All-Inclusive Private Day Tour to Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace: How to Plan Your Tour in Beijing

Are you planning to visit Beijing soon and want to explore its famous historical and cultural landmarks? Take a private full-day tour and visit two top attractions in the city: the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China and the Summer Palace. In this guide, we will explain how to plan your tour, including what is included in the package and how to book it.

Overview of the Tour

The all-inclusive private day tour starts with a morning pickup from your hotel in Beijing in an air-conditioned private vehicle. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the best-preserved parts of the wall with impressive scenery. You will have the option to take a cable car or toboggan to the wall and enjoy the stunning views from the top. After the Great Wall, you will head to the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful gardens, lakes, and pavilions. The palace served as a summer resort for emperors and their families during the Qing dynasty. The tour includes a private guide and driver, and you have the option to book the all-inclusive package, which includes cable car or toboggan fee, local lunch, bottled water, and gratuities. You can also choose to book only the private guide and driver and cover other expenses yourself.

What’s Included in the All-Inclusive Package

If you decide to book the all-inclusive package, here’s what you can expect:

Cable Car or Toboggan Fee

You can choose between taking a cable car or toboggan to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. The cable car offers a more comfortable and effortless way to reach the wall, while the toboggan gives you a fun and thrilling ride down the mountain. The package includes the fee for one of these options.

Local Lunch

After visiting the Great Wall, you will go to a local restaurant for lunch. The package includes a delicious and authentic Chinese meal, which you can enjoy with your guide.

Bottled Water

Staying hydrated is important, especially during hot days. The package provides bottled water for you to drink throughout the tour.

Gratuities

If you’re satisfied with the service provided by your guide and driver, you may tip them. The package includes gratuities, but it’s up to you to decide the amount.

Booking the Tour

To book the all-inclusive private day tour to Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace, visit the Viator website and select your preferred date and package. You can choose between a group or private tour and select the number of participants. The website also allows you to customize your itinerary and include other attractions if you wish. Once you have made your booking, you will receive a confirmation email with all the details of your tour, including the pickup time and location. You can also contact the tour operator if you have any questions or special requests.

Book Your Tour Now

Visiting Beijing’s top attractions can be overwhelming, especially if you’re short on time or don’t speak the language. The all-inclusive private day tour to Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace is an excellent option for those who want to experience the best of both sites without having to worry about transportation, tickets, or meals. Book here and enjoy a stress-free and memorable tour of Beijing’s must-visit landmarks.

Beijing FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Beijing is a truly fascinating city, with a rich history, incredible cuisine, and plenty of things to do for travelers of all ages and interests. If you’re planning a trip to Beijing and have some questions about the city, look no further: here’s a comprehensive FAQ with everything you need to know.

1. What’s the best time of year to visit Beijing?

The best time to visit Beijing is generally from mid-September to mid-November, when the weather is cool and crisp, the skies are clear, and the crowds have thinned out from the summertime. Spring (April to June) is also a good time to visit, although be prepared for occasional rain showers. Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, while winter (December to February) can be very cold and snowy.

2. What are some must-see attractions in Beijing?

There is no shortage of must-see attractions in Beijing! Here are a few popular picks:

• The Great Wall of China:

This iconic landmark is a must-visit when in Beijing. You can hike along different sections of the wall, but be prepared for crowds.

• The Forbidden City:

Located in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City is a sprawling complex of palaces and gardens that served as the imperial palace for over 500 years.

• Tiananmen Square:

This enormous public square is the site of several important historical events, and is also home to the impressive Monument to the People’s Heroes.

• Temple of Heaven:

This ancient temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for architecture and history buffs.

3. Is it safe to drink the water in Beijing?

No, it’s generally not recommended to drink the tap water in Beijing. Stick to bottled water instead, which is widely available at convenience stores and supermarkets throughout the city.

4. What’s the best way to get around Beijing?

Beijing has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, subways, and trains. The subway is generally the most convenient way to get around, as it’s efficient, affordable, and covers most of the major tourist attractions. Taxis are also widely available and affordable, although traffic in Beijing can be notoriously bad.

5. What should I eat in Beijing?

Beijing is known for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes like Peking duck, jianbing (a popular breakfast food), and zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste). Street food is also a great option, with vendors selling everything from skewers of grilled meat to fried dumplings. Just be sure to stick to food that has been cooked thoroughly to avoid any stomach issues.

6. Do I need a visa to visit Beijing?

Yes, most visitors to Beijing (and China as a whole) will need a visa. The exact requirements will depend on your country of origin, so be sure to check with your local Chinese embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.

7. What should I know about Chinese culture before visiting Beijing?

Chinese culture is rich and complex, with many customs and traditions that may be unfamiliar to Western visitors. Some things to keep in mind include:

• Respect for elders:

In Chinese culture, respecting your elders is very important. You should use formal titles and be deferential when speaking to anyone older than you.

