Beijing: Private 2-Day Tour with Forbidden City & Great Wall

Summary

Forbidden City’s secrets, Great Wall hikes, lakeside hutongs and imperial gardens in Beijing

You’ll walk through Tiananmen Square’s history, explore every corner of the Forbidden City with a local guide, climb along Mutianyu Great Wall (cable car or toboggan included), wander hutongs near Shichahai Lake, and relax at Summer Palace gardens—all with pickup, entry fees, lunch and stories that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I was already squinting at the crowds in Tiananmen Square when our guide, Li, nudged me and pointed out the old men flying kites near the flagpoles. “Locals come here for fresh air,” she said, which made me laugh because the air was thick with city sounds and that faint scent of roasted chestnuts from a cart somewhere. The square felt huge—honestly a little overwhelming—but Li kept us moving with stories about emperors and protests. I tried to imagine what it looked like centuries ago but mostly just felt small in all that space.

The Forbidden City was next. It’s massive—like, you think you’re almost done and then there’s another courtyard. The red walls are faded in places; you can run your hand along the stone if no one’s watching (I did). We wandered through the Inner Court where the emperor’s family lived—Li told us about royal drama while a group of kids chased each other past a marble railing. I didn’t expect to feel so curious about those old lives. Later at Temple of Heaven, we watched locals practicing Tai chi under cypress trees. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for birds and someone humming an old song nearby. I still think about that calm.

The next morning was Mutianyu Great Wall day trip—about 90 minutes from Beijing by car but it goes fast if you’re half asleep like I was. We took the cable car up (less heroic than hiking but my knees thanked me) and walked along the wall as mist drifted between watchtowers. Touching those stones—cold even in June—made me realize how much history is just… right there under your fingers. Coming down by toboggan was pure fun; Li laughed at my terrible steering.

We finished at the Summer Palace where lotus leaves floated across Kunming Lake and families picnicked on the grass. The breeze smelled like water lilies and sunscreen. My shoes were dusty and I didn’t want to leave yet, so we sat by the water until our driver waved us over for hotel drop-off. So yeah—it’s a lot in two days but somehow never rushed. If you want to see Beijing highlights without missing those small human moments, this private tour covers it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tiananmen, Forbidden City, Hutongs, Temple

• Meet guide in hotel lobby
• Visit Tiananmen Square
• Tour Forbidden City
• Walk around Hutong near Shichahai Lake
• Explore Temple of Heaven park

Day 2 — Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace

• Travel to Mutianyu Great Wall
• Take cable car or chairlift up
• Hike and explore Watch Towers
• Return by toboggan or same way
• Visit Summer Palace gardens

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Beijing private tour?

Yes, roundtrip hotel pickup and drop-off are included both days.

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

It takes about 90 minutes each way by private car from central Beijing.

Are entrance tickets covered in the price?

Yes, all entrance fees for attractions are included.

Can I choose between cable car or chairlift at Mutianyu?

Yes, you can choose cable car or chairlift up—and even take a toboggan down if you’d like.

Is lunch provided during this 2-day tour?

Lunch is included each day during your private tour.

Are guides available in languages other than English?

Yes, Spanish, German, Italian or French guides are available for an extra fee if requested three days ahead.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?

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

Do I need my passport for any part of this tour?

You’ll need passport copies for Forbidden City ticket booking; bring them during your tour.

What’s included

Your two days include hotel pickup and drop-off by private transfer each day, all entrance tickets (Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace), an English-speaking guide (or other language on request), roundtrip cable car or chairlift—or even a toboggan ride—at Mutianyu Great Wall, plus lunch both days so you don’t have to worry about finding food between sights.