Mutianyu Great Wall and Forbidden City Private Layover Guide Tour
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Mutianyu Great Wall and Forbidden City Private Layover Guide Tour

Active
(2 reviews)
8h - 9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

If your flight stops in Beijing for about 10 hours, Don't just sit in a cold chair, play games, How boring is it! you should do something.

Mutianyu Great Wall and Forbidden City are highly representative historical and cultural attractions in Beijing and are must-visit tourist destinations.

Highlights
• Convenient transportation: Depart directly from airport or your located hotel in because and reach the scenic spots directly, avoiding the trouble and time waste of transferring to public transportation
• Professional tour guide explanations: Enable you to better appreciate and understand the value of scenic spots
• Thoughtful service: The tour guide can help you purchase tickets in advance, assist with taking photos, and recommend restaurants based on your taste and needs, among other issues during the trip
• Flexible and free itinerary: The tour guide will adjust the pace of the tour according to your time arrangement, without having to accommodate the group schedule

Available options

Capital Airport Departure

This option starts at Capital airport and ends this airport or beijing hotel. Or start at beijing hotel and ends at airport.<br/>Pickup included

Daxing Airport Departure

This option starts at Daxing airport and ends this airport or beijing hotel, Or starts at beijing hotel and ends this airport<br/>Pickup included

Beijing Hotel Departure

This option will pick you up from your Beijing downtown hotel and back to your hotel after the trip.
Pickup included.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Forbidden City entrance ticket
Mutianyu Great Wall entrance ticket and VIP Pass
Bottled water
English Speaking Tourguide
Private Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

1

You will visit Mutianyu Great Wall and Forbidden City with a private car and English-speaking tour guide, pick up and drop off at your Beijing hotel or Beijing capital airport or Beijing Daxing airport

2
Stop 2

The Mutianyu Great Wall is located in Huairou District, Beijing, at the junction of the North China Plain and the Yanshan Mountains. It was first built in the Northern Qi Dynasty and underwent large-scale construction and improvement during the Ming Dynasty. The Mutianyu Great Wall was an important barrier for Beijing, the capital of the Ming Dynasty. Its city walls were tall and solid, with dense enemy towers and ingeniously designed passes, forming a complete defense system that played a key role in resisting the invasion of northern nomadic peoples.

Here, you can personally experience the grandeur of ancient border defense lines, learn about the ancient military defense system and historical changes, and enhance your understanding and recognition of traditional Chinese culture.

3
Stop 3

The Forbidden City is located at the center of Beijing's central axis and was the royal palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties in China. It covers an area of approximately 720,000 square meters, with a construction area of about 150,000 square meters. There are over 70 palaces of various sizes and more than 9,000 rooms. It is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient wooden architectural complexes in the world. The palaces of the Forbidden City are grand and imposing, with imposing and solemn structures. Red walls, yellow tiles, elaborately carved beams and painted pillars, every detail showcases the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients. Every building, every stone and every glazed tile here tells a story of ancient history. Here, you can not only feel the majesty and glory of the royal family but also appreciate the long-standing culture and unique charm of the Chinese nation.

4

after the tour your driver will drive you back to airport or your hotel in Beijing.

What's not included

Great Wall Cable Car/Chairlift up and Toboggan down Ticket
Lunch
Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
1 reviews
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Tripadvisor 5.0
1 reviews
5★
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Important information

Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Instant Confirmation - You will receive a confirmation email immediately after successful booking
This is a Private Tour for your booking, No other group will join you
The Forbidden City implement a real-name reservation policy, So after you booking, please contact me and send me each people's name, passport number, age, gender and nationality
According to the regulations of the Palace Museum, Chinese citizens (including residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) must book tickets online 7 days in advance. If you make a reservation within 7 days before your visit, we cannot guarantee that we will get a ticket for you. in addition, if it is during a holiday or the peak tourist season, we also cannot 100% guarantee that we will help you get a ticket. If the tickets online have been sold out or we failed to help you get one, you can only cancel this trip and we will offer a full refund, thanks for your understand and support
For foreign tourists holding passports, if the online tickets are sold out or we fail to get online ticket for you, you need get tickets on the spot according to the guidance of your tour guides or customer service of our travel agencies. but, purchasing tickets on the spot need queuing
Due to the implementation of the limited ticket sales policy by the Palace Museum. At present, the Palace Museum releases 40,000 tickets every day, including 20,000 individual tickets and 20,000 group tickets. All visitors must make a real-name reservation for their visit. Therefore, for your better visiting experience, Please try to book in advance as much as possible
The Forbidden City have strict security check policies. It is strictly prohibited to bring flammable, explosive and other items as well as controlled knives. In addition, please do not bring lighters, drones, tripods, selfie sticks longer than 1.3 meters, scroll paintings, oil-paper umbrellas, sunscreen spray and power banks with a capacity of more than 20,000 milliamperes
Please don't forget to bring your passport. If you don't bring it, you may be refused entry
Please wear appropriate clothes according to the weather and It is recommended to bring sunscreen, sunglasses or umbrellas or cap in summer
Please wear comfortable walking shoes
Children Under 5 years old are free to join
Baby seats offered if you request

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 12-99
1
Childs
Age 5-11
0
Infants
Age 0-4
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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