Busda-e:Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Bus Tour

Exploring Beijing’s Wonders: The Busda-e Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Bus Tour

Whether you’re visiting Beijing for the first time or returning for a deeper dive into its iconic sights, this budget-friendly tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of China’s ancient grandeur. For just $34.20 per person, you get transportation, guided insights, and access to two of Beijing’s most celebrated landmarks: the Mutianyu Great Wall and the Summer Palace.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its combination of culture and scenic beauty—all within a manageable 9-hour window. Our favorite aspect? The knowledgeable guide, who not only shares fascinating stories but also helps navigate the logistical side of each stop. A possible consideration is the optional expenses, like cable cars or toboggans, which can add to the overall cost but are well worth the extra if you’re eager to get the best views or a bit of fun on the slopes.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a cost-effective, guided day trip that covers Beijing’s highlights without the hassle of planning each detail themselves. If you’re short on time but want a taste of China’s history, scenery, and imperial splendor, this experience offers a practical and enjoyable option.

Key Points

• Affordable price point offers access to two major sites with guided commentary.
• Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned bus ensures a relaxed day.
• Flexible optional extras, like cable cars, toboggans, and boat rides, allow customization.
• Balanced itinerary with enough time at each site to explore without feeling rushed.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with stories and helpful tips.
• Good for travelers who prefer a guided, organized day with maximum value.

The Itinerary in Detail

Morning Departure and Mutianyu Great Wall

The day begins early, with a meeting point conveniently near public transportation in Beijing’s Chaoyang district. Once you show your reservation to the staff dressed in green vests, you’ll board an air-conditioned bus for the approximately 1.5-hour drive to Mutianyu.

The bus guide provides insights into the best ways to explore the wall, and they’ll assist in reserving tickets for optional extras. We appreciate that the tour allows you to choose whether to take the cable car or ski lift—costs are around 140 RMB (~$20), but purchasing them is optional, giving you flexibility based on your energy level or fear of heights.

Exploring Mutianyu

Upon arrival, you’ll collect your tickets and hop on an internal shuttle that takes you uphill to the wall. This part of the Mutianyu experience is a highlight. The site is slightly less crowded than the Badaling section, which means you’ll have more space to enjoy the impressive structure and the sweeping views.

The Mutianyu section is known for its rugged charm and scenic hilltop positioning, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding hills and forests. We loved the chance to walk at our own pace, soaking in the atmosphere without feeling rushed. The optional toboggan ride back down is a fun way to end your visit, and many reviews mention how enjoyable and smooth the ride is—just be aware of the 140 RMB (~$20) cost.

Transition to the Summer Palace

After about four hours at the Great Wall, you’ll head back to the bus for the roughly 2-hour drive to the Summer Palace. The guide will share stories about the imperial family’s lifestyle, adding depth to the walk through the vast gardens and historic buildings.

Exploring the Summer Palace

Once at the Summer Palace, you’ll have around three hours to explore. Highlights include wandering along the long corridor adorned with intricate paintings—said to be the longest painted corridor in the world—and visiting key sights like the Imperial Garden and Kunming Lake.

A favorite activity for many is the optional Imperial Ferry Boat ride across Kunming Lake (costs around 100 RMB, approximately $15). This boat ride offers fantastic views of the palace and the natural landscape, plus a chance to relax and take photos of the stunning scenery. Reviewers mention how helpful the guide is in explaining the history behind the buildings and sharing stories about the “Dragon Lady,” a notable figure linked to the palace’s past.

End of the Tour

After your time at the Summer Palace, the bus will take you back to the Olympic Park area, near the iconic Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. This is a convenient spot to end the day, especially if you want to explore more or head straight to your accommodations.

Practical Details and What’s Included

This tour includes roundtrip transportation in an air-conditioned bus, a friendly and experienced English-speaking guide, and entry tickets to the Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace (main entrance).

While the price is quite affordable, remember that some attractions and extras are optional and come at additional costs:

• Cable car or ski lift at Mutianyu (~140 RMB / $20)
• Toboggan ride (~140 RMB / $20)
• Summer Palace boat ride (~100 RMB / $15)

It’s worth noting that most travelers cannot pay by credit card at the Great Wall, so bringing cash or using Alipay/WeChat is advisable. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 47, ensuring a manageable and somewhat intimate experience.

Timing and Flexibility

The start time is 7:30 am, giving you a full day of sightseeing. The tour is designed to balance sightseeing with enough free time, but keep in mind that the drive back from the Summer Palace might be a little tight if you’re planning other activities afterward.

Authentic Experience and Insightful Tips

From reviews, it’s clear that having a knowledgeable guide makes a big difference. One reviewer appreciated how the guide shared stories about the “Dragon Lady” and provided helpful tips about how to navigate each site efficiently. We also noted that the guide helped coordinate reservations for optional tickets, making the day smoother.

Many visitors mention how stunning the views at Mutianyu are, especially when taking the cable car or ski lift. The less crowded environment compared to Badaling means you can really savor the scenery and walk along the ancient ramparts without feeling overwhelmed.

At the Summer Palace, the long corridor with its detailed paintings is a highlight, and the boat ride across Kunming Lake offers a different perspective of the imperial gardens. The combination of natural beauty and historical architecture makes this part of the trip particularly memorable.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This budget-friendly day trip is perfect for travelers who want to tick two major Beijing sights off their list without the hassle of organizing transport or tickets themselves. The guided format ensures you get local insights and helps navigate the language barrier, especially at sites where cash is king.

If you value comfort, convenience, and authentic stories, this tour delivers. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy a little adventure—like riding the toboggan or exploring scenic spots—without overspending.

However, if you’re looking for a luxury experience or private tour, this might not be the best fit. Likewise, those who prefer more time at each site or want to include every optional activity may find the schedule a bit tight.

All in all, it offers great value for the price and a manageable way to see Beijing’s iconic landmarks with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

FAQs

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, roundtrip transportation is provided in an air-conditioned bus, making the journey comfortable and stress-free.

Can I buy tickets for the cable car or toboggan on the day?
Yes, these are optional extras you can purchase based on your preference. The cable car and ski lift cost about 140 RMB (~$20), and the toboggan is also around 140 RMB.

How long do I have at each site?
You’ll spend about 4 hours at Mutianyu Great Wall and 3 hours at the Summer Palace, giving enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

What should I bring?
Cash or Alipay/WeChat for optional extras, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and water are recommended. Note that credit card payments are not accepted at the Great Wall.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Generally, yes, but be aware that the tour involves walking and some optional activities like riding the toboggan or ferry boat, which may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 47 travelers, which allows for a reasonably intimate experience but still maintains a lively atmosphere.

To sum it up, this tour offers a fantastic combination of iconic sights, engaging guides, and good value—ideal for travelers who want a straightforward, well-organized day out in Beijing. Whether you’re a history buff, a scenic lover, or just eager to tick off major landmarks, it hits the sweet spot of convenience and authenticity.