Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Day Trip with Lunch

Summary

Mutianyu’s wild wall air and palace gardens in one private Beijing day

You’ll stand atop Mutianyu Great Wall’s ancient stones with mountain air in your lungs, share laughter over lunch near the wall, then wander lakeside paths at the Summer Palace—all with a local guide handling every detail. This day trip lets you feel both wild history and quiet beauty outside Beijing.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sharp, piney smell when we stepped out at Mutianyu. Our guide, Li, waved us toward the cable car — honestly, my legs were grateful. The wall looked endless from below, all grey stone against green hills. Up top, it’s quieter than I expected. Just wind and the crunch of gravel under our shoes. Li pointed out old watchtowers where soldiers once kept watch for hours — I tried to imagine that kind of patience. We took a hundred photos but none really caught how wide the sky felt up there.

Lunch was in a little place nearby — round tables, lazy susan spinning with plates of stir-fried eggplant and something spicy I couldn’t quite name (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin — probably butchered it). There was this faint scent of ginger everywhere. After that, we drove back toward Beijing for the Summer Palace. The shift was sudden: from wild hills to painted pavilions and willow trees dipping into Kunming Lake. It was busy but not overwhelming; families picnicking, old men playing cards by the water. We strolled through long corridors painted with stories I couldn’t read but liked looking at anyway.

I didn’t expect to enjoy the boat ride so much — just a slow drift past bridges and lotus leaves while Li told us about emperors hiding from summer heat here. Sunlight flickered on the water and I caught myself thinking how far away city noise felt, even though we weren’t that far from downtown Beijing at all. The day ended before I wanted it to; there’s always more you miss than you see, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace

• Pick up from downtown hotel
• Travel to Mutianyu Great Wall
• Take cable car or chair lift up
• Hike on the Great Wall
• Take toboggan ride down
• Have lunch at Chinese restaurant
• Visit Summer Palace gardens and pavilions
• Optional Dragon Boat ride (Apr-Oct)
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

How long does it take to get to Mutianyu Great Wall from Beijing?

It takes about 1.5 hours by private vehicle from downtown Beijing to Mutianyu Great Wall.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, a traditional Chinese lunch is included after visiting Mutianyu Great Wall.

Can I choose between cable car or chair lift at Mutianyu?

Yes, you can choose either a cable car or chair lift up to the wall; tickets are included.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off provided?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off in central Beijing are included in your private tour.

Are entrance fees covered?

All entrance fees for Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace are included.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

A vegetarian option is available if requested at booking.

When is the Dragon Boat ride available at Summer Palace?

The Dragon Boat ride operates from April 1st to October 31st for an additional cost.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off in Beijing, entry fees for both Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace, cable car or chair lift tickets (plus a fun toboggan down), a traditional Chinese lunch near the wall—plus guidance throughout so you can just enjoy each moment without worrying about logistics.