Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour, No Shopping

Welcome to take our private Mutianyu Great Wall tour to see the most iconic attractions in Beijing! At the appointed time in the morning, your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel.

The first stop today is Tiananmen Square, located in the heart of Beijing City. As one of the largest city squares in the world, it covers an area of 440,000 square meters (530,000 square yards), and can accommodate around one million people for grand rallies at a time. It not only boasts its super vast open space but also highlights a lot of imposing traditional buildings like the 600 years old Tiananmen Tower and Zhengyang Gate. Besides that, you will witness some important modern constructions, such as the giant Monument to People's Heroes and the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. Your guide will explain more details and stories about the large square and surrounding buildings, and you will have about 30 minutes to wander around it to take photos.

Next, we will walk through the Tiananmen Tower to the majestic Forbidden City, which used to be the imperial palace for about 600 years during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911 AD). Covering over 250 acres, the Forbidden City has 70 palaces and more than 9,000 rooms, some of which remain their original states and some have become exhibition halls to store the precious historical relics. You will be guided to visit the main palaces of the world’s largest wooden palace complex to appreciate the Chinese architectural gems and be aware of how luxury the royal life was.

Important note: Entrance tickets of the Forbidden City are usually released online 7 days in advance and could be easily sold out in one hour. Kindly advise you to book the tour at least 8 days before since the ticket purchase is based on the real name policy. ► Tidbit: Life for Ancient Officials after They Retired from Forbidden City

In ancient China, the most officials would go back to their hometown in retirement. After the emperor approved their resignation, they, especially those served in the central government, would leave the capital as soon as possible. For the high expense, it has always been hard to get a house in the capital, even in ancient times. When they were in service, the house was given by the government or rented by themselves; as they retired, the house would be taken back. Moreover, staying in the capital would invite suspicion of power plays from the emperor and cliques, and they might as well enjoy peaceful life in their old age.

Then you can have lunch on your own and your guide will be glad to offer some recommendations. After lunch, we will continue our trip from Beijing by a 1.5 hours' comfortable ride to Mutianyu Great Wall. This is one of the most essential sections of the Great Wall of China, built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). We have arranged for you a round-trip cable car ride and you can easily get up and down the magnificent Great Wall. 

There are 23 watchtowers distributed along the 2,250-meter (7,382 ft.) long ramparts, one per 100 meters (328 ft.). This density is really rare among all the Great Wall sections. Upon the top, you could hike to the Zhengguan Terrace, an important strategic position composed of three watchtowers standing side by side. From here, you can overlook the whole Mutianyu and take in the awe-inspiring view of the Great Wall which traverses the lush mountains with many watchtowers densely distributed. Enough time will be left for you to appreciate the beautiful and stunning Great Wall scenery. Then you can choose the way you like to get down, a toboggan or cable car.

After the visit, we will escort you back to your hotel. Your Great Wall day tour comes to a happy end!

► Dinner Suggestion:
Perhaps ask your guide to find Niujie Street Hongji Snack Bar, which is time-honored for over thirty years of history and specializes in traditional Beijing snacks. Their signature Beef or Lamb-Stuffed Buns are particularly popular and draw locals to enjoy on a daily basis. As a residential hub since the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), the Niujie Street itself is also interesting as it offers a glimpse into past Beijing's unique architecture. Shops here are in all in traditional styles featuring gray-tiled roofs, black bricks, and ornate window carvings, radiating rich historical charm. Average cost per person: CNY 30 / USD 4.