BusDa-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 64 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is BusDa-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces worth booking?
BusDa-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces is a 10-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $23 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 64 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (64)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $23 per person
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.
What you get
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.
What's included
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
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
- Personal travel accident insurance
What you'll see and do
Mutianyu Great Wall
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.
210 minutes here · Admission included
Summer Palace
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.
150 minutes here · Admission included
Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan)
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.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Beijing
Private Tour:Our driver will pick you up from your hotel within Beijing’s 4th Ring Road. For locations beyond this area, an additional fee may apply. Please provide your hotel details, including the hotel name and reservation name, when booking.
Meeting point
Beijing
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.
Meeting point
Beijing
Exit E, Dongsi Station (Subway Line 5/6). You can take Subway Line 5, get off at the【Dongsi Station】, coming out of Exit E, finding the BusDa tour guide wearing a green vest （BusDa Logo) for check-in. If you take a taxi, please show this address 【东四地铁站E口】 to the driver.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
For Private Tour:Our driver will drop you off at your hotel within Beijing’s 4th Ring Road.
Ends at
For Bus Tour: End points - Beijing Olympic Park
Options you can book
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. Bus/Coach Starting point: 东四西大街道路两侧收费停车场, China, Bei Jing Shi, Dong Cheng Qu, 东四西大街,东四西大街道路两侧 邮政编码: 100006
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. Bus/Coach Starting point: 东四西大街道路两侧收费停车场, China, Bei Jing Shi, Dong Cheng Qu, 东四西大街,东四西大街道路两侧 邮政编码: 100006
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 Starting point: Beijing, China
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. Bus/Coach Starting point: 东四西大街道路两侧收费停车场, China, Bei Jing Shi, Dong Cheng Qu, 东四西大街,东四西大街道路两侧 邮政编码: 100006
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. Bus/Coach Starting point: Beijing, China
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. Duration: 10 hours Bus Starting point: 东四西大街道路两侧收费停车场, China, Bei Jing Shi, Dong Cheng Qu, 东四西大街,东四西大街道路两侧 邮政编码: 100006 Pickup included
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Busda
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 64 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
64 verified traveler reviews for BusDa-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
BusDa is great!
It was very convenient with BusDa as our planner and Yoyo as our host. She is a very sweet and informative person and wanted us to have the best experience. Id definitely recommend BusDa to others.
via Tripadvisor
Must do tour
Aria was a lovely guide and a great story teller. This tour departs early so it’s ideal to take nice pics without the crowd! The option with buffet it’s also highly recommended. The buffet even includes beer!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that Busda Guide Aria made the tour enjoyable with her storytelling and friendly attitude. Early departures are perfect for crowd-free photos, and we’re glad you enjoyed the buffet option, beer included! We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you again soon.
via Viator
Great Wall trip
I booked the tour of Mutiangyu Great Wall and the summer palace. This company is great very easy to communicate with, our lovely and singer tour guide (unfortunately don’t have the name, I think sound like JR) made it an amazing experience, the lunch was delicious.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your fantastic feedback! We’re thrilled that you enjoyed the Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace tour, and that your guide (JR) made the experience so special. We’re also glad you enjoyed the lunch. Your kind words mean a lot, and we hope to welcome you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Great Experience
Jacky Chen was an amazing tour guide. He took pictures and and pointed us to the scenic spots on the Great Wall. His tour at the Summer Palace was great and detailed. I also liked his singing 😂
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful feedback! 😄 We’re thrilled that Jacky Chen made your Great Wall and Summer Palace tour enjoyable, informative, and even fun with his singing. Your kind words mean a lot, and we hope to see you on another BusDa adventure soon!
via Tripadvisor
Great！
A fantastic trip. The tour guide was very responsible and would answer our questions patiently whenever we had doubts.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you had a fantastic trip and that our tour guide was responsible and patient in answering all your questions. Your satisfaction means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back on another BusDa tour soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $23 to $207
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 22
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Busda, who run 11 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.6.
See everything Busda runsWhy this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
BusDa-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beijing.
How much does BusDa-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces cost?
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Prices start at $23 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 BusDa-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces take?
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Plan for about 10 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 BusDa-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 64 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 BusDa-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces?
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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 BusDa-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book BusDa-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces?
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Around 22 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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does BusDa-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces 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 BusDa-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces?
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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; and Roundtrip transportation by air-conditioned bus. Not included: Cable car 140rmb per person(optional); Toboggan 140rmb per person(optional); Summer palace tour-boat 100rmb per person(optional); and Old Summer palace tour-boat 80rmb per person(optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does BusDa-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 4 listed pickup locations in and around Beijing. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time.
What languages is BusDa-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces 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 BusDa-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces?
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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 BusDa-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to BusDa-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about BusDa-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces?
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Across 64 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for BusDa-Full-Day Bus Trips: Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palaces?
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There are 6 options to choose from, including Mutianyu Bus Trip+Ticket+Lunch, Mutianyu Bus Transfer +Ticket, Mutianyu Tour + Ticket + Lunch, Mutianyu & 2 Palaces Bus+Lunch. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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