Busda:Mutianyu Great Wall, Summer and Old Summer Palace Day Tour

A Closer Look at the Mutianyu Great Wall, Summer and Old Summer Palace Day Tour

Taking a day tour around Beijing’s top sights can be a fantastic way to soak up history and culture without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. This particular tour, priced at around $33 per person, offers an affordable yet comprehensive way to see the iconic Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, explore the lush Summer Palace, and wander the ruins of the Old Summer Palace. With a duration of about nine hours, it’s designed to give you a taste of Beijing’s grandeur without feeling rushed.

One aspect we really appreciate about this tour is the clear focus on authentic experiences—from the less-crowded Mutianyu Wall, which often feels more personal, to the beautifully maintained imperial gardens. The inclusion of a knowledgeable guide and the convenience of roundtrip transportation make it a good option for those new to Beijing who want structure and insight. On the flip side, the limited time at each site could be a drawback if you’re eager to explore every corner in depth or want to indulge in optional activities like cable cars or boat rides.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate value and efficiency—it hits the major highlights without breaking the bank. If you prefer guided experiences with someone to narrate the stories behind the sights, and are comfortable with some optional extras left as add-ons, this tour could be ideal. However, if you’re after a more flexible, in-depth exploration or are keen on all optional activities, you might want to look at other options.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At just $33, this tour offers good value for a guided day of sightseeing in Beijing.
• Authentic Sites: Focuses on iconic spots like Mutianyu Great Wall, Summer Palace, and Old Summer Palace, providing a well-rounded experience.
• Guided Experience: An English-speaking guide enhances understanding and makes navigation easier.
• Optional Extras: Cable cars, toboggan rides, and boat trips are available at additional costs, allowing personalization.
• Efficient Itinerary: The 9-hour schedule packs in major highlights, but limits time at each site.
• Group Size: Typically accommodates up to 47 travelers, balancing social atmosphere and manageable groups.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Mutianyu Great Wall – A Less Crowded Marvel

Our journey begins with a roughly 1.5-hour bus ride from central Beijing, during which your guide introduces the history of Mutianyu, one of the most scenic and less-touristy sections of the Great Wall. We loved the way our guide explained how the wall was constructed and its strategic importance, making the experience more meaningful.

Once there, you’ll collect your tickets before choosing whether to take the cable car, toboggan, or walk up if you’re feeling energetic. The internal shuttle takes visitors uphill, saving your legs for the amazing views and photo ops. The wall itself is stunning, with its stone battlements winding over the hillside, offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape.

A notable point from reviews is that the wall is less commercialized than other sections, giving it a more authentic feel. Some travelers, like Pierre, mentioned that their main reservation was canceled, and they only got to visit the wall, but still found it to be a worthwhile experience. The optional cable car costs 140 RMB, a worthwhile splurge if you want to skip the climb or enjoy panoramic views without the effort.

The Summer Palace – Imperial Elegance and Natural Beauty

After about 1.5 hours of travel, we arrive at the Summer Palace, once the summer retreat of imperial families. The main highlight here is the long corridor decorated with intricate paintings—a sight that captured many visitors’ admiration. Our guide provided insights into the life of the “Dragon Lady” and the historical significance of the structures, enriching our visit.

We had around 2.5 hours to explore the immense grounds, which include beautifully manicured gardens, lakes, and pavilions. If you’re interested, an optional boat ride across Kunming Lake costs 100 RMB, offering the chance to see the grand scenery from the water. The stunning views of the lake and surrounding hills are perfect for photos and relaxing walks.

Reviewers appreciated the knowledgeable guides who shared stories behind the architecture and the local legends. The long corridor with paintings was particularly praised for its craftsmanship and historical significance. Be mindful that the entry ticket to the main sites is included, but additional boat rides or guided tours inside the palace are optional and at extra cost.

