Beijing Small-Group Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City
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9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall—Beijing’s three iconic landmarks—in one seamless, unforgettable day with this exclusive small-group tour, limited to just 10 guests for personalized attention from your informative, friendly guide! Admire Tiananmen Square’s grandeur, dive into the Forbidden City’s imperial history as your guide shares hidden stories and navigates crowds, then marvel at the scenic, well-preserved Mutianyu Great Wall. Enjoy convenient round-trip hotel transfers, all entrance fees, a delicious authentic local lunch—so you can soak in China’s rich heritage without stress, making the most of your time in Beijing.
Available options
Tour without cable car
Small Group Tour with Entrance fee inclusive, please purchase your own cable car round trip or ski lift and toboggan
What's included
Professional guide
Bottled water
Hotel pickup and drop-off (For hotels within the 4th Ring Road of the Beijing City)
Lunch
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Entrance Fee
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Meet in front of Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall. Use the travel agency's fast pass to enter the Tian'anmen square, explore the most emblematic buildings, and learn all about them. Tiananmen is the biggest city center square in the world. You will see The Great Hall of People, and The National Museum (used to be named Chinese history and revolution museum),the Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum and The Monument of the People's Heros.
2
Stop 2
Pass through the south gate to the magnificent Forbidden City, a 250-acre (101-ha.) complex of courtyards, palaces, pavilions, and gardens that served as the imperial palace for emperors and their households for more than 500 years.
3
Stroll around the courtyards and halls of the Forbidden city with your tour guide, and learn the histories and stories about this massive palace. You will visit these buildings inside the Forbidden City.
Hall of Great Harmony where the emperor handle states affairs. Hall of Central Harmony and Hall of Compete Harmony.
4
Then continue to check out the living quarters in the palace: Hall of Union, Hall Heavenly Purity, and Hall of Earthly Tranquillity.
5
Stop 5
Your tour of the Forbidden city will end at the Imperial Garden, then you will exit the Forbidden city from the north Gate.
6
Stop 6
Then hop on your minivan ,heading to the highlights of the day, the Great Wall at Mutianyu Section. After 1 hour drive your tour guide will take you to restaurant and have a delicious Chinese lunch.
After lunch, drive 30 minutes to visit one of the seven wonders in the world - The Great Wall of China at Mutianyu Section. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is a masterpiece of restoration, with 23 original-style watchtowers.Once arrive, you will have free time to discover this amazing creature! You will get on the Wall either by chair lift up and toboggan down from at tower 6 or cable car round trip at tower 14.Then spend 1.5-2 hours at the Wall
After a great day of essential Beijing tour, you will be transferred to Dongzhimen Subway Station
What's not included
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Gratuities
Cable car or ski lift up and toboggan down
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Tiananmen Square is not only a top tourist attraction but also a venue for major political events. In the event of closure due to such activities, the square visit will be skipped. As admission to Tiananmen Square is free of charge, no refund will be issued for this arrangement.
During peak travel seasons, the waiting time for security checks to enter Tiananmen Square can range from 1 to 3 hours. Given that our core itinerary focuses on the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, we will skip the square visit to avoid delays if long security queues are encountered. Since the square has no entrance fee, no refund applies for this adjustment.
We require the passport name and number of every participant. The passport provided must be the one you carry on the tour day, as it is mandatory for booking tickets to scenic spots.
Round-trip transfers are included for hotels located within Beijing's 3rd Ring Road. For guests staying outside this area, you may either make your own way to the designated meeting point or opt for a paid pick-up service arranged by our driver.
Meeting point
Please look for "Discover Beijing Tours" in front of Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall.
You can reach here by taxi, here is the Chinese name for the museum, 请带我去北京城市规划馆前门东大街20号, you also can reach here by subway line 2 at Qianmen Station, exit E2, then walking 400 meters.
Important notes
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Dress code is smart casual
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.
About Beijing
Beijing, the capital of China, is a city of immense historical significance and modern dynamism. It's home to iconic landmarks, ancient palaces, and a vibrant contemporary culture that blends tradition with modernity. The city offers a unique mix of ancient history, cultural treasures, and modern advancements.
Top Attractions
The Great Wall of China
One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Great Wall of China stretches over 21,000 kilometers. The most accessible sections near Beijing are Badaling and Mutianyu.
Historical
Half day to full day
¥40-80 (depending on the section)
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts and offers a glimpse into China's imperial past.
Historical
2-3 hours
¥60 (March-October), ¥40 (November-February)
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed annual ceremonies of prayer to heaven for good harvests.
