How to Plan Your Private Day Tour to Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace or Hutong Tour in Beijing

Beijing is one of the most visited places in China, and with so many attractions, it can be hard to decide which to visit. However, if you’re planning to visit one place, the Great Wall of China should be it. The Mutianyu Great Wall is a less crowded and well-preserved section of the Great Wall, and visiting it will provide an incredible experience. Combine this with a visit to either the Summer Palace or Hutongs, and you’re in for a great day out. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through how to plan your private day tour to Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace or Hutong Tour in Beijing.

Overview and Tour Description

This private day tour includes door-to-door transportation, an English-speaking guide, and tickets to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. After the visit, you’ll head back to Beijing, where you can choose to visit either the Summer Palace or Hutongs. The Summer Palace is a good choice for those who love the garden landscape, whereas the Hutongs will provide you with a street view of old Beijing.

What’s Included?

• English-speaking tour guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Private transportation
• Cable car
• Lunch
• Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pick-up will be from your hotel, and the start time is usually at 08:30 AM. The tour company provides pick-up from most hotels in Beijing. The exact pickup location and time will be confirmed by the tour operator after booking.

Planning the Tour

When to Go?

The best time to visit Beijing is from March to May or between September and November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the sky is clear, providing breathtaking views of the city and the Great Wall of China. July and August can be extremely hot, and December to February is often chilly and crowded due to the Chinese New Year holidays.

How to Book?

Booking your tour is easy, you can book online via Viator, a reputable online travel platform. Bookings can be done in advance, and after payment is made, you will receive a confirmation email with all the necessary information. The booking link is https://www.viator.com/tours/Beijing/Private-Day-Tour-Mutianyu-Great-Wall-and-Summer-Palace-or-Hutong-Tour/d321-32695P5?pid=P00070472&mcid=42383. Don’t forget to confirm your hotel address and pick up time when you make the booking.

What to Bring?

Before heading out, make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a camera. You can also bring a backpack to store your water and snacks as they are not included in the tour.

Book Your Tour Now

Beijing is an incredible place to visit, and your trip won’t be complete without visiting the Great Wall of China. The Mutianyu Great Wall provides incredible views and is less crowded than other popular sections of the Great Wall. After visiting the Great Wall, a visit to either the Summer Palace or Hutong will provide insight into the culture of China. Book your private day tour to Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace or Hutong Tour today, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Beijing – All Your Questions Answered

Beijing, the capital city of China, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and architecture. As the political and cultural center of China for more than 800 years, Beijing boasts an incredible range of heritage sites and modern attractions! Whether you are planning your first trip to China or your fifth, this FAQ guide will answer some of the most pressing questions people have about Beijing.

1. What are the must-visit tourist attractions in Beijing?

Beijing is a city steeped in history, so it’s tough to pick just a few places to visit! Here are some of the top must-visit tourist attractions in Beijing:

• The Great Wall of China – one of the seven wonders of the world, it is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials.
• Forbidden City – one of the largest and best-preserved palace complexes in the world, it was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty.
• Temple of Heaven – a complex of religious buildings, where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would offer sacrifices to heaven and pray for a good harvest. It is now a park where locals practice Tai Chi and other exercises.
• Summer Palace – a stunning royal garden that boasts a tranquil lake, various palaces, and the longest covered walkway in the world.
• Tiananmen Square – famous for the 1989 student protests, it is the largest city square in the world and home to some of Beijing’s most famous landmarks, such as the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the National Museum of China.

2. What is the best time to visit Beijing?

The best time to visit Beijing is from September to November or from March to May when the weather is dry and mild. The temperature during these months is quite comfortable, with pleasant sunshine and cool breezes. Summer is Beijing’s peak tourist season, but it is also the hottest and most humid time of the year, with temperatures sometimes reaching up to 100°F (38°C). Winter is quite cold, with temperatures dropping below 14°F (-10°C), but if you can brave the cold, you can enjoy the city’s winter wonderland charm.

3. How to get around in Beijing?

Beijing has a well-developed public transportation system consisting of buses, subways, and taxis. The subway is the fastest and most convenient means of transportation in Beijing, with 23 lines covering almost all of the city’s major tourist attractions. It is also incredibly affordable, with fares starting from just CNY 3 (less than $1). Taxis are relatively cheap too, but traffic can be hectic and slow, especially during peak hours. If you want to avoid traffic and experience Beijing’s culture more intimately, you can try renting a bike or hiring a rickshaw!

4. What is the local cuisine like in Beijing?

Beijing is a heaven for foodies! Chinese cuisine is famously diverse, so you will find an incredible range of local delicacies in Beijing. Here are a few dishes you must try during your visit:

• Peking Roast Duck – crispy skin and tender meat served with pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce.
• Beijing Noodles – a famous noodle dish that originates from Beijing, it is made from chewy noodles topped with soy sauce, sesame oil, scallions, and other flavors.
• Jiaozi – Chinese dumplings, typically filled with minced vegetables or meat, are a popular local snack, often eaten during the Chinese New Year.
• Baozi – steamed buns filled with meat and vegetables, served as a breakfast item or an afternoon snack.
• Lamb Hotpot – a traditional winter dish that includes slices of lamb, vegetables, and noodles, cooked in a soup-based pot.

