Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Small Group Tour

Summary

Mutianyu Wall hike early start ferry ride Summer Palace lunch

You’ll start your day early at Mutianyu Great Wall with hardly any crowds, ride up by ski-lift (or climb if you’re brave), and maybe try the toboggan down if you’re feeling playful. After a family-style Chinese lunch near Mutianyu, you’ll pass Beijing’s Bird’s Nest before wandering painted corridors and taking a breezy ferry ride across Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace. It’s both lively and peaceful—hard to explain until you’re there.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding through Beijing’s quieter morning streets when our guide, Li, cracked a joke about the “VIP pass” — honestly, I didn’t get it at first but then realized we skipped a long line of shuttle buses and drove straight up to the Mutianyu Great Wall entrance. The air was still cool and sort of piney. There were only a few other people around; Li said that’s why we left so early. I tried the ski-lift up (felt weirdly exposed but fun) and then just stood there at the top for a minute, looking out over all those green hills rolling away. You know that feeling when you’re somewhere you’ve seen in photos your whole life, but it smells different? That’s what hit me. We walked along the wall for ages — some steps are steeper than they look — and Li pointed out old watchtowers where soldiers used to sleep. On the way down I took the toboggan slide (don’t judge), which was both slightly terrifying and hilarious. Some kid behind me kept yelling “faster!” in Mandarin.

I was starving by then, so lunch at this local spot near Mutianyu felt like a reward. Round tables, lazy Susan spinning with plate after plate — dumplings, stir-fried greens, something with eggplant I still think about. Everyone just sort of loosened up after that; even the quiet couple from Germany started swapping travel stories with us. On the drive back toward Beijing we passed the Bird’s Nest stadium — couldn’t stop but snapped blurry photos through the window while Li told us about Olympic memories from 2008.

The Summer Palace felt like stepping into another world: shady corridors painted with tiny scenes (Li tried to explain one story but I got distracted by an old man playing flute nearby), sunlight bouncing off Kunming Lake. We took a ferry boat across — breeze on my face, kids laughing somewhere behind us — and wandered through gardens that once belonged to emperors’ mothers. It was busy but not overwhelming; lots of locals fanning themselves or just sitting by the water. By late afternoon my legs were tired in that good way, and honestly I could’ve stayed longer just watching people feed ducks near the shore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Tour

• Drive early to Mutianyu Great Wall
• Take ski-lift up the Wall
• Hike on the Great Wall for 2 hours
• Slide down the Wall by toboggan
• Drive past Olympic Stadium (Bird Nest)
• Visit Summer Palace Palace Area
• Walk through the longest Corridor
• Take Imperial Ferry Boat on Kunming Lake

Top questions

How long is the drive from Beijing to Mutianyu Great Wall?

It usually takes about 1-1.5 hours each way depending on traffic.

Is hotel pickup included in this small group tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included for hotels inside Beijing's 2nd ring road.

How many people are in each group?

The tour runs with no more than 9 travelers per group.

Is lunch included? What kind of food is served?

Yes, lunch is included at a local restaurant serving Chinese family-style dishes.

Can I take a cable car or gondola at Mutianyu?

You can choose between ski-lift or gondola options by providing your name and passport in advance.

Is entry to Summer Palace included?

Yes, entry fees for all listed attractions are covered in your tour price.

Do we stop at Bird's Nest Stadium?

No formal stop; you'll drive past it and can take photos from inside the vehicle.

Is this tour suitable for young children or seniors?

The walk on Mutianyu Great Wall requires moderate fitness; strollers are allowed for infants.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within central Beijing, all entrance tickets for Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace, bottled water throughout, an English-speaking licensed guide who keeps things light (and answers every odd question), plus a big Chinese lunch served family-style before heading back into town in an air-conditioned vehicle.