Small Group Mutianyu Great Wall and Ming Tombs Tour with Cable Car and Lunch

Beijing , China

Small Group Mutianyu Great Wall and Ming Tombs Tour with Cable Car and Lunch

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(27 reviews)

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

Spend a wonderful day discovering the Great Wall at Mutianyu Section and the underground palace at Ming Tombs on this shared tour. You will have a professional English speaking guide and minivan as the ride. Group size is limited to 12 people to ensure more personalized attention from your guide. Hotel pick up and drop off including hotels within the 4th ring road of Beijing City.

Available options

Tour with cable car inclusive

Choose this option to include the cable car round trip or ski lift up and toboggan at the Great Wall <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Professional guide

Lunch

Cable car or ski lift up and toboggan down at the Wall

Entrance fee

Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Hotel pickup and drop-off (For hotels within the 5th ring road of the Beijing City)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We will reconfirm the 7:30 AM pick-up time with you 1 day prior to your tour. Your dedicated guide will be waiting for you in your hotel lobby, holding a sign with your name. Once meet your guide, board a comfortable private minivan to kick off your unforgettable Great Wall adventure.
The scenic 1.5-hour drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall will be both informative and interactive: your guide will share fascinating stories about the Great Wall’s 2,000-year history, military significance, and cultural legacy. Feel free to ask any questions along the way—we’re here to make your journey as insightful as it is enjoyable.
Renowned for its well-preserved architecture and stunning mountain views, the Mutianyu Great Wall boasts 23 watchtowers restored to their original Ming Dynasty glory.
Upon arrival, you can choose your preferred way to ascend the wall: take the chair lift up to Tower 6 (and experience the thrilling toboggan ride down later) or opt for a round-trip cable car to Tower 14.

Your guide will accompany you to explore the wall, offering vivid explanations of the watchtowers, beacon towers, and their historic roles in ancient China’s defense system. After the guided tour, you’ll have plenty of free time to wander at your own pace—climb further along the wall, capture postcard-perfect photos of the sweeping landscapes, or simply soak in the grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When your exploration comes to an end, we’ll head back the same route. If you chose the chair lift option, don’t miss the highlight of the trip: the exhilarating toboggan descent down the mountain slopes! Afterward, we’ll treat you to a delicious local lunch to refuel after your exciting day.

Stop 3

Following lunch, we’ll embark on a 1-hour drive through winding mountain roads to the Ming Tombs. The journey itself is a feast for the eyes: rolling green hills stretch as far as the eye can see, and on clear days, you can catch a glimpse of the wild, unrestored sections of the Great Wall in the distance—their weathered ramparts standing as a silent testament to centuries of history.
As one of China’s most iconic imperial mausoleum complexes, the Ming Tombs house the final resting places of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in royal grandeur and ancient ritual. Among these magnificent tombs, we will focus our visit on Dingling Mausoleum.

Stop 4

Dingling Mausoleum is the only one among the Ming Tombs that has been fully excavated, offering a rare peek into the opulent afterlife envisioned by Ming royalty. Constructed in the late 16th century for Emperor Wanli and his two empresses, this underground palace is a marvel of Ming Dynasty engineering and craftsmanship.
Led by your knowledgeable guide, you will venture deep into the subterranean chambers, where you can marvel at the grand stone arches, intricate carvings. You will also get to view a collection of exquisite cultural relics unearthed from the tomb, including delicate jade ornaments, silk garments, and royal treasures that once adorned the imperial court—each artifact telling a story of the dynasty’s prosperity and artistic prowess.
Afterwards, your guide will escort you back to the private minivan. We will then drive you safely and comfortably back to your downtown hotel, bringing your full-day journey through Beijing’s ancient wonders to a perfect close.

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

11 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

16 reviews

5★

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Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Please wear comfortable walking shoes

Be sure to contact us or check your email one day before departure, as we will inform you of your specific pick-up time

If your hotel is outside the 4th Ring Road (beyond our regular pick-up range), you have two options: you can take a taxi to our designated hotel at your own expense, or we can arrange a pick-up car for you in advance. Please note that the latter will incur an additional fee, which is determined based on your hotel’s specific location.

Please do not be late—we can only wait for you for a maximum of 10 minutes.

Important notes

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