All-inclusive Private Day Tour to Longqingxia Gorge and Badaling Great Wall

Exploring Beijing’s Natural and Historic Marvels: A Closer Look at the All-Inclusive Private Day Tour to Longqingxia Gorge and Badaling Great Wall

This private day tour offers an excellent way to experience two of Beijing’s most captivating sights — the serene beauty of Longqingxia Gorge and the awe-inspiring Badaling Great Wall. With all logistics handled, including transport, entrance fees, and a local guide, it’s designed for travelers who want a seamless, enriching day away from the city’s hustle.

What stands out most is the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful boat cruise through the gorge’s scenic waters before tackling one of the most famous sections of the Great Wall. This combination makes it ideal for those seeking both natural tranquility and cultural grandeur in a single day. However, keep in mind that it involves some walking and moderate physical activity, so comfortable shoes are a must.

This tour suits visitors who value authentic, well-organized experiences and appreciate flexible options — from hiking to cable car rides. If you’re after a balanced day that blends leisure with sightseeing and want everything included, this tour is a solid choice. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace or want to explore other parts of the Great Wall, it’s worth considering additional options.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Convenience: Everything from transport to meals and entrance fees is handled, making for a stress-free day.
• Diverse Experience: Combines a scenic boat cruise with a walk along the iconic Great Wall.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Tour guides like Linda (mentioned in reviews) provide engaging insights, making the experience richer.
• Flexible Options: You can hike or take the cable car at Badaling — you choose how energetic your visit is.
• Authentic Local Lunch: Enjoy regional cuisine at a local farmer’s house, giving a taste of local flavors.
• Suitable for Moderate Fitness Levels: The tour involves some walking and outdoor activity, so be prepared with comfortable shoes.

The Offer and Its Overall Appeal

Priced at $228 per person, this private tour packs in a full day of sightseeing, with the added benefit of a tailored experience. The booking includes a private guide, driver, all entrance tickets, lunch, and transportation, which generally translates into good value, especially considering the convenience of door-to-door service and the ability to avoid crowded group tours.

The company behind the experience, Lily’s Tour Company, is praised for punctual pickup and friendly service, which are crucial when fitting in two major attractions into one day. The private aspect also means your itinerary is flexible — you can ask your guide to spend more or less time at each site if you wish, within the full nine hours.

Longqingxia Gorge: A Tranquil Natural Escape

The tour kicks off with a 45-minute drive from central Beijing to Longqingxia Gorge, located about 55 miles (90 km) north of downtown. This scenic spot is less frequented than other touristy natural sites around Beijing, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush, green peaks.

Once there, you’ll enjoy a 1.5-hour boat cruise that takes you along the river through the gorge, giving you a chance to see curious stones, karst caves, and wooded mountains from a different perspective. The gentle breeze and flowing water make this a refreshing experience, especially in warm weather.

Reviewers mention the escalator inside the Dragon’s body (a notable feature of the site) adds a fun, somewhat quirky element, making the ascent easier and more enjoyable. The boat cruise is highly regarded for its beautiful scenery — one visitor described it as feeling like passing through a “living painting,” with the Baihua (Hundred Flowers) Cave, Shenxianyuan (Immortal) and Jingang temples visible along the route.

The only potential drawback? If you’re not comfortable on boats or have mobility issues, the boat ride requires some physical activity and sitting on the water for 1.5 hours.

Lunch: Authentic Regional Flavors

Post-cruise, the tour includes a lunch at a local farmer’s house, offering regional cuisine. Reviewers appreciated the chance to try local flavors in a homely setting, away from tourist traps. Vegetarian options are available if advised beforehand, which is a considerate touch for dietary needs.

The Great Wall at Badaling: A Must-See Icon

After lunch, the journey continues to Badaling, the most accessible and well-preserved section of the Great Wall. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Longqingxia Gorge, giving you time to relax and soak in the countryside scenery.

Badaling’s 2.3-mile (3.7 km) stretch is famous for its impressive views, well-maintained pathways, and history as the first section open to travelers. The average height of 26 feet (8 meters) makes it a formidable sight, and the ramparts are wide enough for multiple horses to ride side-by-side, emphasizing its strategic importance.

You can choose to hike for two to three hours, exploring various watchtowers and sections, or opt for a cable car ride (own expense) to save energy and get sweeping views. One review highlighted the guide’s knowledgeable commentary, which added historical context to each section, enriching the experience.

Practical Aspects and Comfort

Transportation is private, which enhances comfort and flexibility. The hotel pickup and drop-off eliminate the stress of navigating Beijing’s traffic or public transport. The tour runs smoothly thanks to the punctual driver, and entrance tickets are included, so no need to queue or worry about additional costs.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to hike the Wall. The tour’s duration—around nine hours—means you’ll need to pace yourself, but the itinerary balances sightseeing with rest periods.

Authenticity and Local Insight

Our research, including a review from a traveler named Linda, noted that guides are friendly, informative, and eager to share stories. This personalized attention enhances the experience, making the history and scenery more engaging. As one reviewer put it, the guide’s insights made the trip “more meaningful,” especially when combined with the scenic boat ride and visits to less-visited temples.

The Value Proposition

Considering that all expenses are included—transport, guide, entrance fees, lunch, and even the escalator inside the gorge—it offers a comprehensive, worry-free day. While the total cost might seem high at first glance, the convenience and depth of experience justify the price, especially for travelers preferring a guided, all-inclusive approach.

This tour is best suited for travelers who value comfort and convenience, like those unfamiliar with navigating Beijing or with limited time. It’s ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking a mix of natural beauty and iconic cultural sights without the hassle of planning every detail.

It’s also perfect for people who enjoy moderate physical activity—like walking and boat rides—and want some flexibility (hiking or cable car options). If you’re after a relaxed yet immersive experience, this tour hits the right notes.

This private tour offers a well-rounded taste of Beijing’s natural and historic highlights, all wrapped in a comfortable, all-inclusive package. From the peaceful boat cruise through Longqingxia Gorge to the breathtaking expanses of Badaling, it captures the essence of why travelers fall in love with China’s capital.

You’ll appreciate the expert guides, the authentic regional lunch, and the chance to see two very different sides of Beijing in one day. It’s a fantastic option for those wanting a smooth, memorable introduction to some of the city’s best sights without the stress of self-organizing.

If you’re looking for a day that blends scenic beauty with cultural significance, and you prefer the comfort of private transportation and guided insights, this tour will serve you well.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult. The activities involve some walking and boat riding, so comfortable shoes and a moderate fitness level are recommended.

Are meals included in the price?
Yes, the tour provides a local regional lunch at a farmer’s house, with vegetarian options available if notified in advance.

Can I hike or take a cable car at the Great Wall?
Absolutely. You can choose to hike along the Wall for two to three hours or take the cable car up and down at your own expense.

How long is the boat ride at Longqingxia Gorge?
The cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours, providing scenic views of caves, temples, and wooded mountains.

What’s the pickup process?
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making the start and end of your day hassle-free.

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?
The experience is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Depending on the weather, bring sun protection or rain gear as needed.

This tour offers a thoughtful, engaging way to experience some of Beijing’s most captivating sights, making it a worthwhile choice for travelers eager to combine adventure with ease.