Private Beijing Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: Great Wall & City

Summary

Beijing Shore Excursion: Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City & More

If you want to see Beijing’s top sights without crowds or hassle, this private tour from Tianjin Cruise Port covers it all—Great Wall walks, hidden corners of the Forbidden City, real local eats, plus smooth rides and expert guides who know their stuff.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air at Tianjin Cruise Port felt a bit salty and brisk as we met our guide—she was already waving by the arrivals gate, holding a sign with my name. The drive into Beijing took about two and a half hours, but honestly, it went by fast. Our driver kept the car cool and even pointed out some odd roadside fruit stalls along the way. Once we reached Mutianyu Great Wall, I could smell pine trees and hear this faint chatter from local vendors selling roasted chestnuts near the entrance. We took the cable car up (my knees thanked me), and our guide led us along a quieter stretch where you could actually hear birds instead of crowds. The wall itself? It’s massive—photos don’t do it justice. Afterward, we stopped for lunch at a small family-run spot in Huairou; their zhajiangmian noodles were simple but hit the spot after all that walking.

Back in Beijing city by late afternoon, we had time to freshen up at our hotel before heading out for an acrobatic show—our seats were close enough to see every detail of the performers’ costumes. The next morning started early with a quick breakfast (I grabbed baozi from a street vendor outside the hotel). At Tian’anmen Square, our guide whisked us past the long lines—felt like cheating but I wasn’t complaining. She shared stories about the square’s history that I’d never heard before. Inside the Forbidden City, we skipped most of the big tour groups and wandered through quieter courtyards where you could almost imagine what life was like centuries ago. Lunch was another local spot—this time Peking duck carved right at our table. The last stop was Summer Palace; lotus flowers were just starting to bloom on Kunming Lake and there was this soft breeze that made everything feel calm after the city’s buzz. Our driver got us back to Tianjin port right on time for boarding.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Great Wall and Evening in Beijing

• Pick-up from Tianjin Cruise Port
• Drive to Beijing (2.5 hours)
• Visit Mutianyu Great Wall
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Optional acrobatic performance (VIP seats)
• Transfer to hotel in Beijing

Day 2 — Beijing Highlights and Return

• Pick-up from hotel
• Visit Tian'anmen Square (skip the line)
• Explore Forbidden City via less touristic path
• Lunch at authentic local restaurant
• Visit Summer Palace
• Transfer back to Tianjin Cruise Port

Top questions

Can I customize parts of this Beijing tour?

Absolutely! Just let us know your interests or any must-see spots—we’ll adjust your itinerary so it fits your preferences and timing.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible and we can make extra arrangements if needed. Let us know in advance so everything goes smoothly.

How far is Tianjin Cruise Port from Beijing?

The port is about 190km away—it usually takes around 2.5 hours by car each way depending on traffic.

Are meals included in the price?

Meals aren’t included but our guide will recommend great local restaurants where you can try authentic Beijing dishes.

What’s included

Your trip includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle from start to finish, an English-speaking guide who knows Beijing inside out, all tolls and parking fees covered—and skip-the-line access at key sites like Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City. We’ll also handle ticket bookings ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about anything selling out.