Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour
Two of Beijing's biggest sights in one day, without the crowds at Badaling
You visit Mutianyu Great Wall by cable car, walk the restored Ming sections with a guide, then spend the afternoon at the Summer Palace exploring pavilions and gardens. Hotel pickup, entry fees, cable car and professional guide are all included, and there are no shopping stops. Just the two sites and the drive between them.
Step-by-step itinerary
- Mutianyu Great Wall Entry included
- Summer Palace Entry included 2h
- Beijing National Stadium passing by
- Beijing Olympic Park passing by
Visit Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace
- Pass by Bird's Nest exterior
- Pass by Water Cube exterior
- Take cable car up Mutianyu Great Wall
- Explore Mutianyu Great Wall
- Visit Summer Palace with guide
What’s included
Your day includes hotel pickup and private transfer by car or minivan, entry fees to both Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace, a professional guide who explains the history at each site, round-trip cable car access up the wall, bottled water, and a return to your hotel in the evening. The tour is 100% shopping-free, so no stops at shops or markets.
Times
- Every day No fixed time
Information
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Operated by Demi Beijing Private Tours
The experience
Our driver picked us up from the hotel at 7:30am, and on the way north toward Mutianyu, he pointed out the Bird's Nest stadium and the Water Cube as we passed the Beijing Olympic Park. Those quick landmarks that frame the modern city before you leave it behind. Mutianyu Great Wall sits about an hour outside the center, and it's deliberately quieter than Badaling. The section here is steeper, older, and the cable car ride up saves your legs for the actual walking. You get entry to both attractions, a professional guide who walks you through the Summer Palace's history in the afternoon, and a round-trip cable car included, so you're not negotiating transport or tickets at each stop.
The wall itself climbs steeply through pine forest, and the guide explains the Ming Dynasty construction as you move between restored sections. It's not a gentle stroll. The itinerary assumes moderate fitness, and comfortable shoes matter. After two to three hours on the wall, you head back down by cable car and drive south to the Summer Palace, the largest imperial garden in the world. It's a different kind of walking: flat, architectural, built around water and pavilions rather than fortification. The guide handles the history. You handle the pace.
What makes this tour work is the private transfer and the no-shopping guarantee. You're not stopping at jade shops or tea houses that eat into your time. The whole day stays focused on the two sites. Hotel pickup is included, and the driver waits between stops. You'll need your passport details at booking for the attraction tickets, and the tour runs in all weather, so dress in layers. If you have dietary needs, mention them when you book. Vegetarian options are available.
Is this one for you?Book this if you want Beijing's two biggest sights in one day without arranging transport, tickets or timing yourself, and without the crowds or shopping detours that eat into other group tours. The private car and fixed itinerary are what make both sites possible in a single day.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Chinese.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 13 years); Infant (under 3): free.
How long is the tour?
A full day. Pickup is typically early morning. The exact duration depends on your preferred departure time and pace at each site.
Is Mutianyu easier than Badaling?
Mutianyu is less crowded and has steeper terrain, so it's more challenging to climb but less busy. Cable car access up means you can enjoy the views without exhausting yourself on the ascent.
What's included in the price?
Hotel pickup, private transfer, entry to both Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace, professional guide, round-trip cable car, and bottled water.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. You'll need to provide passport names and numbers for all participants at booking so tickets can be arranged in advance.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour operates in all weather. Dress appropriately for rain or cold, and wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
Is there lunch included?
Lunch is not mentioned in the standard inclusions. Confirm with the operator when booking if you'd like a meal stop added.
Can I choose my own departure time?
Yes. Contact the operator to specify your preferred departure time when you book.
Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour
7h–10h · EN +1 · at your hotel
from US$ 189 per person