2-Day Beijing Tour: Great Wall, Forbidden City & Top Sights

Summary

Small Group Beijing Adventure: Great Wall, Ming Tombs & More

You’ll cover Beijing’s must-see sights in just two days—walk through ancient palaces, climb the Great Wall, taste local food, and learn history from a real guide. It’s a relaxed way to see a lot without worrying about transport or tickets.

What’s the experience like?

Stepping out into the early morning air, I could feel the city just waking up. Our guide, Lily, met us right in the hotel lobby—she had this way of making everyone feel at ease, even before we set off for Tiananmen Square. The square’s sheer size hit me first; locals were already gathering, some flying kites, others just chatting quietly. Lily pointed out the Monument to the People’s Heroes, and I caught a whiff of roasted sweet potatoes from a nearby vendor—something I’d never noticed in photos. The Great Hall of the People loomed on one side, and you could almost hear the echoes of history in the shuffle of feet across the stone.

Walking under the red walls into the Forbidden City felt surreal. The courtyards stretched on and on, each one with its own story. We paused by a bronze lion statue as Lily explained how emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties once walked these same paths. There’s something about seeing those ancient tiles up close—the faded colors, the chipped edges—that makes it all feel real. Afterward, we headed to the Temple of Heaven. The air smelled faintly of pine from the old cypress trees, and a group of elderly locals practiced tai chi nearby. Lunch was at a spot popular with Beijingers (I wish I remembered the name), with steaming bowls of noodles and crispy dumplings that disappeared fast. Before heading out again, we stopped at a silk factory—watching silk threads being spun was oddly hypnotic.

The afternoon took us to the Summer Palace. Kunming Lake shimmered in the sunlight, and I remember hearing laughter from families renting paddle boats. We wandered through shaded walkways where, according to Lily, imperial concubines once disguised themselves as merchants to sneak out for fresh air. By evening, my feet were tired but my head was buzzing with new sights and sounds.

Day two started with a drive out to Changling Tomb at the Ming Tombs. It’s quieter out there—cooler too, with a breeze that rustled through tall pines. Lily shared stories about Feng Shui and why this spot was chosen for emperors’ final resting places. We got to see jade carving up close at a small workshop; I never realized how much patience goes into making even a tiny pendant.

The highlight for me? Definitely Mutianyu Great Wall. You can hike or take a cable car—I went for the hike, legs burning but totally worth it for those views. The wall snakes over green hills as far as you can see. At one point I just stood there, wind in my face, listening to nothing but birds and my own breath. Afterward, we tried a tea ceremony—delicate cups, floral scents, and a chance to sit down for a bit. On our way back, we passed by the Olympic Park; even just seeing the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from outside was cool. By late afternoon, we were back at our hotels—tired but happy, phones full of photos and heads full of stories.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tiananmen Square to Summer Palace

• Visit Tiananmen Square
• Explore Forbidden City
• Tour Temple of Heaven and lunch
• Visit Summer Palace

Day 2 — Ming Tombs and Great Wall

• Visit Ming Tombs (Changling)
• Hike Mutianyu Great Wall
• Tea ceremony and Olympic Park tour

Top questions

How big are the groups on this Beijing tour?

Groups are kept small for a more personal experience—usually up to 6 people. If fewer join, you’ll be offered an upgrade to private or a refund.

Is lunch included both days?

Yes! You’ll get lunch each day at local restaurants with options for vegetarians if you let us know ahead of time.

Can I choose to hike or take a cable car at Mutianyu Great Wall?

Absolutely—you can hike up or take the cable car (the cable car ticket isn’t included). Your guide will help with tickets if needed.

What happens if my tour falls on Monday when Forbidden City is closed?

No worries—we’ll swap your schedule so you visit the Great Wall first instead. Everything else stays on track.

What’s included

Your hotel pickup and drop-off are covered, along with all transport in an air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll have an English-speaking guide throughout, entrance fees for all main attractions, and lunch both days (vegetarian options available). Just bring comfy shoes and your sense of adventure!