Busda-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces
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Busda-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces

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(57 reviews)
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

Join one of our best-value full-day tours and explore three of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks: Mutianyu Great Wall, Summer Palace, and Old Summer Palace. This well-paced bus tour is ideal for travelers seeking a classic, no-shopping sightseeing experience. Start the day at the Mutianyu Great Wall, a peaceful and well-preserved section known for its scenic views, restored watchtowers, and thrilling options like cable car or toboggan rides. Then, visit the Summer Palace, a stunning lakeside retreat of emperors showcasing traditional Chinese landscaping. End your day at the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan), a moving reminder of China’s cultural glory and historical resilience. This trip is perfect for those with limited time, including layover tours, and also available as private sightseeing tours, half-day tours, or car tours. Whether you prefer private and luxury or classic city tours, this full-day journey offers rich history, beautiful views, and meaningful experiences.

Available options

Mutianyu + 2 Palaces Bus Trip

Full-Day Guided Bus Tour: Entry ticket of Mutianyu/Summer Palace/Old Summer Palace, English guide included; Lunch and cable car not included.
<br/>Duration: 10 hours<br/>Bus<br/>Pickup included

Mutianyu Private Tour + Ticket

Private Self-Guided Tour : Entrance ticket, private car with driver, hotel pick-up and drop-off included. Guide, lunch and cable car not included.<br/>Bus/Coach

Mutianyu Tour + Ticket + Lunch

Private Self-Guided Tour : Entrance ticket, buffet lunch, private car with driver, hotel pick-up and drop-off included. Guide and cable car not included

Mutianyu & 2 Palaces Bus+Lunch

Full-Day Guided Bus Tour: Entry ticket of Mutianyu/Summer Palace/Old Summer Palace, English guide, Buffet Lunch included; Cable car not included.<br/>Bus/Coach

Mutianyu Bus Transfer +Ticket

Full-Day Guided Bus Tour: Entrance ticket, English-speaking guide and round-trip bus transfer included. Lunch and cable car not included.<br/>Bus/Coach

Mutianyu Bus Trip+Ticket+Lunch

Full-Day Guided Bus Tour: Entrance ticket, English-speaking guide, buffet lunch and round-trip bus transfer included. Cable car not included.<br/>Bus/Coach

What's included

Buffet Lunch (if option selected)
English-speaking guide (if option selected)
Private tour with Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
Entrance Ticket to the Sites
Roundtrip transportation by air-conditioned bus
Free shuttle bus within the scenic area

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Discover the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most scenic and best-preserved sections of China’s legendary Great Wall and a proud UNESCO World Heritage site. Renowned for its dramatic mountain views, restored stonework, and tranquil environment, Mutianyu is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful stretches of the entire Wall — a true gem of the "Ten-Thousand-Mile Great Wall." Surrounded by dense forests and gentle slopes, it offers breathtaking landscapes all year round. Unlike the often-crowded Badaling, Mutianyu provides a quieter, more relaxed hiking experience, making it a favorite among international travelers. You can walk along historic towers, take in sweeping views, ride a cable car, or enjoy a fun toboggan descent. Whether you're a lover of history, architecture, or nature, Mutianyu blends cultural legacy and natural beauty into a truly unforgettable visit. It’s a must-see for anyone exploring Beijing or experiencing the Great Wall for the first time.

2
Stop 2

Step into the Summer Palace, a stunning example of Chinese landscape garden design and a proud UNESCO World Heritage site. Once the royal retreat for Qing emperors, this vast imperial complex seamlessly blends natural scenery with graceful architecture. Wander along the peaceful banks of Kunming Lake, climb Longevity Hill for panoramic views, and explore timeless highlights like the Long Corridor, Marble Boat, and the Tower of Buddhist Incense. The palace grounds are dotted with elegant pavilions, ornate bridges, and traditional buildings that reflect centuries of imperial splendor. A boat ride on the lake offers a tranquil perspective of this grand retreat. Every path and structure reveals a story from China's dynastic past, making it not just a park but a living museum of Qing-era artistry. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, photography, or a leisurely cultural stroll, the Summer Palace offers a truly unforgettable experience — serene, majestic, and inspiring.

3
Stop 3

Explore Yuanmingyuan Park, also known as the Old Summer Palace, a powerful symbol of China’s imperial grandeur, cultural heritage, and historical resilience. Once known as the “Garden of Gardens,” this vast complex combined traditional Chinese landscaping with Western-style architecture, art, and innovation. Built during the Qing Dynasty, it was home to priceless treasures, elaborate halls, and magnificent fountains before being tragically destroyed by Anglo-French forces in 1860. Today, its evocative ruins, tranquil lakes, and reconstructed relics offer a profound educational experience, telling a story of splendor, loss, and national pride. Visitors can walk through historic remains, learn about cultural achievements and foreign invasions, and reflect on a pivotal moment in China’s modern history. More than a scenic park, Yuanmingyuan is a living classroom of history and cultural memory — a must-visit for those seeking a deeper understanding of China’s past and its enduring spirit.

What's not included

Cable car 140rmb per person(optional)
Toboggan 140rmb per person(optional)
Summer palace tour-boat 100rmb per person(optional)
Old Summer palace tour-boat 80rmb per person(optional)
Summer Palace-Tower of Buddhist Incense(Foxiang Ge) (Closed Mondays)
Personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide
CMN EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.0
1 reviews
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Tripadvisor 5.0
56 reviews
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Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Exit B, Hepingxiqiao Station (Subway Line 5). You can take Subway Line 5, get off at the【Hepingxiqiao Station】, coming out of Exit B, finding the BusDa tour guide wearing a green vest (BusDa Logo) for check-in.
If you take a taxi, please show this address 【和平西桥地铁站B口】 to the driver.

Important notes

Please provide the passport details individually; this is mandatory

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
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 7-99
1
Childs
Age 0-6
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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