Mini Group: 2-Day Beijing Highlights and Great Wall Tour

Exploring the captivating sights of Beijing has never been easier. The 2-Day Beijing Highlights and Great Wall Tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks and natural wonders. Travelers will embark on a journey through Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and the majestic Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, accompanied by an English-speaking guide. With comfortable transportation, pre-arranged entrance tickets, and a included lunch, this mini-group tour provides a hassle-free way to discover the grandeur of Beijing. Whether a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Beijing.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 2-day sightseeing tour covering Beijing’s major attractions, including Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and Mutianyu Great Wall.
• Tour conducted by professional, English-speaking guides with transportation, entrance tickets, and lunch included.
• Flexible meeting arrangements with hotel pickup and drop-off within Beijing’s 4th Ring Zone.
• Possible itinerary change on day 2 when Forbidden City is closed, and extra charge for cable car or toboggan at Mutianyu Great Wall.
• Tour not wheelchair accessible, with a maximum group size of 15 travelers and infants required to sit on laps.

Tour Overview

This 2-day sightseeing tour in Beijing covers the city’s major attractions, including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.

You’ll have the chance to explore these iconic landmarks with the assistance of a professional, English-speaking guide.

The tour includes transportation, entrance tickets, and lunch on both days, making it a convenient and comprehensive way to experience the best of Beijing.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour is designed to provide you with an unforgettable and in-depth look at the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes professional English-speaking guides, hotel pickup and drop-off within Beijing’s 4th Ring Zone, air-conditioned transportation, admission tickets, bottled water, and all applicable fees and taxes.

However, the cost of personal expenses, meals, hotels, and gratuities aren’t included. Travelers also need to pay extra for the cable car or toboggan at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.

Passport information is required for ticket booking, and the tour may change the day 2 itinerary to day 1 when the Forbidden City is closed on Mondays.

The maximum group size is 15 travelers, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, with infants required to sit on laps.

Meeting and Pickup

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available within Beijing’s 4th Ring Zone for this tour.

Travelers also have the option to meet at designated hotels like the Regent Beijing or the Gehua New Century Hotel.

The tour’s flexible meeting arrangements ensure convenience for participants.

Those opting for hotel pickup will be collected and dropped off at their accommodation within the 4th Ring Zone.

For travelers choosing to meet at the designated hotels, the guide will be waiting to greet the group and begin the tour.

This range of meeting options allows for a seamless start to the Beijing sightseeing adventure.

Tiananmen Square

Situated in the heart of Beijing, Tiananmen Square is a vast public plaza renowned for its historical significance and iconic landmarks. Spanning an impressive 440,000 square meters, the square is surrounded by important government buildings and serves as the symbolic center of China’s political power.

Key features of Tiananmen Square include:

• The Tiananmen Gate, a grand entrance to the Forbidden City
• The Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the founder of the People’s Republic of China
• The National Museum of China, housing extensive collections on Chinese history and culture
• The Monument to the People’s Heroes, a towering obelisk commemorating revolutionary martyrs
• The Great Hall of the People, the meeting place of the National People’s Congress

Forbidden City

Lying just north of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City stands as the largest and best-preserved imperial palace complex in China, spanning nearly 180 acres and boasting over 980 buildings.

For over 500 years, this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site served as the exclusive domain of China’s emperors, their families, and their courts.

Visitors can explore the intricate network of throne rooms, courtyards, and pavilions, marveling at the stunning architecture, exquisite artwork, and rich history that permeates every corner.

With its grand, imposing design and fascinating historical significance, the Forbidden City offers a captivating glimpse into China’s imperial past and the lives of its former rulers.

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces that served as a summer retreat for Chinese imperial families for centuries.

Highlights of the Summer Palace include:

• The Marble Boat, a whimsical vessel carved from white marble that sits on the shores of Kunming Lake
• The Long Corridor, a covered walkway that extends for nearly a mile and is adorned with intricate carvings and paintings
• The Seventeen Arch Bridge, a stunning stone bridge that arches over Kunming Lake and offers panoramic views of the palace grounds
• Fragrant Hill, a scenic hilltop that provides sweeping vistas of the Summer Palace and the surrounding landscape
• The Empress Dowager Cixi’s private theater, where she’d enjoy elaborate theatrical performances.

Temple of Heaven

Nestled within the expansive grounds of the Temple of Heaven, the grandeur of this ancient religious complex captivates visitors with its harmonious blend of architecture and natural surroundings.

Constructed in the early 15th century, the Temple of Heaven served as the place where emperors would perform elaborate rituals to pray for good harvests and the prosperity of the nation.

The centerpiece of the complex is the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a magnificent circular structure with a triple-tiered roof that exemplifies traditional Chinese architectural styles.

As visitors explore the serene gardens and winding pathways, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of China’s rich cultural heritage and the significance of this revered site.

Mutianyu Great Wall

Mutianyu, one of the most well-preserved and picturesque sections of the Great Wall, offers visitors a chance to experience the grandeur and history of this iconic Chinese landmark. Situated about 56 miles (90 km) northeast of Beijing, this stretch of the Great Wall features guard towers, watchtowers, and steep, winding staircases that allow adventurous hikers to climb and explore the ancient fortifications.

Visitors can choose to ascend the Wall via cable car or toboggan, providing a thrilling way to reach the summit. The Mutianyu Great Wall boasts stunning vistas, making it a popular destination for both sightseeing and outdoor enthusiasts.

Key features include:

• Impressive guard towers and watchtowers
• Challenging hiking trails with steep staircases
• Cable car or toboggan options for ascent
• Panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes
• Well-preserved historic structures and architecture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

This tour generally follows a set itinerary, but the operator may be able to accommodate minor customizations based on the traveler’s interests and schedule. Any major changes would likely incur additional fees.

Is There an Option for Private or Smaller Group Tours?

Yes, the tour company offers private and smaller group tours. These options provide a more personalized experience with a dedicated guide and flexibility to customize the itinerary. Pricing varies based on group size and specific requirements.

Do the Guides Provide Recommendations for Local Cuisine?

The guides typically provide recommendations for local cuisine that allow travelers to experience authentic Chinese dishes during the tour. They offer suggestions on where to find the best local restaurants and specialties.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

There don’t appear to be any discounts or special offers mentioned for this tour. The pricing and inclusions seem to be standard. However, it’s worth checking with the tour provider to see if any promotions are available.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Add Extra Activities?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended or extra activities added, though this may incur additional costs. Travelers should contact the tour operator to inquire about customizing the tour to meet their specific needs and interests.

Recap

This 2-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Beijing’s iconic landmarks.

Travelers will marvel at the grandeur of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven, before conquering the breathtaking Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.

With an English-speaking guide, comfortable transportation, and included lunch, this tour provides an enriching and convenient way to take in Beijing’s rich history and natural beauty.