
Beijing Small-Group Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Beijing Small-Group Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City worth booking?
Beijing Small-Group Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City is a 7-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $99 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $99 per person
Spend one remarkable day exploring two of Beijing’s greatest treasures: Mutianyu Great Wall and the Forbidden City. Start early with a 7:30 departure by comfortable 7-seater vehicle (max 6 passengers for the Great Wall transfer). After your Great Wall adventure, join a small shared group (no more than 20 guests) for a 2-hour guided tour inside the Forbidden City. After the Forbidden City tour wraps up, your guide will take the group by public bus to Tiananmen Square, which we have pre-booked for you to visit independently. This package includes hotel pick-up, all required entrance tickets and an English-speaking guide. Enjoy a smooth, well-paced day blending rugged ancient ramparts and imperial palace wonders.
What you get
About this experience
Spend one remarkable day exploring two of Beijing’s greatest treasures: Mutianyu Great Wall and the Forbidden City. Start early with a 7:30 departure by comfortable 7-seater vehicle (max 6 passengers for the Great Wall transfer). After your Great Wall adventure, join a small shared group (no more than 20 guests) for a 2-hour guided tour inside the Forbidden City. After the Forbidden City tour wraps up, your guide will take the group by public bus to Tiananmen Square, which we have pre-booked for you to visit independently. This package includes hotel pick-up, all required entrance tickets and an English-speaking guide. Enjoy a smooth, well-paced day blending rugged ancient ramparts and imperial palace wonders.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan for Great Wall visit
- Hotel pickup(For hotels within the 4th Ring Road of the Beijing City)
- Entrance Fee
Not included
- Gratuities
- Cable car or ski lift up and toboggan down
- Hotel drop off
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Mutianyu Great Wall
Your professional guide and driver will pick you up directly from your downtown Beijing hotel. We will take a spacious and comfortable 7-seater car for the outbound trip, with a maximum of 6 guests only, ensuring a private, cozy and crowd-free riding experience. Enjoy the scenic urban views during the 1.5-hour drive to Mutianyu Great Wall. Upon arriving at Mutianyu, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall, your English guide will accompany you to the wall and share in-depth historical stories, architectural features and interesting facts about the Mutianyu Great Wall. After the guided sightseeing session, you will have ample independent free time to wander freely, take panoramic photos, capture stunning mountain and wall views, and relax at your own pace. Important Note: Cable car and toboggan rides on Mutianyu Great Wall are optional recreational items, and all related fees are at the guest’s own expense.
120 minutes here · Admission included
The Palace Museum
Gather on time after lunch(at your own cost), then transfer back to the city center to visit the Forbidden City, the world-famous imperial palace complex. We will join a shared group (maximum 20 guests) to start the in-depth palace tour. During the 2-hour exclusive guided tour, your knowledgeable English guide will take you through the central axis and core landmark palaces of the Forbidden City, including Meridian Gate, Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony, and imperial living quarters. You will learn vivid royal history, ancient imperial rituals, unique traditional architectural craftsmanship, and little-known historical anecdotes behind every palace and corridor. The guide will also help you avoid crowded routes and reserve proper time for you to take photos and appreciate the grand imperial architecture.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Tian'anmen
After the Forbidden City tour ends, your guide will lead the entire group to take public bus to Tiananmen Square (visitation reservation arranged in advance for all guests). You can freely explore the world’s largest city square, admire the grand city architecture, take photos and feel the solemn and magnificent urban atmosphere of central Beijing at your leisure. The whole one-day tour comes to an end at Tiananmen Square with no follow-up arrangements.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- 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
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Tiananmen Square is not only a top tourist attraction but also a venue for major political events. In the event of closure due to such activities, the square visit will be skipped. As admission to Tiananmen Square is free of charge, no refund will be issued for this arrangement.
- During peak travel seasons, the waiting time for security checks to enter Tiananmen Square can range from 1 to 3 hours. Given that our core itinerary focuses on the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, we will skip the square visit to avoid delays if long security queues are encountered. Since the square has no entrance fee, no refund applies for this adjustment.
- We require the passport name and number of every participant. The passport provided must be the one you carry on the tour day, as it is mandatory for booking tickets to scenic spots.
- Round-trip transfers are included for hotels located within Beijing's 3rd Ring Road. For guests staying outside this area, you may either make your own way to the designated meeting point or opt for a paid pick-up service arranged by our driver.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
1 mentionTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
1 mentionSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Small groups
1 mentionThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Beijing Small-Group Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Better than expected
We really didn't know what to expect as this was the first time using this website and service.This was the highlight of our trip. Lucy of Discover Beijing Tours did an excellent job. She participated and she was encouraging. She was knowledgable with very specific details, The various places scheduled to visit in a day were well timed out. Lunch was very good. Really nice restaurant with good food for any culture.The whole day was better than expected, Thank you for a memorable day.
via Viator
Very highly recommended
My wife and I traveled from San Jose California to Beijing for vacation to tour Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden city and the Great Wall of China. Lucy picked us up from the Hotel 15 minutes early. She is very friendly and knowledgeable, answering our questions about different sites on the way to our tour. Not only is she knowledgeable but, very enthusiastic and proud of her country. She provided lunch on the way to the Great Wall. The buffet setting was extremely nice with a good variety of food. Lucy, thank you once again for such an eventful day. Andre
via Tripadvisor
The tour was amazing, especially...
<p>The tour was amazing, especially that I was the only one who booked this tour, so they made it a private tour. The guide was wonderful! The Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City was quite crowded for me, but they took me that part of the Great Wall where I could enjoy the view and there were only a few people around. Thank you!</p>
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Discover Beijing Tours, who run 82 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.7.
See everything Discover Beijing Tours runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Beijing Small-Group Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beijing.
How much does Beijing Small-Group Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City cost?
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Prices start at $99 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Beijing usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Beijing Small-Group Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City take?
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Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Beijing is not rushed.
Is Beijing Small-Group Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Beijing, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Beijing Small-Group Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Beijing Small-Group Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Beijing Small-Group Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Beijing can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Beijing and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Beijing Small-Group Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Beijing within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Beijing?
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On Outty we rank every Beijing experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Temple Heaven, Lama Temple, Summer Palace & Peking Duck Bus Tour, Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall Sightseeing Full-day Group Tours, Mubus: Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with Summer Palace Options. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Beijing?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Beijing?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Beijing Small-Group Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City?
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Included: Professional guide; Transport by air-conditioned minivan for Great Wall visit; Hotel pickup(For hotels within the 4th Ring Road of the Beijing City); and Entrance Fee. Not included: Gratuities; Cable car or ski lift up and toboggan down; Hotel drop off; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Beijing Small-Group Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2286 listed pickup locations in and around Beijing. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Beijing Small-Group Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Beijing Small-Group Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Beijing Small-Group Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Beijing Small-Group Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Beijing. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Beijing Small-Group Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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