Private Day Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and Forbidden City

Embarking on a private day tour through the heart of China’s history and cultural treasures is an opportunity not to be missed. Visitors can experience the iconic Mutianyu Great Wall, the symbolic Tiananmen Square, and the magnificent Forbidden City with a knowledgeable guide by their side. This immersive journey blends breathtaking landscapes, rich heritage, and delectable cuisine, creating a well-rounded adventure that caters to every interest. From cable car rides to toboggan descents, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression on all who partake. But what secrets and surprises await within these legendary landmarks?

Contents hide

1 Tour Overview

2 Itinerary

3 Mutianyu Great Wall

4 Lunch

5 Tiananmen Square

6 Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

7 Pickup and Transport

8 Additional Information

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

This private day tour offers an immersive experience visiting the Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City.
The tour includes entrance fees, Chinese lunch, bottled water, and private transportation, providing a seamless and comfortable sightseeing experience.
Visitors can choose between cable car/chairlift ascent and toboggan ride descent options for the Great Wall exploration.
The itinerary allows for in-depth learning and understanding of the historical and cultural significance of each landmark.
The tour is suitable for all ages, but not wheelchair accessible, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Tour Overview

This private day tour of Beijing encompasses visits to the iconic Mutianyu Great Wall, the expansive Tiananmen Square, and the sprawling Forbidden City, providing travelers with a comprehensive introduction to some of China’s most renowned historical and cultural landmarks.

With a personal guide leading the way, the tour includes entrance fees, a Chinese lunch, bottled water, and private transportation.

Visitors can choose to ride a cable car or chair lift up the Great Wall and even take a thrilling toboggan ride back down.

This full-day excursion offers an immersive experience, allowing travelers to explore the construction and restoration of the Great Wall during the Ming Dynasty as well as explore the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

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Itinerary

The private day tour begins at the Mutianyu Great Wall, where travelers spend around 2 hours exploring this iconic section of the ancient fortification, learning about its construction and restoration during the Ming Dynasty.

Visitors can choose to ride a cable car or chair lift up the steep terrain, and even slide back down on a thrilling toboggan ride.

After the Great Wall, the tour moves on to a local restaurant in the Huairou district, known for its delectable countryside-style dishes featuring chestnuts, mushrooms, and trout.

Next, the group visits Tiananmen Square for 40 minutes, before heading to the sprawling Forbidden City, the former imperial palace, for a 1-hour guided exploration.

Mutianyu Great Wall

Visitors spend around 2 hours exploring the iconic Mutianyu Great Wall, learning about its construction and restoration during the Ming Dynasty. This well-preserved section of the Great Wall offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Guests can choose to ascend the wall via cable car or chairlift, providing a leisurely journey up the steep slopes. For the more adventurous, the toboggan ride down the wall is an exhilarating option.

Along the way, the knowledgeable guide shares fascinating insights into the Wall’s history and engineering marvels. With its watchtowers, fortified defense systems, and scenic natural backdrop, the Mutianyu Great Wall delivers an immersive and unforgettable experience for all visitors.

Lunch

After exploring the grandeur of the Mutianyu Great Wall, the tour takes visitors to a local restaurant in the Huairou district, known for its specialty dishes featuring chestnuts, mushrooms, and trout.

This countryside-style lunch offers a delightful culinary experience, allowing travelers to indulge in a variety of authentic Chinese dishes. The menu includes a selection of seasonal ingredients, showcasing the region’s rich and diverse flavors.

Guests can look forward to a satisfying and nourishing meal, providing a perfect respite before continuing the journey to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

This lunch stop not only fuels the body but also offers a glimpse into the local culinary traditions.

Tiananmen Square

Following the visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall, the tour proceeds to Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of China and a historic landmark in the nation’s capital. Spanning an expansive 440,000 square meters, Tiananmen Square is home to the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the National Museum of China, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the country’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Tiananmen Square Features
Monument to the People’s Heroes	National Museum of China	40-minute visit

The tour group spends approximately 40 minutes exploring the iconic square, taking in the grandeur of its architecture and the significance of the monuments that stand tall, honoring the sacrifices and achievements of the Chinese people.

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Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

From Tiananmen Square, the tour proceeds to explore the Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Visitors can expect to spend around an hour exploring this massive 250-acre complex. They’ll be able to wander through the various halls and courtyards, learning about the rich history and cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Additional museum tickets are available for those interested in delving deeper into the Forbidden City’s extensive collection of artifacts and exhibitions.

With the knowledgeable guide leading the way, guests can expect an enriching and informative experience during this portion of the private tour.

Pickup and Transport

The tour includes pickup from selected hotels within the 4th ring road of Beijing, with an option for an extra cost if the pickup location is outside this area. Guests are transported in a comfortable private vehicle throughout the day’s activities.

Pickup Location	Extra Cost
Inside 4th ring road	No
Outside 4th ring road	Yes

The private vehicle provides a convenient and comfortable mode of transportation, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the sights without the hassle of navigating public transit. With this seamless pickup and transport service, the tour ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Additional Information

This private day tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible for those traveling with infants. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

Guests can cancel their booking free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The tour price varies based on group size, starting from $208.00.

The tour offers a range of options and flexibility for visitors. While the Mutianyu Great Wall portion includes the choice of taking a cable car, chair lift, or toboggan, the Forbidden City visit provides the opportunity to purchase additional museum tickets.

This allows guests to customize their experience based on their interests and preferences. The tour give you a comprehensive and enriching exploration of Beijing’s iconic landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

There is no specified minimum group size for this tour. The price varies based on the group size, but the tour can accommodate a single traveler or larger groups. The flexibility allows for personalized experiences.

Can We Customize the Itinerary or Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to visit additional sites or adjust the itinerary. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the tour provider and request changes to the standard tour. Flexibility is typically offered to accommodate individual needs.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

There are occasional discounts or special offers available, such as group booking rates or seasonal promotions. The tour provider may also be able to arrange customized itineraries or add-on experiences for an additional fee.

How Much Time Is Allowed for Shopping or Exploring on Our Own?

The tour typically allows 30-60 minutes for independent exploration and shopping at each site. The pace and duration can be adjusted based on the group’s preferences and needs, though the full itinerary must be completed within the allotted tour time.

Do the Tour Guides Provide Recommendations for Restaurants or Activities After the Tour?

The tour guides typically provide recommendations for restaurants and activities to explore after the tour. They can suggest local eateries, shops, or other attractions based on the group’s interests and remaining time.