• Gift-giving:

It’s common to give gifts when visiting someone’s home in China, although the specific customs can vary by region.

• Dining etiquette:

In general, it’s considered polite to wait for your host to begin eating before you start, and to use chopsticks (rather than a fork or knife) when eating.

8. Are there any scams to watch out for in Beijing?

Like any big city, there are a few scams to watch out for in Beijing. One common one involves people posing as student guides or art students, who will offer to take you to a tea ceremony or art exhibition, only to overcharge you for the experience. Another scam involves taxi drivers who refuse to use their meters and instead try to negotiate a higher fare.

9. What’s the nightlife like in Beijing?

Beijing has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and music venues catering to travelers and locals alike. Some popular areas for nightlife include Sanlitun, Houhai, and the Worker’s Stadium area.

10. What’s the currency in Beijing?

The currency in Beijing (and China as a whole) is the Chinese yuan, also known as the renminbi (RMB). Exchange rates can vary, so be sure to check the current rate before exchanging any money. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and credit cards are accepted at many hotels and restaurants (although it’s always a good idea to carry some cash as well).

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Beijing

Beijing, also known as Peking, is the capital city of China and one of the most visited cities in the world. Beijing has a rich cultural history, with ancient temples, imperial palaces, and stunning natural landscapes. With so much to see and experience, it can be overwhelming for tourists to plan their trip. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to make the most out of your trip to Beijing.

1. Visit the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and a must-visit attraction when in Beijing. The Great Wall stretches more than 13,000 miles, but the most accessible part of it is just a short drive from Beijing. You can visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, which is less crowded than some other sections and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

How to Get There

You can get to Mutianyu by taking a bus or hiring a taxi. The cheapest way is to take a bus from Beijing’s Dongzhimen Bus Station to Huairou, and then take another bus to Mutianyu. The journey takes around 2 hours each way. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi from Beijing, which will take around 1-2 hours each way, depending on traffic.

What to Do

Once you arrive at Mutianyu, you can hike along the Great Wall and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. You can also take a cable car or toboggan ride to reach the Great Wall if you prefer not to hike.

2. Explore the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City was the imperial palace of China’s Ming and Qing dynasties and is one of the world’s most spectacular landmarks. The palace complex covers an area of over 170 acres and contains 980 buildings. You can spend an entire day exploring the various halls, gardens, and courtyards of the palace.

How to Get There

The Forbidden City is located in the heart of Beijing and is easily accessible by public transport or taxi. The nearest subway station is Tiananmen East Station.

What to Do

You can explore the various halls and galleries of the palace complex, including the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Palace of Heavenly Purity, and the Hall of Clocks and Watches. You can also stroll through the palace gardens and courtyards, which are beautifully landscaped and offer a tranquil escape from the bustling city.

3. Visit Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is the largest public square in the world and is an important cultural and political landmark in China. The square is surrounded by significant buildings and landmarks, including the Forbidden City and the Monument to the People’s Heroes.

How to Get There

Tiananmen Square is located in the heart of Beijing and is easily accessible by public transport or taxi. The nearest subway station is Tiananmen East Station.

What to Do

You can take a stroll around the square and visit the various landmarks, including the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China. You can also witness the daily flag-raising ceremony, which takes place at sunrise each day.

4. Experience Traditional Chinese Culture at the Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is one of the most important landmarks in Beijing and is a symbol of traditional Chinese culture. The temple was originally built in the Ming Dynasty and was used for religious ceremonies.

How to Get There

The Temple of Heaven is located in southern Beijing and is easily accessible by public transport or taxi. The nearest subway station is Tiantandongmen Station.

What to Do

You can explore the various halls and temples of the complex, including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Circular Mound Altar. You can also witness locals practicing traditional Chinese activities like tai chi and group dancing.

5. Get Lost in the Hutongs

The Hutongs are traditional Chinese residential neighborhoods that date back to the Yuan Dynasty. The narrow streets and alleys are lined with courtyard houses and offer a glimpse into traditional Chinese culture.

How to Get There

The Hutongs are located in central Beijing and are easily accessible by public transport or taxi. The nearest subway station is Beixinqiao Station.

What to Do

You can take a leisurely stroll through the Hutongs and explore the various small shops, cafes, and restaurants. You can also take a guided tour and learn about the history and culture of the area.

Book Your Tour Now

Beijing is a city full of history, culture, and natural wonders. With so much to see and experience, it can be overwhelming for tourists to plan their trip. However, by following this guide and visiting these top attractions, you will be able to make the most out of your trip to Beijing. Remember to stay safe, respect the local culture, and have fun exploring this incredible city.