Private Beijing Day Tour: Mutianyu Wall & Forbidden City

Summary

Mutianyu Great Wall and Forbidden City Private Tour with Local Lunch

You’ll get a real taste of Beijing on this private day tour: climb Mutianyu Great Wall by cable car or toboggan, explore Tiananmen Square’s history, and wander through the Forbidden City’s ancient halls—all with a friendly local guide and no crowds to fight.

What’s the experience like?

Our guide met us right in the hotel lobby at 8:30am—no stress about finding the group or waiting around. The city was already buzzing outside, but inside the car it was quiet and cool. On the way to Mutianyu, we passed little roadside fruit stalls selling peaches and cherries. The drive out of Beijing took just over an hour, and you could see the mountains getting closer through the window.

Mutianyu isn’t as crowded as Badaling, so when we got there it felt almost peaceful. Our guide helped us get tickets for the cable car (you can pick toboggan if you’re feeling brave). Up at the top, there’s this faint pine scent in the air and a breeze that cuts through even on a hot day. Walking along the wall, you can actually hear birds instead of just tourist chatter. We stopped for photos at Tower 14—there’s a great view back toward Beijing from there.

Back in town, lunch was at a small family-run spot near Huairou. Nothing fancy—just big plates of stir-fried veggies, kung pao chicken, and rice. They brought out hot tea without us asking. I noticed locals eating noodles with chopsticks faster than I could manage half a bowl.

After lunch we headed back into Beijing for Tiananmen Square. It’s huge—honestly hard to take it all in at once. Our guide pointed out where historic events happened and showed us how locals line up for photos by the red flags. The walk from Tiananmen into the Forbidden City is short but busy; lots of families and school groups around. Inside the palace grounds, you’ll see gold roofs shining in the sun and carved stone bridges over little streams. Our guide shared stories about emperors who lived here—some funny, some kind of sad.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Beijing Highlights Tour

• Your hotel pick-up at 8:30am
• Visit Mutianyu Great Wall with cable car or toboggan ride
• Lunch at a local Chinese restaurant
• Explore Tiananmen Square
• Walk to Forbidden City and tour the palace
• Return transfer to your hotel

Top questions

Is lunch included? Can I request vegetarian food?

Yes, lunch is included at a local restaurant. Vegetarian options are available—just let us know your preference when booking.

Do I need my passport for this tour?

Yes, please bring your passport as it’s required for entry to the Forbidden City. We’ll reserve your tickets using your details.

Can I choose between cable car or toboggan at Mutianyu?

You can pick either option when you arrive at Mutianyu—the guide will help arrange tickets for whichever you prefer.

What happens if it rains?

The tour runs in all weather conditions. Just dress appropriately—we recommend comfortable shoes and layers.

What’s included

Your own English-speaking guide and driver; private air-conditioned transport; all entrance fees; cable car or toboggan ride at Mutianyu; lunch at a local Chinese restaurant; hotel pickup and drop-off; petrol/gas, tolls, parking fees—all sorted so you can just enjoy your day out.