Exploring the iconic Mutianyu Great Wall and the serene Summer Palace in a single day can be an unforgettable experience. This private tour provides a personalized journey, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. Guests will have the chance to ride the cable car or ski lift up the Great Wall, then enjoy the thrilling toboggan ride back down. At the Summer Palace, a tranquil dragon boat cruise offers a chance to take in the scenic beauty. With round-trip transportation and a delectable lunch included, this comprehensive day trip promises to be a highlight of any Beijing visit. What lies in store for those who embark on this exceptional adventure?

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Beijing.

Key Points

Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Private Day Trip With Lunch - Key Points

  • This private day trip offers a comprehensive introduction to the Mutianyu Great Wall and the Summer Palace in Beijing.
  • Guests can explore the well-preserved Mutianyu Great Wall via cable car, chairlift, or toboggan, and enjoy a dragon boat cruise at the Summer Palace.
  • The tour includes private transportation, a delicious lunch, and the services of a professional guide for a personalized experience.
  • Advance reservations are required for non-English or non-Chinese speaking guides, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.
  • Gratuities for the guide and driver are optional but customary, with a recommended tip of 10-15% of the total tour cost.

Tour Overview

This comprehensive full-day tour provides first-time visitors to Beijing with a perfect introduction to two of the city’s most iconic landmarks – the Mutianyu Great Wall and the Summer Palace.

Guests will enjoy a private guide for a personalized experience as they explore these remarkable sites. The tour includes round-trip transportation in a private vehicle, with hotel or port pickup and drop-off.

Visitors will have the opportunity to ride the cable car or ski lift up to the Great Wall, and then take the thrilling toboggan ride back down. At the Summer Palace, they’ll cruise on a dragon boat during the warmer months.

Lunch is included, ensuring a well-rounded and seamless sightseeing experience.

Inclusions

Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Private Day Trip With Lunch - Inclusions

The tour includes a delicious lunch, as well as the services of a professional guide who’ll provide a personalized experience.

Guests will also enjoy private vehicle transportation with hotel or port pickup and drop-off, and all necessary entrance fees.

Plus, the tour covers the cost of the cable car or ski lift up to the Mutianyu Great Wall, as well as the thrilling toboggan ride back down.

During the Summer Palace visit, visitors can partake in a dragon boat cruise during the warmer months.

The tour includes:

  1. Lunch
  2. Professional guide
  3. Private vehicle transportation
  4. Dragon Boat cruise (seasonal)

Exclusions

Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Private Day Trip With Lunch - Exclusions

While the tour covers a wealth of inclusions, it doesn’t include gratuities for the guide and driver.

These are optional but customary in China, and guests are expected to tip them based on the quality of service received.

The amount recommended is typically 10-15% of the total tour cost. This allows flexibility for travelers to reward their guide and driver accordingly.

It’s important to note that the exclusion of gratuities helps keep the overall tour price competitive, as these can add up quickly.

Guests should budget for this additional expense to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience on their private day trip to the Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace.

Key Details

Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Private Day Trip With Lunch - Key Details

Confirmation for this private tour is provided at the time of booking, and advance reservations are required for non-English or non-Chinese speaking guides.

Unfortunately, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility limitations may have difficulty participating.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and a vegetarian meal option is available upon request.

Plus, summer weather conditions may occasionally necessitate the closure of access to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.

The key details for this tour include:

  1. Confirmation at the time of booking
  2. Advance reservations required for non-English/Chinese guides
  3. Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible
  4. Children must be accompanied by an adult

Logistics

Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Private Day Trip With Lunch - Logistics

For this private tour, guests get picked up from their centrally located Beijing hotel. The tour is a private activity, and guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior to the start of the tour.

Pickup Location
Hotel Central Beijing
Cancellation Policy
Free Up to 24 hours prior

This private day trip allows for a personalized experience, with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. Guests can explore the Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace at their own pace, with the guidance of a professional private guide.

Mutianyu Great Wall

The Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved sections of the iconic landmark, offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur and historical significance of this remarkable structure. Perched atop a lush, forested mountain range, the Mutianyu Great Wall boasts stunning vistas and a more serene atmosphere compared to other, more crowded sections.

Visitors can explore the wall’s watchtowers, fortifications, and meandering pathways, gaining a deeper appreciation for the engineering feats and strategic importance that defined its construction over 2,000 years ago.

The Mutianyu Great Wall also offers several convenient access options, including:

  1. Cable car for a scenic ascent and descent.
  2. Chairlift for the upward journey.
  3. Toboggan for an exhilarating downhill ride.
  4. Hiking trails for the more adventurous.

Summer Palace

After visiting the majestic Mutianyu Great Wall, the tour continues to the serene Summer Palace, a stunning imperial retreat located just outside the bustling city of Beijing.

Sprawling across a vast expanse of land, the Summer Palace boasts a harmonious blend of natural landscapes and exquisite architecture, offering visitors a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of China’s former dynasties.

Highlights include the picturesque Kunming Lake, the iconic Marble Boat, and the impressive Long Corridor adorned with intricate carvings and paintings. Guests can also enjoy a tranquil Dragon Boat cruise, allowing them to fully enjoy the palace’s serene ambiance.

The Summer Palace is a true testament to China’s rich cultural heritage and a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Dragon Boat Cruise

Within the serene confines of the Summer Palace, visitors can embark on a tranquil Dragon Boat cruise, gliding across the picturesque Kunming Lake and seeing the palace’s harmonious ambiance.

This seasonal activity allows guests to:

  • Admire the palace’s iconic architecture and landscaping from a unique vantage point on the water.
  • Appreciate the intricate details and craftsmanship of the traditional dragon-shaped boats.
  • Enjoy a leisurely ride while surrounded by the serene natural environment.
  • Capture breathtaking photographs to immortalize the experience.

The Dragon Boat cruise offers a delightful and relaxing way to explore the grandeur of the Summer Palace, complementing the overall tour experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Duration of the Tour?

The tour duration is not explicitly stated in the provided knowledge. However, it is described as a "full-day tour," suggesting the tour lasts the entire day, likely 8-10 hours in length.

What Is the Group Size for This Private Tour?

This is a private tour, so the group size is flexible and can accommodate the client’s preferences. The tour allows for a personalized experience with just the traveler(s) and a private guide.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, this private tour allows for customization of the itinerary. Customers can work with the tour operator to adjust the sights visited or activities included to better suit their interests and preferences.

Are There Any Restroom Stops During the Tour?

Yes, the tour includes restroom stops at strategic locations throughout the day. Guests have the opportunity to use facilities during the visit to the Great Wall and Summer Palace, as well as during the transportation portions of the tour.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

On this tour, participants can bring their own snacks and beverages. However, lunch is provided, so bringing a full meal may not be necessary. Guests should check with the tour operator about any specific policies regarding outside food and drinks.

Recap

This comprehensive tour offers a unique opportunity to explore two of Beijing’s premier attractions – the iconic Mutianyu Great Wall and the serene Summer Palace.

Guests will enjoy a personalized experience with a private guide, round-trip transportation, and exciting activities like the cable car or ski lift and toboggan ride.

The tour also includes a tranquil dragon boat cruise at the Summer Palace, enhancing the cultural and scenic immersion.