Private Tour to Mutianyu Great Wall and Ming Tombs from Beijing

Beijing , China

Private Tour to Mutianyu Great Wall and Ming Tombs from Beijing

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(23 reviews)

8h - 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

If you're looking to explore the wonders of ancient China in a more intimate setting, then a private tour to Mutianyu Great Wall and Ming Tombs from Beijing is the perfect choice for you. This excursion allows you to avoid the crowds and truly immerse yourself in these historical sites at your own pace. You'll start your day with a visit to the majestic Mutianyu Great Wall, where you can marvel at its magnificent architecture and breathtaking views. Afterward, you'll be taken to the peaceful Ming Tombs, where emperors of the Ming dynasty were laid to rest. Your knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into Chinese history and culture throughout the tour, making it an enriching experience that you won't soon forget. So sit back, relax, and get ready for an unforgettable journey back in time on this private tour!

Available options

Private Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private vehicle

Private tour

Hotel pick-up and drop-off ( Hotels within the 5th ring road of Beijing City)

Professional guide

Bottled water

Lunch

Cable car round trip or ski lift up and toboggan ticket

Entrance fee

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Our professional driver and an English - speaking guide will pick you up at the lobby of your Beijing hotel. They'll hold a sign with your name, ensuring a seamless start to your day.

Following a scenic drive from Beijing, you'll reach the Mutianyu Great Wall. Your guide will offer an in - depth introduction to the historical significance of this section. Mutianyu, constructed during the Ming Dynasty, is renowned for its stunning scenery, with thick forests flanking the wall. It offers a more serene and less - crowded environment compared to other parts of the Great Wall.

Upon arriving at Mutianyu, our package offers two convenient options. You can choose a round - trip cable car ride, or take the chairlift up to the Great Wall and then slide down. These options are designed to save you time and energy, allowing you to reach the mountaintop with ease. Once at the top, a professional guide will accompany you as you explore the watchtowers, sharing the rich history of the Great Wall. You will also have some free time to soak in the magnificent views at your own pace.

You'll have lunch at a local restaurant near the Mutianyu Great Wall.

Stop 3

After lunch, we will drive to the Ming Tombs, which serve as the burial site of 13 emperors from the Ming Dynasty. During this tour, you have the option to visit either the Dingling Tomb or the Changling Tomb.

The Dingling Tomb is highly renowned as it was the first Ming tomb to be excavated. Here, you can witness the underground palaces filled with precious cultural relics, offering a fascinating glimpse into the opulent lifestyle and burial customs of the Ming emperors. Your guide will be by your side, sharing in - depth stories about the excavation process, the emperors buried here, and the unique architectural features of the underground chambers.

Stop 4 Pass by

The Changling Tomb, on the other hand, is the largest and most elaborate of all the Ming Tombs. It showcases the grandeur of Ming - style architecture, with its magnificent Ling'en Hall, which is built entirely of precious Phoebe zhennan wood. Your guide will elaborate on the historical significance of Changling, the stories of the emperor buried here, and the unique aspects of the Ming emperors' funeral customs reflected in the tomb's design.

Whichever tomb you choose, your guide will be there to accompany you, vividly sharing the stories behind each site, elaborating on the Ming emperors' funeral customs, and discussing the distinct architectural styles of the tombs.

At the end of the day, the driver and guide will take you back to your hotel in Beijing. You can unwind and reflect on the amazing historical and cultural experiences you've had on this private tour.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

15 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

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

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required within Special Requirements

Infants (1-3 years old) are free if not individually occupying a seat

Important notes

• Dress code is smart casual
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Tour last between 8-9 hours, if you want to extend the tour ,then please pay 15 USD to your driver and 15 USD to your guide for each of the extra hour

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