Exploring the grandeur of the Mutianyu Great Wall is a must-do for many visitors to Beijing. This small-group tour offers a convenient and enriching way to experience this UNESCO-listed wonder. Guests can choose between hiking or taking a cable car to admire the stunning vistas, complemented by an included lunch at a local restaurant. But the experience goes beyond just the Great Wall, as the tour also incorporates visits to a jade gallery and a cloisonné workshop, where travelers can witness the artistry and craftsmanship that are integral to Chinese culture. With expert guidance in both Chinese and English, this tour promises an unforgettable day out.

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

Key Points

Small-Group Tour Including Mutianyu Great Wall And Lunch - Key Points

  • Small-group tour with maximum 20 travelers includes transportation, guide, entrance fees, and lunch for a hassle-free visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall.
  • Offers options for hiking or taking a cable car to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoy stunning mountain views.
  • Includes a visit to a jade gallery or cloisonné workshop to learn about traditional Chinese artistry and craftsmanship.
  • Provides hotel pickup and drop-off within the 2nd ring road of Beijing, along with personalized attention from a Chinese-English speaking guide.
  • Tour not recommended for those with certain medical conditions and requires a valid passport on the day of the tour.

Tour Overview and Highlights

Small-Group Tour Including Mutianyu Great Wall And Lunch - Tour Overview and Highlights

The full-day tour from Beijing to the renowned Mutianyu section of the Great Wall offers visitors a chance to witness one of the world’s most important landmarks.

The tour includes lunch and entrance fees, providing a hassle-free experience. Guests can choose to hike the wall or take the cable car (at their own expense) for stunning views.

The tour also includes a visit to a jade gallery or cloisonné workshop, allowing travelers to learn about Chinese artistry.

With a Chinese-English speaking guide, air-conditioned transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off, this small-group tour is a convenient and engaging way to explore the Mutianyu Great Wall.

Inclusions and Logistics

This tour includes a Chinese-English speaking group guide to accompany travelers throughout the day. Guests will be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle, with hotel pickup and drop-off provided for hotels within the 2nd ring road of Beijing (e.g., Wangfujing).

While gratuities and souvenir photos are available for purchase, the cable car charges at the Great Wall aren’t included in the tour price.

The tour package includes:

  • Chinese-English speaking group guide

  • Air-conditioned vehicle transportation

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

  • Gratuities and souvenir photos available for purchase

  • Cable car charges not included

Pickup Details

Small-Group Tour Including Mutianyu Great Wall And Lunch - Pickup Details

Pickup time for the tour is scheduled between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM, with the exact pickup time provided one night prior to the tour date.

Groups are limited to a maximum of 20 travelers. This ensures a comfortable and intimate experience for guests.

Travelers will be picked up directly from their hotels within the 2nd ring road of Beijing, such as the popular Wangfujing district. This door-to-door service makes the tour convenient and hassle-free.

The tour guide, who’s fluent in both Chinese and English, will greet guests and accompany them throughout the day’s activities.

With a small group size and personalized attention, guests can look forward to an enriching and memorable visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall.

Tour Experience

After being picked up from their hotels, guests embark on the tour, traveling through a village before reaching the iconic Mutianyu Great Wall.

Upon arrival, they’ll have the option to descend the wall via an exhilarating toboggan ride, though an additional fee applies. Regardless of their chosen mode of descent, all you will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant as part of the tour experience.

The tour experience at the Great Wall also includes:

  • Ample time to explore the historic site and take in the stunning views

  • Opportunities to learn about Chinese culture and artistry at a jade gallery or cloisonné workshop

  • Guidance from a knowledgeable Chinese-English speaking group guide

  • Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle

  • Entrance fees and gratuities covered as part of the tour.

Traveler Information and Requirements

Small-Group Tour Including Mutianyu Great Wall And Lunch - Traveler Information and Requirements

According to the information provided, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

Participants are expected to dress in smart casual attire, and they must provide their passport details at the time of booking as well as have a valid passport on the day of the tour.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and travelers are asked to provide their cell phone number for contact purposes.

This small-group tour has a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Visiting the Mutianyu Great Wall

The tour begins with hotel pickup, transporting visitors through a scenic village en route to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers several options for exploration, including hiking along the ancient fortification or taking the cable car (at an additional cost) to a higher vantage point.

Once at the wall, travelers can look forward to:

  • Marveling at the stunning views of the wall winding through the rugged mountains

  • Discovering the impressive architecture and craftsmanship of this engineering marvel

  • Learning about the wall’s historical significance and its role in China’s defense

  • Enjoying a delicious included lunch at a nearby local restaurant

  • Browsing the jade gallery to gain insights into Chinese artistry and culture

Dining at a Local Restaurant

Small-Group Tour Including Mutianyu Great Wall And Lunch - Dining at a Local Restaurant

Following the exploration of the Mutianyu Great Wall, visitors can look forward to enjoying a delicious included lunch at a nearby local restaurant. This meal provides an opportunity to savor authentic Chinese cuisine and take in the local dining culture. The menu typically features a variety of dishes, allowing travelers to sample a range of flavors and specialties. The communal dining experience also encourages cultural exchange and conversation among the group.

Dining Experience
Authentic Cuisine Shared Plates Cultural Exchange Convivial Atmosphere Rejuvenating Pause
Traditional dishes Family-style service Interact with locals Lively chatter Recharge before next activity

Learning About Chinese Artistry

Along With exploring the grandeur of the Mutianyu Great Wall, the tour provides an opportunity for participants to learn about the artistry and cultural significance of Chinese jade and cloisonné.

During a visit to a jade gallery, travelers can marvel at the intricate carving techniques and discover the meaning behind various jade designs. Similarly, the exploration of cloisonné – an ancient Chinese metalworking technique involving enamel inlay – offers insight into the country’s rich artistic heritage.

Key highlights of this cultural experience include:

  • Witnessing skilled artisans at work

  • Learning about the historical significance of jade and cloisonné

  • Admiring the beauty and craftsmanship of these traditional art forms

  • Understanding the symbolism and meanings behind the designs

  • Opportunities to purchase unique, handcrafted souvenirs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available on Weekends?

Yes, the tour to the Mutianyu Great Wall is available on weekends. The tour runs daily, allowing travelers the flexibility to visit this iconic landmark at their convenience.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour duration cannot be extended. The tour is a fixed full-day itinerary that includes transportation, a guided visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall, and lunch. Participants cannot customize the tour length, but they can select optional activities during the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions. However, children must be accompanied by an adult. It’s not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

Can I Choose the Type of Vehicle for Transportation?

No, the tour does not allow participants to choose the type of vehicle for transportation. The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle for group transportation, which is included in the tour package.

Is There an Option to Visit Additional Attractions?

Yes, there are optional add-ons to visit additional attractions like a jade gallery or Cloisonné workshop. However, these extra stops come at an additional cost and are not included in the standard tour package.

Recap

Visitors will have an unforgettable experience exploring the Mutianyu Great Wall and learning about Chinese craftsmanship.

The small-group tour offers convenient transportation, a delicious lunch, and knowledgeable guidance, making it an enriching way to take in the history and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.