Small Group-Tour With Mutianyu, Jinshanling And BadalingGreatwall

Exploring the Great Wall of China: A 3-Day Guided Small Group Tour

Traveling to Beijing and eager to see the Great Wall? This 3-day guided tour offers a well-rounded experience, taking you through three of the most stunning sections: Mutianyu, Jinshanling, and Badaling. It’s designed for those who want a mix of scenic hikes, cultural insights, and hassle-free logistics, all with an English-speaking guide to deepen your understanding.

What we particularly like about this tour is its focus on diverse Wall experiences. From the lush greenery of Mutianyu to the rugged, less-crowded Jinshanling, plus the famous Badaling section, it caters to different tastes and photo opportunities. The inclusion of stops at the Ming Tombs and a traditional tea ceremony adds cultural depth beyond just walking along bricks.

A possible drawback is the intensity of the schedule—brace yourself for early mornings, long drives, and a fair amount of walking. Also, note that the Jinshanling segment involves an additional cost for the cable car if you want to skip some of the uphill effort. This tour is best suited for active travelers who appreciate history, stunning views, and don’t mind a packed itinerary.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive, hassle-free experience that covers multiple significant sections of the Great Wall, combined with cultural stops and good value for the price.

Key Points

• Three distinct Wall sections offer variety in scenery and less-crowded spots.
• All-inclusive pricing covers entrance fees, lunches, and transport.
• Guided insights bring historical context and local culture to life.
• Early starts and long days are part of the experience but offer plenty of sights.
• Cultural stops like the Ming Tombs and tea house add depth beyond hiking.
• Transportation is comfortable, with hotel pickup and drop-off within central Beijing.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: Mutianyu Great Wall

Starting at 7:00 am with hotel pickup, the journey to Mutianyu takes about 90 minutes. This section is often praised for its beautiful, tree-covered setting and well-preserved watchtowers. We loved the way the guide, who was friendly and knowledgeable, explained the strategic importance of these watchtowers in defending the Chinese capital.

The hike spans about 3.7 miles (6 km), which takes roughly three hours. The terrain is manageable but varied, with some steep sections, perfect for those who want a moderate challenge. The views are breathtaking, with the Wall snaking through lush hills and pastures, and the towers offering vantage points for photos.

The tour includes a lunch after the walk, typically Chinese cuisine, which helps recharge before heading back to Beijing. Visitors have mentioned that the guided commentary made the experience richer, especially when learning about the Wall’s history and its role in Chinese defenses.

Day 2: Ming Tombs and Badaling

Day two kicks off again early, with a pickup at 7:00 am. First stop: the Ming Tombs, a complex housing the resting places of 13 Ming dynasty emperors. The tombs are impressive, with intricate carvings and a sense of grandeur, although one reviewer noted disappointment about not visiting the monumental structures fully. Still, the history here is palpable, and the guide’s explanations help bring the site to life.

Next, it’s a visit to a jade gallery, lasting about 45 minutes, where you can see beautiful carvings and learn about jade’s significance in Chinese culture. There’s also a lunch at the gallery, providing a chance to enjoy local flavors.

In the afternoon, the group heads to Badaling, arguably the most famous and most visited section of the Great Wall. You get about 1.5 hours here, enough time to walk along the wall, soak in the views, and appreciate the well-preserved structure. The section is often crowded, but the guide helps navigate the best spots for photos and understanding the Wall’s historical importance.

A traditional Chinese tea ceremony at a tea house provides a calming cultural experience before returning to Beijing. The overall day balances history, culture, and scenic views, making it a well-rounded outing.

Day 3: Jinshanling – The Less Crowded Gem

The final day begins with another early start and a 2-2.5 hour drive to Jinshanling, one of the most scenic and least-crowded sections of the Wall. This part is particularly loved by hikers and photographers for its restored watchtowers and dramatic mountain backdrop.

The guide emphasizes the value of this section for those seeking authentic, less-touristy experiences. The terrain is rugged in parts, and the views are stunning, with steep cliffs and inscriptions on the bricks that tell stories of centuries past. You can choose to ride the cable car (additional cost) to save some uphill effort, which some travelers found helpful.

The hike along Jinshanling’s eastern ramparts lasts approximately three hours, with opportunities to take plenty of photos and soak in the scenery. The guide’s insights help explain the significance of the inscriptions and the architecture, adding depth for those interested in history.

Practical Aspects and Value

Transportation and Comfort

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within the 2nd ring road of Beijing, making it very convenient for travelers staying centrally. The minivans are comfortable, air-conditioned, and large enough to accommodate the group size, which is typically up to 48 travelers.

Guide and Group Experience

Having an English-speaking guide is a major plus, especially for understanding historical details and cultural nuances. Reviewers appreciated guides like Liu and Zhang, who were described as friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, often providing extra insights that enrich the experience.

Cost and Inclusions

At $565 per person, the price covers entrance fees, lunches, transportation, and the guide. While it might seem steep, considering the inclusions and convenience, many find it reasonable, especially when compared to the cost and effort of organizing these trips independently.

What’s Not Included

• Cable car rides at Jinshanling are extra, and some may want to use this to save energy.
• Souvenir photos are available for purchase, but not included.
• Hotel drop-off for Jinshanling is not provided, so if staying away from downtown, plan accordingly.

Summary of Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Well-organized, multi-site experience
• Comfortable transportation and hotel pickup
• Rich commentary from knowledgeable guides
• Diversified experience covering scenic hikes and cultural stops
• Good value considering all inclusions

Cons:

• Early mornings and long days may be tiring
• Crowds at Badaling can detract from the experience
• Additional costs for cable car at Jinshanling
• Jinshanling hotel drop-off not included, which could complicate plans for some travelers

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for active travelers who want to see multiple sections of the Great Wall without the hassle of planning each stop themselves. It’s especially suited for those interested in history, photography, and cultural experiences. Families with older children, groups of friends, or solo travelers who enjoy guided insights will find this highly beneficial.

While it’s a busy schedule, the variety and depth of the experience make it a worthwhile choice for most visitors wanting a comprehensive introduction to China’s most famous landmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available only within Beijing’s 2nd ring road?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are provided only for hotels within the 2nd ring road, making it convenient if you are centrally located.

Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
Yes, all site entrance fees for Mutianyu, Jinshanling, the Ming Tombs, and Badaling are included.

Can I skip the cable car at Jinshanling?
The cable car ride is optional and available at an additional cost. It’s not included in the tour price.

What should I wear on the tour?
Smart casual clothing is recommended, and comfortable shoes for walking and hiking are essential.

How long are the hikes?
Hiking at Mutianyu is about 3 hours, Jinshanling around 3 hours, and Badaling is more about walking along the wall for 1.5 hours.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the early mornings and physical activity involved, especially on Jinshanling.

To sum it up, this 3-day Great Wall tour balances scenic hikes, cultural insights, and ease of logistics. It’s best suited for travelers who want a meaningful, guided experience that covers different facets of this ancient marvel. With friendly guides, scenic views, and thoughtful stops, it offers solid value for those eager to explore China’s most iconic structure without the stress of independent planning.