The Old Summer Palace – Ruins of Grandeur

The final stop is the Old Summer Palace, a vast complex that was renowned for its gardens, lakes, and architecture blending Chinese and Western styles. Looted and burned in 1860, today it’s a ruins park that offers a poignant glimpse into its former majesty. The 1.5-hour visit allows you to walk around the ruins, absorbing the history and imagining its former splendor.

Knowing that this site was looted and burned adds a layer of reflection to the experience. The stone and brick ruins tell a story of cultural loss but also resilience. Some reviews mention that the park is well-maintained, with restored structures and informative plaques. If you’re interested in further exploring, there’s the option of visiting nearby attractions or taking additional boat rides for a fee.

Transportation and Group Experience

The roundtrip transportation is by air-conditioned bus, making the long day more comfortable. Meeting at a central point in Beijing, the tour is suitable for most travelers, with most being able to participate. The group size is capped at 47 travelers, which strikes a balance between social interaction and manageable logistics.

Our guide was engaging and knowledgeable, providing useful tips about each site and helping with ticket arrangements. The internal shuttle at the Great Wall simplifies access to the wall itself, especially useful if you prefer not to hike uphill.

Value and Optional Extras

At a base price of $33, this tour is quite economical, especially considering the included admission tickets to all major sites and transportation. The optional activities—cable car, toboggan, and boat rides—are additional, but many travelers found them worth the extra expense for the views and fun.

While the lunch isn’t included, the tour’s timing leaves plenty of options for a quick meal either before or after, or even bringing snacks along. The flexibility of optional extras lets you tailor the experience, whether you want to relax on a boat or enjoy panoramic views from the cable car.

Authenticity, Tips, and Considerations

From the reviews, we see that guides make a difference—they often enhance the experience with stories and helpful tips. Selina, for example, was highlighted as a great guide, making the trip engaging despite occasional hiccups, like last-minute cancellations.

Keep in mind that the total time at each site is limited—about 5 hours at the Great Wall, 2.5 hours at the Summer Palace, and 1.5 hours at the Old Summer Palace. If you’re eager to explore every nook or want to linger longer, you might prefer a more customized or private tour.

This tour’s cost-efficiency is attractive, but be prepared for optional extras if you wish to maximize the experience, and remember that the group size could influence how personalized your guide’s attention can be.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This day trip is perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want a rundown of Beijing’s most famous sights without the hassle of planning. It’s suited to those who enjoy guided tours, value historical insights, and don’t mind a packed schedule. The inclusion of optional activities makes it flexible for those wanting a bit of adventure or relaxation.

However, if you’re someone who prefers a very relaxed pace, more independent exploration, or plans to visit less touristy parts of the sites, you might find this tour a bit rushed. Also, if cultural or historical depth is your top priority, consider supplementing this tour with additional visits or private guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour provides roundtrip transportation by air-conditioned bus from a central Beijing meeting point.

Can I buy tickets for attractions like the cable car or boat?
Yes, these are optional extras and can be purchased on the day, with cable cars and toboggans costing 140 RMB, and boat rides costing between 80-100 RMB.

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, from around 7:30 am to late afternoon, including travel, sightseeing, and optional activities.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, so plan to bring snacks or lunch on your own.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
Most travelers can participate, but be mindful of the walking involved and optional activities like the cable car or boat rides, which may not be suitable for everyone.

What is the group size?
Most tours have up to 47 travelers, providing a balance between social interaction and manageable logistics.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, and perhaps a camera for capturing the scenic views.

Does the tour accommodate last-minute bookings?
Most bookings are made 18 days in advance, but availability depends on the date. Confirm before booking to ensure space.

In summary, this tour offers a great value for those looking to tick off Beijing’s key sights with knowledgeable guides and flexible options. It balances convenience with authenticity, making it a solid choice for first-time visitors wanting a structured, memorable day in the Chinese capital. Just be prepared for some optional costs if you want to indulge in the full experience, and keep in mind the limited time at each site to plan your sightseeing accordingly.