Historical
1-2 hours
¥15 (Temple area), ¥35 (Temple and park)
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It served as a retreat for emperors to escape the summer heat and is known for its beautiful landscapes and architecture.
Historical
3-4 hours
¥30 (Park and palace area), ¥60 (Boat ride included)
Hutongs
Hutongs are traditional narrow alleys and residential neighborhoods that offer a glimpse into old Beijing's way of life. Exploring hutongs provides an authentic experience of local culture and history.
Cultural
Half day to full day
Free to explore, but consider paying for guided tours or Rickshaw rides
798 Art Zone
The 798 Art Zone is a contemporary art district located in a former military factory. It's home to numerous art galleries, studios, and cultural events, making it a hub for Beijing's art scene.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore, but some galleries may charge admission
Must-Try Local Dishes
Peking Duck
A iconic dish of Beijing, Peking Duck is roasted to perfection and served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions. The crispy skin and tender meat make it a must-try for any visitor.
Main Course
Contains meat (duck), gluten (pancakes and sauce)
Zhajiangmian (Fried Sauce Noodles)
A popular Beijing street food, Zhajiangmian consists of hand-pulled noodles topped with a rich, savory sauce made from fermented soybean paste and minced pork. It's often served with cucumber and bean sprouts.
Main Course
Contains meat (pork), gluten (noodles and sauce)
Jianbing (Savory Crepes)
A popular Beijing street food, Jianbing is a savory crepe made with a batter of wheat and mung bean flour, filled with egg, scallions, and hoisin sauce. It's crispy, delicious, and perfect for a quick breakfast on the go.
Breakfast
Contains eggs, gluten (batter and sauce)
Baozi (Steamed Buns)
Baozi are steamed buns filled with various ingredients, such as pork, beef, or vegetables. They are a popular street food and can be found in many markets and food stalls throughout Beijing.
Snack
Can be vegetarian or contain meat, depending on the filling; contains gluten (bun)
Popular Activities
Hiking the Great Wall
Rock climbing in the Huairou District
Mountain biking in the outskirts of Beijing
Boat rides on Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace
Tea ceremonies at traditional teahouses
Gardens and parks at the Temple of Heaven and Beihai Park
Exploring the Forbidden City and other imperial palaces
Visiting temples and religious sites
Best Time to Visit
September to October, April to May
These months offer the most pleasant weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing. The city is vibrant with cultural festivals and outdoor activities.
15-25°C (59-77°F)
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Mandarin Chinese
- Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas and by younger generations)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Time Zone
GMT+8 (China Standard Time)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and tourist spots
Beijing is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night and in less touristy areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious when using taxis, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting the journey
- • Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas and tourist spots
- • Be wary of strangers offering services or attractions at inflated prices, and only use licensed and reputable tour guides and operators
Getting there
By air
- Beijing Capital International Airport • 32 km (20 miles) northeast of city center
- Beijing Daxing International Airport • 46 km (29 miles) south of city center
By train
Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station
By bus
Beijing Sihui Bus Station, Beijing Liuliqiao Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Beijing Subway is efficient, affordable, and widely used. It's the best way to navigate the city, especially during peak hours.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing, Tencent Taxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Dongcheng
Xicheng
Chaoyang
Haidian
Shijingshan
Day trips
The Great Wall at Mutianyu
70 km (43 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day
The Great Wall at Mutianyu is a less crowded and more scenic section of the Great Wall, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's a popular day trip from Beijing for those looking to experience the Great Wall without the large crowds.
The Great Wall at Jinshanling
130 km (81 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day
The Great Wall at Jinshanling is a remote and less restored section of the Great Wall, offering a more authentic and adventurous experience. It's a popular day trip for those looking to explore the Great Wall's wild and rugged beauty.
The Great Wall at Simatai
120 km (75 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day
The Great Wall at Simatai is a unique and well-preserved section of the Great Wall, known for its dramatic and picturesque landscape. It's a popular day trip for those looking to experience the Great Wall's beauty and history in a more intimate setting.
Festivals
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) • January or February (varies by lunar calendar)
Lantern Festival • 15th day of the first lunar month (varies by year)
Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) • April 4th or 5th (varies by solar calendar)
Pro tips
- Use the official Beijing Subway app for route planning and real-time updates
- Carry a VPN to access restricted apps and websites, such as Google, Facebook, and Instagram
- Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the city's many attractions and neighborhoods
- Try local snacks and street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
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per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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