Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall Tour with Night View of Simatai and Gubei Water Town

Beijing , China

Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall Tour with Night View of Simatai and Gubei Water Town

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(12 reviews)

8h - 10h

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

For first-time visitors to Beijing, a Great Wall tour is an absolute must—and our exclusive private one-day tour offers a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find elsewhere! We’ve curated 2 exceptional Great Wall sections: daytime Mutianyu and the only Great Wall section open to the public at night—Simatai. This means you can soak in the breathtaking daytime vistas of Mutianyu, add fun with a thrilling toboggan ride, then embrace the magical night view of Simatai and dive into the vibrant nighttime activities of adjacent Gubei Water Town.
As a niche and unique private tour, we take care of every detail for a hassle-free journey. All essentials are fully included: professional English-speaking guide, entrance fees, cable car/toboggan ticket, lunch and private air-conditioned vehicle.
Choose a departure time that fits your schedule perfectly, and let us lead you to an unforgettable Great Wall adventure—combining daytime scenery, nighttime magic, and worry-free convenience.

Available options

Private Tour

Your tour guide will pick you up in your hotels lobby by holding your name sign<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Professional guide

Cable car round trip at Simatai Great Wall

Lunch

Hotel pickup and drop-off(for hotels within the 4th ring road)

Cable car round trip or ski lift up and toboggan ticket at Mutianyu

Transport by private vehicle

Entrance Fee

Detailed itinerary

We have tailored two departure options for this tour to suit different preferences: If you prefer a serene afternoon and the dazzling night view of the Great Wall, the afternoon departure route is highly recommended. If you wish to explore the entire itinerary during the daytime without the night view, you can opt for the morning departure route to enjoy a full-day journey blending nature and culture. Below is the detailed itinerary for the afternoon departure:
Your friendly private tour guide will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel at the pre-arranged time, and then head directly to Mutianyu Great Wall. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours, during which your guide will elaborate on the millennium-old history and fascinating stories behind the Great Wall. Outside the window, the picturesque rural scenery of Beijing's suburbs unfolds slowly—golden rice fields, scattered villages and distant mountains complement each other, making the journey pleasant and relaxing.

Stop 2

Upon arrival at Mutianyu Great Wall, your immersive exploration begins right away. Mutianyu Great Wall is defined by lush vegetation coverage and well-preserved city walls, blending grandeur with natural beauty and offering sweeping views of Beijing’s suburban landscape. Your guide will accompany you as you take the cable car to the top. Once atop, the guide will walk alongside you on the gray-blue battlements, pointing out the weathered bricks and sharing insights into the Great Wall’s defensive systems, watchtower functions, and fascinating historical anecdotes tied to this iconic structure.
After the guided portion, you’ll have ample free time to snap photos, visit iconic spots, and explore the watchtowers at your leisure. For the descent, you can take the cable car back the same way for a relaxed journey. If you opted for the fun ski lift on the way up, you can choose the thrilling toboggan ride down—adding an exciting twist to your Great Wall adventure.

Stop 3

Upon arriving at Gubei Water Town, your guide will arrange the visit to Simatai Great Wall according to the sunset time based on your preferences. Simatai Great Wall is renowned for its original and unrestored appearance, retaining the primitive charm of the ancient Great Wall, and offering a stunning view of Gubei Water Town at night. In the evening, only 2 to 3 sections of Simatai Great Wall are open to the public with lights on. You will take the cable car to the top of Simatai Great Wall with your guide, where you can admire the beautiful lanterns illuminating the path of the Great Wall and overlook the entire Gubei Water Town bathed in warm light.

Stop 4

After enjoying the night view, you will descend from Simatai Great Wall with your guide and start exploring Gubei Water Town. This town, a replica of the classic southern water towns in China, boasts a wealth of attractions: you can wander through the ancient stone-paved lanes, browse interesting specialty shops offering handcrafted souvenirs, savor authentic local snacks and delicacies in cozy restaurants, or simply stroll along the waterways and admire the traditional courtyard houses reflected in the calm water. Every corner of the town exudes a unique blend of northern boldness and southern elegance.
At the end of this fantastic tour, your guide will drive you back to your centrally located hotel in Beijing, marking the perfect end to your day of exploration.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

ZH-TW CMN EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

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

The tour is about 8-10 hours, if you want to extend the tour, please pay 30USD for each extra hour to your guide and driver

If you want to enjoy the night view of Gubei Watertown, choose a departure time after 12 o'clock.

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• The tour is about 8-10 hours, if you want to extend the tour, please pay 30USD for each extra hour to your guide and driver

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