5. How to avoid common scams and tourist traps in Beijing?

As with any major tourist destination, there are some common scams and tourist traps to look out for. Here are a few tips to avoid them:

• Beware of people who approach you and offer to take you to a “tea ceremony” – this is a common scam where tourists are tricked into paying exorbitant prices for a simple cup of tea.
• Be cautious when taking taxis – always make sure they use the meter. Some taxis charge an inflated flat rate, especially in popular tourist areas.
• Avoid buying souvenirs from sellers on the street – they often sell counterfeit goods at inflated prices.
• Be wary of anyone who approaches you and offers to take you to a secret or off-limits part of an attraction – this is a common scam where tourists are charged for entry into areas that are free or closed to the public.
• Never give money to beggars, especially children – giving money to beggars reinforces this behavior and contributes to a cycle of poverty.

6. What are the weather conditions like in Beijing?

Beijing has a continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid with occasional thunderstorms, while winters are cold and dry, with occasional snowfall. Spring and fall are relatively mild and dry, making them the best times to visit.

7. What are the best shopping areas in Beijing?

Beijing is a shopper’s paradise, with a wide range of shopping areas catering to different budgets and tastes. Here are some of the best shopping areas in Beijing:

• Wangfujing Pedestrian Street – a popular shopping street that boasts a wide range of department stores, souvenir shops, and restaurants.
• Hongqiao Market – a bustling market famous for its silk, jade, and pearls.
• Xiushui Market – also known as the Silk Market, it is a multi-story indoor market with over 1,000 vendors selling everything from clothes to bags to electronics.
• Sanlitun Village – a fashionable, modern shopping district that boasts international luxury brands, trendy boutiques, and chic cafes.
• Qianmen Street – a pedestrian street famous for its traditional Chinese architecture and local snacks.

8. How to communicate with locals in Beijing?

Mandarin Chinese is the official language of Beijing, but most locals in tourist areas can speak some English. However, it’s always helpful to learn some basic phrases in Mandarin:

• Nǐ hǎo (pronounced “knee how”) – Hello
• Xièxiè (pronounced “shie shie”) – Thank you
• Zàijiàn (pronounced “zai jian”) – Goodbye
• Wǒ yào yī gè… (pronounced “wo yao yi ge”) – I want one…
• Tài guì le (pronounced “tie gway luh”) – Too expensive

Book Your Tour Now

With its rich cultural heritage, incredible culinary scene, and vibrant modern cityscape, Beijing is a destination like no other. By following the tips and advice in this FAQ guide, you can make the most of your visit and avoid common tourist traps. So pack your bags, brush up on your Mandarin, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Beijing!

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Beijing

Beijing, the capital city of China, is a perfect destination for tourists due to its cultural significance, historical landmarks, and tourist attractions. There are so many things to do and see in this city that it can be overwhelming for tourists to plan their trip. In this guide, we will provide a step-by-step plan for tourists to ensure that they have an enjoyable and memorable experience in Beijing.

Step 1: Visit the Great Wall of China

No trip to Beijing is complete without visiting the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall is an architectural marvel that stretches over 13,000 miles across China. It is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and attracts millions of tourists every year. There are several sections of the wall that are accessible and open to tourists.

Badaling section

The Badaling section is the most popular and well-preserved section of the Great Wall. This section receives the highest foot traffic as it is the easiest to access from Beijing. It is advisable to visit the Badaling section early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Mutianyu section

The Mutianyu section is another popular section of the Great Wall. It is located 45 miles from Beijing and is less crowded than the Badaling section. The Mutianyu section offers stunning views of the wall and its surrounding landscape.

Jinshanling section

The Jinshanling section of the Great Wall is a popular destination for tourists who want to hike the Great Wall. This section is located 87 miles from Beijing and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Step 2: Explore the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is an iconic landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of Beijing. The city served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties and is now a museum that attracts millions of visitors every year. The Forbidden City offers visitors a glimpse into the grandeur and opulence of the Chinese imperial family.

Step 3: Wander through the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is located about 9 miles from downtown Beijing and is a beautiful imperial garden that served as a summer retreat for the imperial family during the Qing Dynasty. The palace features a large lake, beautifully landscaped gardens, and several pavilions, halls, and temples. The Summer Palace is a perfect place for tourists to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Beijing.

Step 4: Visit the Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a religious complex located in southeastern Beijing. The temple served as a place of worship for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The temple complex features several halls, pavilions, and altars, including the famous Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

Step 5: Discover the art and culture of China at the National Museum of China

The National Museum of China is located on the eastern side of the Tiananmen Square and is one of the largest museums in the world. The museum features a vast collection of Chinese artifacts, artwork, and cultural relics, including a collection of artifacts from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Step 6: Watch a Kung Fu show

A Kung Fu show is a must-see for tourists visiting Beijing. The Kung Fu show is a traditional Chinese martial arts performance that showcases the skill, agility, and strength of its performers. The shows are usually held at the Red Theater in Beijing and are a perfect way to end a day filled with sightseeing.

Book Your Tour Now

Beijing is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage and countless tourist attractions. This guide provides a step-by-step plan for tourists who want to make the most of their trip to Beijing. Follow these steps and you’re sure to have a memorable and enjoyable experience in one of the world’s most fascinating cities.