites and included unnecessary extra stops.

Full-Day Private Tour Details

This private tour offers a full-day exploration of two of China’s most iconic attractions – the Summer Palace and the Badaling Great Wall. Over the course of 8 hours, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about 18th-century imperial gardens, traverse the famous Badaling section of the Great Wall, and even observe artisans crafting jade works. The tour includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide to provide insights along the way. While some past travelers have expressed concerns about the guide’s explanations and rushed timelines, the overall consensus is that this is a great way to see the highlights in a single day.

Tour Highlights	Duration	Inclusions
Summer Palace	1.5 hours	Admission ticket
Badaling Great Wall	2 hours	Admission ticket
Jade workshop	On own expense	Observation & shopping

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Children Participate in This Tour?

Yes, children can participate in this tour. The tour is suitable for all ages and families, as it includes walking around historical sites and taking optional activities like cable car rides, which children can enjoy.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this private tour is not specified, though it’s described as a ‘private tour’, which typically indicates a smaller group size. The tour is suitable for individual travelers or small groups.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Considerations?

The tour does not mention any dietary restrictions or considerations. It simply states that personal expenses and gratuities are not included. Travelers should check with the tour provider for any specific dietary needs or accommodations.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Water and Snacks?

The tour does not provide water or snacks, so it’s recommended to bring your own. This will ensure you stay hydrated and have energy throughout the day while exploring the sites.

Can We Extend or Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour can be customized to an extent, but major changes to the itinerary may incur additional costs. Travelers can’t extend the tour duration, but they can choose to spend more or less time at each site.

Recap

This full-day private tour to the Summer Palace and Badaling Great Wall provides an ideal way to explore two of China’s most iconic destinations. Guests will enjoy a serene visit to the Summer Palace, followed by a hike along the historic Badaling Great Wall, all while benefiting from round-trip transportation and entrance fees. This comprehensive experience offers an efficient and immersive look into China’s rich cultural heritage.