Great Wall & Forbidden City Layover Group Guided Tour (9AM-5PM)

The Great Wall & Forbidden City Layover Group Guided Tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore two of China’s most iconic landmarks in a single day. Led by experienced, English-speaking guides, this captivating tour transports participants from the bustling streets of Beijing to the breathtaking vistas of the Great Wall and the grandeur of the Forbidden City. With comfortable transportation, bottled water, and insurance included, the tour caters to the needs of all visitors, making it an ideal choice for those with limited time in the city. However, the true highlight of this experience lies in the chance to explore the rich history and cultural significance of these remarkable sites.

Key Points

• A full-day guided tour visiting the iconic Great Wall of China and the historic Forbidden City, suitable for layover travelers arriving before 7AM and departing after 7PM.
• Includes licensed English-speaking guides, air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, and China life tourist accident/casualty insurance.
• Wheelchair, stroller, and infant seat accessible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
• Covers the Badaling section of the Great Wall, with options to hike or use cable cars/toboggans.
• Provides a comprehensive experience to explore China’s rich history and architectural wonders during a short layover.

Tour Overview and Details

The Great Wall & Forbidden City Layover Group Guided Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of two of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks during a fixed 9AM-5PM duration.

Suitable for arrivals before 7AM and departures at 7PM or later, the tour is led by licensed English-speaking guides and includes transportation by air-conditioned vehicle.

Participants will receive free bottled water and access to warm coats in winter, though cable cars, toboggans, and gratuities aren’t included.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with infant seats available, making it suitable for most travelers.

Visitors should confirm their eligibility for 24/144-hour visa-free transit before booking.

Inclusions

This tour includes a licensed English-speaking tour guide to lead the group throughout the day.

The guide will provide valuable insights and historical context about the iconic Great Wall and Forbidden City landmarks.

Travelers will also have a professional driver and air-conditioned vehicle to transport them between sites.

Bottled mineral water is provided for refreshment, and warm coats are available in the winter months.

The tour package includes China life tourist accident/casualty insurance, ensuring peace of mind during the journey.

However, cable car or toboggan rides at the Great Wall and gratuities/tips for the guide and driver aren’t included in the price.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers meet the tour group at the Beijing Capital International Airport, Terminal 3 Arrival Hall, beside the international exit B where a Starbucks Coffee is located.

The tour ends at the same meeting point. Upon booking, travelers receive confirmation.

The tour accommodates various needs:

1. Wheelchair accessible
2. Stroller accessible
3. Infant seats available
4. Most travelers can participate

Visa-free transit through Beijing Capital International Airport is available for eligible countries, provided the destination and departure locations differ.

Tour organizers aren’t responsible for visa issues preventing airport exit.

Accessibility and Participation

The tour is wheelchair accessible and stroller accessible, with infant seats available to accommodate different needs. Most travelers can participate in this layover tour of the Great Wall and Forbidden City. To ensure a comfortable experience, the following amenities are provided:

Accessibility	Yes	No
Wheelchair	✓
Stroller	✓
Infant Seats	✓
Travelers Can Participate	✓

The tour’s flexibility and inclusive design make it suitable for a wide range of participants, allowing visitors to explore these iconic Beijing attractions during their layover.

Visa Information and Responsibility

Countries eligible for 24/144-hour Visa-free Transit through Beijing Capital International Airport include Albania, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, United Kingdom, and United States, among others.

The visa-free transit applies only if the destination and departure locations differ.

Tour organizers aren’t responsible for any visa issues that may prevent airport exit.

Some key points to note:

1. Visa-free transit is permitted for eligible countries.
2. The transit must be between the starting and ending destinations.
3. Tour organizers can’t be held liable for visa problems.
4. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Tour Highlights: Great Wall

Perched atop rugged mountain ridges, the iconic Great Wall of China unfurls its impressive fortifications across the breathtaking landscapes.

Traversing this remarkable structure, visitors can marvel at its sheer scale and engineering marvels. The tour includes a visit to the Badaling section, one of the most well-preserved and accessible parts of the Great Wall.

Guests can choose to hike along the wall, taking in the stunning vistas, or opt for a cable car or toboggan ride for a more leisurely experience.

Whether striding along the ramparts or enjoying the panoramic views, a visit to the Great Wall promises an unforgettable glimpse into China’s rich history and the ingenuity of its people.

Tour Highlights: Forbidden City

After exploring the majestic Great Wall, the tour moves on to uncover the awe-inspiring Forbidden City. Guests will be captivated by this vast and magnificent palace complex that was the exclusive domain of China’s imperial rulers for over 500 years.

The tour highlights include:

1. Traversing the Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, and a symbolic center of Chinese power.
2. Entering the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and wandering through its grand halls, pavilions, and courtyards.
3. Marveling at the incredible architecture, intricate carvings, and stunning artwork that showcase China’s rich cultural heritage.
4. Learning about the fascinating history and stories behind the Forbidden City from the expert tour guide.

Pricing and Booking

The tour is priced at $181.34 per person, with a lowest price guarantee.

Visa-free transit applies only if the destination and departure locations differ. The tour organizers aren’t responsible for visa issues preventing airport exit.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The tour includes a licensed English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, and accident/casualty insurance.

It doesn’t cover cable cars/toboggan at the Great Wall or gratuities.

The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and those with strollers, and most travelers can participate.

Travelers can book the tour and receive confirmation at the time of booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Does the Tour Start and End?

The tour starts at 9 AM and ends at 5 PM, lasting a fixed duration of 8 hours. It’s suitable for travelers with arrivals before 7 AM and departures at 7 PM or later.

Can I Take Pictures During the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to take pictures throughout the tour. There may be some restrictions or areas where photography is prohibited, so it’s best to follow the guide’s instructions. Most of the sights offer excellent photo opportunities.

Are There Any Opportunities for Shopping?

The tour includes opportunities to shop at designated stops along the route. Travelers will have the chance to browse traditional Chinese crafts, souvenirs, and other items during the tour’s scheduled visits to select shopping areas.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no formal dress code, but travelers should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. Layers are recommended, as the tour may involve time outdoors at the Great Wall and Forbidden City.

Can I Leave the Group During the Tour?

Participants are generally expected to remain with the group throughout the tour. Leaving the group during the tour is not recommended, as it may disrupt the schedule and create logistical challenges for the tour organizers. However, the tour guide should be consulted if a participant needs to depart the group temporarily.

Recap

This layover tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore two of China’s most iconic landmarks – the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. With comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and accommodations for mobility needs, travelers can enjoy the country’s rich history and culture during their limited time in Beijing. The tour’s inclusions and visa-free eligibility make it a convenient and captivating choice for those seeking a memorable layover experience.