Busda:Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Guided Bus Tour

Experience the Best of Beijing with the Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Guided Bus Tour

If you’re planning a day trip to Beijing and want a well-rounded glimpse of its most iconic sites, the Busda: Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Guided Bus Tour offers a comprehensive, budget-friendly way to see these landmarks. For just $29 per person, you’ll enjoy a guided experience that covers two of China’s most famous attractions, with flexible options like cable cars and toboggans to customize your visit.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it balances sightseeing with comfort. Traveling in an air-conditioned bus, you get to relax while your guide handles all the logistics. The tour’s highlight is the Mutianyu Great Wall, known for its less crowded, more rugged charm, and stunning views of the surrounding hills. Plus, the inclusion of the Summer Palace with its sweeping gardens and impressive corridors makes this a well-rounded introduction to Beijing’s imperial past.

That said, a potential snag is the optional extras, like the cable car or toboggan, which are not included in the base price. If you’re craving a fully immersive experience without extra costs, you’ll need to budget for those. Also, keep in mind that the tour ends at Beijing Olympic Park, so plan your transport accordingly afterward.

This tour is particularly suited for travelers who want a value-packed day with guided attention, without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. It’s ideal for first-timers, those with limited time, or visitors who prefer a group setting to explore major sights comfortably.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $29, this tour offers excellent value, especially considering the guided experience and entry tickets included.
• Comfortable Transport: An air-conditioned bus makes the long drive (around 1.5 hours each way) pleasant and relaxing.
• Flexible Options: You can add the cable car, toboggan, or ferry boat for extra fun and stunning views, paid on request.
• Guided Insight: An English-speaking guide provides context and helps streamline the visit, making the experience educational and smooth.
• Authentic Experience: Visiting the less crowded Mutianyu offers a more relaxed exploration than Badaling, plus a glimpse inside the Summer Palace’s imperial life.
• Convenient Meeting Point: Located in Beijing’s Chaoyang district, near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Mutianyu Great Wall

The day kicks off early, with pickup at a designated meeting point in Chaoyang. From there, the bus ride to Mutianyu takes about 1.5 hours, during which your guide gives helpful tips on how to navigate the site and even assists with booking tickets for optional upgrades like the cable car or the toboggan.

Once at Mutianyu, you’ll collect your entrance ticket and hop on the internal shuttle to reach the top of the wall. Unlike the often crowded Badaling section, Mutianyu is known for its fewer visitors and more rugged terrain, which appeals to those wanting a more authentic, less commercialized experience.

Climbing the wall, you’ll get plenty of time—around four hours—to enjoy the sweeping views of the hills and the ancient battlements. The optional cable car (140 RMB) offers a quick, scenic ascent, ideal if you’re short on time or prefer a less strenuous start. For the adventurous, the toboggan ride (also 140 RMB) is a highlight, allowing you to zoom down the hill in a fun, old-school sled.

Many travelers mention that the views are breathtaking, and the less crowded environment means you can take your time to soak in the atmosphere. One reviewer noted, “The guide was very knowledgeable, and the scenery was stunning—definitely worth the extra for the cable car.”

Summer Palace

After a solid few hours at the Wall, the tour continues to the Summer Palace, a vast imperial garden filled with elegant pavilions, long corridors decorated with paintings, and peaceful Kunming Lake. Your guide will take you through the main areas, explaining stories behind the buildings, including the life of the imperial family and the significance of its architecture.

A unique experience here is the walk through the Long Corridor, reputed to be the longest painted corridor in the world. It’s a perfect spot for photos and to appreciate the intricate artwork. If you wish, you can opt for a ferry boat ride on Kunming Lake (100 RMB), which offers an impressive perspective of the Palace and its surroundings. Many reviewers have praised the guide’s storytelling as “engaging and informative,” making the history come alive.

You’ll spend about three hours exploring, giving enough time for leisure and photo stops before heading back. The tour ends at the Beijing Olympic Park, so plan your transportation from there, especially if you’re catching a flight or heading to your hotel.

Practical Details and Tips

Transport and Timing: The air-conditioned bus ensures comfort on the 1.5-hour stretches each way. The overall tour lasts approximately 9 hours, starting at 7:30 AM. Arriving early helps beat some of the crowds and gives a more relaxed experience.

Ticketing and Extras: The base price includes entry tickets for the Great Wall and Summer Palace, but the cable car, toboggan, and ferry rides are paid separately. Travelers have found that these extras enhance the experience, especially at Mutianyu where the views are spectacular from above.

Group Size: With a maximum of around 47 travelers, the group isn’t too large, allowing for some personal interaction but still maintaining a lively atmosphere.

Cash and Payment: Be aware that paying with credit cards at the Wall might be tricky; bringing cash or having apps like Alipay and WeChat ready is recommended.

Weather Considerations: Good weather is essential for maximum enjoyment, and the tour provider offers a full refund or rescheduling if canceled due to poor conditions.

What We Love and What to Consider

Pros:
– The guided approach simplifies logistics and enriches your understanding of each site.
– Visiting Mutianyu, known for its scenic beauty and fewer crowds, makes for a more relaxed experience.
– Including transportation and entrance tickets means no unexpected costs or hassles.
– The optional extras—cable car, toboggan, ferry—offer added fun and unique perspectives.
– The timed itinerary strikes a good balance between seeing major sights and enjoying the surroundings.

Potential Drawbacks:
– The extras are paid separately, which can add up if you choose multiple options.
– The tour’s fixed schedule might feel rushed for some, especially if you prefer a more leisurely pace.
– Ending at Beijing Olympic Park means you’ll need additional planning if you want to visit other attractions or get to your accommodation.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for budget-conscious travelers seeking a guided, all-in-one day trip to core Beijing sights. It suits those who prefer not to deal with the hassle of booking tickets or navigating public transport alone. First-time visitors or those with limited time will find it especially convenient.

If you’re eager to experience a less touristy part of the Great Wall, along with a taste of imperial China at the Summer Palace, this tour offers a balanced, engaging way to do so. It’s also great for families or groups who want a structured, guided day with options to customize the adventure.

For travelers craving a deeper, more immersive experience, you might look into more private or longer tours, but for a straightforward, value-packed day out, this tour hits the mark.

The Busda Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Guided Bus Tour delivers a well-rounded, affordable way to tick off two of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks. With the convenience of included tickets, guided commentary, and optional upgrades like the cable car or toboggan, it offers flexibility and depth in a manageable package. The choice of Mutianyu over Badaling means a quieter, more authentic experience, especially appreciated by those wanting fewer crowds.

While the tour’s fixed schedule and extra costs for upgrades are worth considering, the overall value is strong — providing a memorable, informative day with professional guidance and comfortable transportation. It’s an excellent pick for travelers who want to see the highlights without the stress of planning every detail themselves.

If you’re after a practical, fun, and informative way to explore Beijing’s crown jewels, this tour will serve you well. Just bring some cash, your camera, and a sense of adventure.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, roundtrip transportation by air-conditioned bus is included from the meeting point to the two main attractions.

Can I buy tickets for the cable car or toboggan at the site?
Yes, these optional upgrades are available for purchase on request—costing 140 RMB each.

What is the meeting point and how do I find it?
The meeting point is in Chaoyang, Beijing, with a specific location provided (BXC99+GF8). It’s near public transportation, making it easy to access.

How long do I spend at each site?
You’ll have approximately four hours at Mutianyu and three hours at the Summer Palace, giving enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the flexible options like the cable car and toboggan can make it fun for families. Just be mindful of the walking involved.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.