Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Small-Group Day Tour

Summary

Mutianyu wall climbs, palace gardens and real Beijing stories

You’ll meet your small group in Beijing before heading out to explore the peaceful Summer Palace gardens and climb Mutianyu Great Wall with a local guide. Enjoy a proper Chinese lunch (with vegetarian options) and share laughs on the toboggan ride down. It’s not just about famous sights—it’s how you’ll feel walking those stones together.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the group at Dongzhimen because I got lost in the subway tunnels (why is Exit C always the hardest to find?), but our guide, Li, was waiting with this bright yellow scarf and a grin. The minivan ride out of Beijing was quiet at first—everyone half asleep or maybe just shy. I kept watching the city haze give way to green as we reached the Summer Palace. It was bigger than I expected, honestly. There were old men flying kites by the lake, and Li told us Empress Dowager Cixi used to spend whole summers here avoiding politics. The marble boat looked kind of ridiculous—like it would sink if you sneezed on it—but it made me laugh.

By noon we’d wound up at Mutianyu Great Wall, which is about 1.5 hours from Beijing if traffic’s kind. Lunch came first: round tables, dishes spinning on a lazy Susan, that sharp vinegar smell from the dumplings. I tried something with lotus root that I still think about when I’m hungry back home. No one pushed us to buy anything (Li joked about “no jade factory traps today”), which felt like a relief after other tours I’ve done in China.

The wall itself—well, it’s steeper than any photo shows. My legs burned after two towers but there was this breeze carrying pine needles and laughter from some local kids racing ahead. You can take the chairlift up or hike (I hiked; stubborn), but coming down by toboggan was too tempting to skip. Someone screamed behind me—maybe it was me? Either way, it felt good to just let go for a second.

We all piled back into the van sunburned and sweaty, everyone quieter now but somehow friendlier too. There’s something about sharing noodles and steep steps that makes strangers less strange, you know? I didn’t expect to remember the little things—the sticky air inside the watchtower or how Li pronounced “Mutianyu” so carefully for us—but those are what stuck.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Summer Palace and Mutianyu Great Wall

• Meet guide at Dongzhimen Subway Station
• Drive to Summer Palace
• Explore Summer Palace
• Arrive at Mutianyu Great Wall
• Enjoy lunch at Great Wall
• Hike or take chairlift at Great Wall
• Return to Dongzhimen Subway Station

Top questions

How long does the Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace tour last?

The tour lasts most of the day, including travel time from central Beijing and around three hours at each main site.

Is lunch included in this day trip?

Yes, a Chinese lunch is included with vegetarian options available if you tell your guide during the tour.

Where is the meeting point for this small-group tour?

The meeting point is Dongzhimen Subway Station Exit C (Line 2), outside in front of Ginza Mall.

Are there any shopping stops during this tour?

No, there are no shopping stops such as jade or silk factories on this tour.

Can infants join this Mutianyu Great Wall day trip?

Infants can join for free but must sit on an adult’s lap as they don’t have their own seat.

How much time do we spend at Mutianyu Great Wall?

You’ll have about three hours to explore Mutianyu Great Wall after lunch.

Is transportation included between sites?

Yes, transport by minivan between sites and back to Beijing is included in your day trip.

Do I need my passport for this tour?

Yes, please bring your passport with you on the day of travel as required by local regulations.

What’s included

Your day includes entry tickets for both Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace, transport by comfortable minivan between all stops starting from Dongzhimen Subway Station in Beijing, an English-speaking local guide throughout, plus a proper Chinese lunch with vegetarian options if needed before heading back together in the afternoon.