Beijing:Great Wall&Forbidden City Tour(Mini Group/Private Option)

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Beijing

   This Beijing one-day tour offers two travel options—both including hotel pick-up and drop-off to add extra convenience to your journey. Option 1 is the Boutique-Style Mini Group Tour, with group size limited to a maximum of 8 people. This guarantees a more intimate and comfortable experience free from overcrowding, making it perfect for travelers who enjoy sharing their trip with a small group while still getting attentive service. Option 2 is the Private Tour, which stands out for its exclusive, personalized experiences. You’ll be paired with a dedicated private guide who focuses solely on your group: they’ll provide detailed explanations, adjust the travel pace to match your interests, and answer every question you have. This tour is reserved exclusively for your party—no sharing with other travelers—allowing you to relax completely as you move between attractions. No matter which option you choose, you’ll get to explore two of Beijing’s most iconic scenic spots in a single day.

   Pass by without stopping

2. Tiananmen Square

   Start your memorable Beijing day by meeting your guide in your hotel lobby—at a time that fits your schedule. Step into a clean, air-conditioned vehicle. As you head out, let the passing city scenery unfold while your knowledgeable guide shares captivating historical anecdotes and vivid tales—setting the tone for a day of discovery. Your first stop is Tiananmen Square—a landmark where grandeur meets deep significance. As both a world-famous tourist site and a key political activity hub of China, we want to share two important notes in advance: First, the square may be temporarily closed by the government for official events; if this happens, we’ll drive past the area so you can still take in its exterior. Second, entry requires security check—if the queue wait time exceeds one hour, we’ll skip the square, to ensure we have plenty of time for the Forbidden City and Great Wall (the core highlights of your day). Please note Tiananmen Square is free to enter, so no refund for this part.

   30 minutes here

3. The Palace Museum

   After Tiananmen Square (or our drive-by if adjustments are needed), we’ll head to the iconic Forbidden City. Whether you’re in a small group or private setting, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed start to exploring China’s imperial past. Once inside, you’ll notice: while the Forbidden City’s vast palaces and halls feel majestic, many buildings may look similar at first glance. That’s where your guide shines—70% of your experience here will be through their rich storytelling. They’ll lead you along the sacred Central Axis, uncovering the stories behind every key structure.

   60 minutes here · Admission included

4. Hall of Great Harmony (Taihe Dian)

   Once inside the Forbidden City, your exploration will commence with the magnificent Three Great Halls. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the largest wooden structure in the complex and was used for grand imperial ceremonies. Here, emperors would hold important events such as coronations and celebrations. Next is the Hall of Central Harmony, a smaller hall where emperors would rest and prepare before ceremonies. The Hall of Preserving Harmony was used for imperial examinations.

   20 minutes here · Admission included

5. Palace of Heavenly Purity

   Moving on to the Inner Court, you'll visit the Palace of Heavenly Purity, which was the living quarters of emperors in the Ming and early Qing dynasties. Adjacent is the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, the residence of empresses. The Hall of Union and Peace, located between these two palaces, was used for various imperial functions.

   20 minutes here · Admission included

6. The Imperial Garden of The Palace Museum

   After exploring the key areas of the Forbidden City, you'll make your way to the Imperial Garden. This beautiful garden, filled with ancient trees, pavilions, and rockeries, offers a peaceful retreat within the grand palace complex. Along the way, your guide will paint vivid pictures of Ming and Qing dynasty court life—from emperors’ daily routines to concubines’ and eunuchs’ lives—making the ancient walls feel alive. Have questions? Ask anytime—your guide is here to make the history resonate, whether you’re in a small group or one-on-one. You will then exit the Forbidden City through the gate near the Imperial Garden, marking the end of this historical and cultural exploration.

   15 minutes here · Admission included

7. After exiting the Forbidden City via its North Gate, we’ll hop back in the vehicle for a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Mutianyu Great Wall. During the ride, the history doesn’t stop—your guide will share fascinating facts about the Great Wall’s construction, its role as an ancient defense system, and the legends that make it a world wonder. Upon arrival, we’ll first enjoy a hearty, delicious lunch to refuel—perfect for recharging before exploring the Wall, whether you’re dining with a mini group or your private party.

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8. Mutianyu Great Wall

   To reach the Great Wall, you’ll have two great options to reach the top—both included in your tour fee: glide up smoothly via cable car, or take a scenic chairlift for a slower, more leisurely ascent. Your guide will explaining the functions of ancient watchtowers and crenellations. You’ll also get free time to wander: snap postcard-worthy photos of the Wall winding through lush hills, soak in the breathtaking views, and soak up the wonder of this architectural masterpiece. After the exhilarating hike, you can choose an exciting way to descend. Opt for the thrilling toboggan ride down the slope, or take the ski lift or cable car back to ground level. As the day ends, your guide and driver will ensure a safe, comfortable ride back to your hotel. No matter if you chose small group or private, you’ll leave with memories of iconic landmarks, imperial grandeur, ancient fortresses, and stories that will stay with you long after your Beijing trip.

   Pass by without stopping

Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• Mini Group Tour

  Mini Group Tour : Mini Group Tour: Maximum 8 people for an intimate, uncrowded experience. Comfortable experience free of overcrowding. Pickup included

• Private Tour from City Hotels

  Private Tour from City Hotels: Your tour guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel by holding a sign with your name on. Pickup included

• Private Tour start from PEK

  Private tour start & end from Beijing Capital International Airprot(PEK). Tour need at least 11 hours between 2 flights. Pickup included

• Private Tour start from PKX

  Private Tour start/end from Beijing Daxing International Airport(PKX). Tour require at least 15 hours between two flights. Pickup included

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

zh-TW, cmn, en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Discover Beijing Tours

Know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• A passport is required during the tour; will be denied without one.
• Small Group Tour: 1: This tour is set to leave at 7:00 a.m. on the tour day, though the exact time depends on the actual pick-up schedule. 2: The sequence of pick-ups will be decided according to the number of guests and the distribution of their hotels on the tour day, and will be confirmed the day before departure. 3: To make sure you get the correct details about your pick-up time and location, please be sure to check the email we sent you one day prior to departure. If you don’t receive the email or have any inquiries, we suggest reaching out to us immediately to verify the information and prevent missing the tour. 4: Please arrive at your designated pick-up spot on time as per the confirmed schedule. For guests who are late by more than 10 minutes, we won’t be able to wait, and these guests will be recorded as "No Show".
• Chinese citizens (including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) need to book this tour 7 days in advance. By regulation, please submit Chinese name & ID number when reserving and present the ID on the tour day to join the group
• Security checks at Tiananmen Square are strict. If waiting exceeds 1 hour, we will driving past the square to save time. Tiananmen Square may close unannounced due to government activities, in which case it will be skipped. No refunds as the square is free

Photos

Traveler reviews

59 verified traveler reviews for Beijing:Great Wall&Forbidden City Tour(Mini Group/Private Option). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.