Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 851 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options worth booking?
Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options is a 8-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $138 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 851 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (851)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $138 per person
Join our Beijing one-day tour to explore two World Cultural Heritage sites—the less crowded Mutianyu Great Wall and the classical Summer Palace—with all-inclusive perks: professional English-speaking guide, round-trip hotel transfers, entrance tickets to both sites, Mutianyu cable car, and a tasty lunch, no hidden costs. We have two great options: the Mini Group Tour (max 8 people) for an intimate experience with more guide attention and a relaxed, easy-coordinated vibe, plus the Private Tour for full flexibility—customize your pace and get one-on-one guide support, perfect for those wanting privacy or personalized travel.
What you get
About this experience
Join our Beijing one-day tour to explore two World Cultural Heritage sites—the less crowded Mutianyu Great Wall and the classical Summer Palace—with all-inclusive perks: professional English-speaking guide, round-trip hotel transfers, entrance tickets to both sites, Mutianyu cable car, and a tasty lunch, no hidden costs. We have two great options: the Mini Group Tour (max 8 people) for an intimate experience with more guide attention and a relaxed, easy-coordinated vibe, plus the Private Tour for full flexibility—customize your pace and get one-on-one guide support, perfect for those wanting privacy or personalized travel.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Cable car round trip or ski lift up and toboggan ticket
Not included
- Dragon boat cruise in the Summer Palace
- Gratuities
- Additional entrance fee to the museums at the Summer Palace
What you'll see and do
Beijing
This Beijing one-day tour provides two flexible travel choices to match your preferences, both including hotel pick-up and drop-off for extra convenience. Option 1 is the Boutique-Style Small Group Tour, which caps the group size at 8 people. This ensures a more intimate, comfortable experience with no overcrowding—ideal for travelers who like sharing their journey with a small group while still receiving attentive service. Option 2 is the Private Tour, which shines with exclusive, customized experiences. You’ll have a dedicated private guide focusing solely on your group, offering detailed explanations, adjusting the pace to fit your interests, and answering all your questions. Reserved exclusively for your party—no sharing with other travelers—letting you relax fully between attractions. Whichever option you pick, you’ll explore two of Beijing’s most iconic scenic spots in one day, helping you make the most of your time to absorb the city’s historical and cultural charm.
Pass by without stopping
Mutianyu Great Wall
Meet your private guide in the hotel lobby at a time that suits you best. Step into a clean, air-conditioned vehicle. Settle into your comfortable seat and as you set off, soak in the passing scenery while your knowledgeable tour guide regales you with captivating historical tales and fascinating stories. Upon arriving at the magnificent Mutianyu Great Wall, you will be greeted with a serene and laid-back atmosphere. This section of the Great Wall offers the perfect opportunity to stand in awe of this architectural wonder and the breathtakingly beautiful surrounding hillsides. You have the option to ascend to the Wall via cable car or ski lift, and then embark on a memorable hike along its various sections, exploring the ancient watchtowers and beacon towers.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Your tour guide will not only provide in-depth historical information but also allow you sufficient time to explore at your own pace, discovering the hidden nooks and crannies of this historical site. 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. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is renowned for being less crowded compared to the bustling Badaling section, offering a more secluded and rugged experience. With over 96% of the area covered by lush trees and fragrant orchards, the air is filled with the sweet aroma of chestnut blossoms in spring, and the environment remains refreshingly clean and fresh throughout the year. Following your visit to the Great Wall, it's time to savor a delicious lunch.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Summer Palace
In the afternoon, make your way to the Summer Palace, a stunning and impeccably preserved royal garden. This magnificent site is renowned for its captivating landscape, where tranquil lakes, winding canals, and meticulously maintained gardens come together in perfect harmony. The awe-inspiring architecture of the Summer Palace exemplifies the pinnacle of traditional Chinese design, earning it a well-deserved place on the World Heritage List. It stands as a shining example of the world's most esteemed and timeless gardens, a true testament to the artistry and grandeur of eras long past.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Hall of Benevolence and Longevity
Upon your arrival, enter through the East Gate under the guidance of your tour guide. As you step inside, prepare to be captivated by the intricate stories and grandeur of this imperial garden. Begin your journey by visiting the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, a site where significant political events of the Qing Dynasty unfolded. Your guide will regale you with tales of emperors and empresses who once made crucial decisions within these very walls, shedding light on the center of power that this space once represented.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Hall of Happiness and Longevity
Continue to Hall of Happiness and Longevity, a place of unparalleled luxury and comfort for the royal family, stands as a testament to the opulent lifestyle of the Qing Dynasty. The guide will vividly detail the daily life of the Empress Dowager Cixi, who made this hall her residence. Cixi's mornings here were steeped in luxury. Attended by a bevy of maids, she was dressed in sumptuous silk robes, adorned with dragon and phoenix embroidery. Her jewelry selection was equally lavish, featuring rare gems. Meals were a grand affair, with dozens of gourmet dishes, like shark fin soup and Peking duck, served on fine porcelain and silverware. This was the world of Empress Dowager Cixi here, a world where luxury and comfort were not just a way of life but a symbol of imperial power.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Long Corridor at the Summer Palace
After that, make your way to the world - famous Long Corridor. As you walk along this covered passageway, your guide will point out the thousands of paintings on the beams, each telling a story from Chinese mythology, history, and literature. You'll be amazed at the tales behind these artworks as you enjoy the unique architecture of the corridor.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Qingyan Stone Boat
Finally, arrive at the Marble Boat. Your knowledgeable guide will delve into the symbolism behind this remarkable structure, which was constructed to symbolize stability and permanence within the imperial garden. Gain insight into the construction process and the pivotal role it played in the overall design of the Summer Palace. As you explore the Summer Palace, your guide's vivid explanations will breathe life into the historical events and cultural significance of each location. Prepare for an unforgettable journey as you immerse yourself in the rich history and beauty of this iconic landmark.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Private Tour from city hotel
Private Tour from city hotel : Hotel pick up and drop offfor hotels within the 4th ring road of Beijing, it is a private tour Private Tour from hotel : Private Tour start from your hotel located in downtown Beijing. Our guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel. Pickup included
Tour start from PKX Airport
Pick up location is Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), or hotels near PKX airport. Please offer flight details. Private Tour: This is a private tour for Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace, tour start and end of PKX Beijing Daxing Airport Pickup included
Tour Start from PEK Airport
Pick up location is Beijing Capital International Airport(PEK) or hotels near PEK airport. Please offer flight details Pickup included
Small Group Tour
Please provide your hotel name and address; we will inform you of the exact hotel pick-up time on day in advance. Small Group Tour: Small Group Tour. Maximum 8 people for an intimate, uncrowded experience. Comfortable experience free of overcrowding. 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
- 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
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Please wear comfortable shoes
- Small Group Tour: 1: This tour is set to leave at 7:30 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".
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 849 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
5 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
849 verified traveler reviews for Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The sites were incredible, but the tour guide's knowledge was very limited. We were disappointed with our experience
When we booked this tour, we assumed it was going to be a great experience because of all the five-star reviews. However, we were quite disappointed with it, mainly regarding our guide. The sites themselves are obviously absolutely gorgeous, and they are the main reason why we are giving it three stars, but unfortunately, we didn't have a good experience with our guide. When booking private tours with other agencies, we received lots of information from our tour guides about the locations before going there, as well as more information after arriving. However, despite taking 1.5 hours to get from our hotel to the Great Wall, our guide only shared very little information about it. We assumed it was because he was going to go to the site with us and explain things when we got there, as we saw many other guides doing, but unfortunately, this was not the case. He went up in the cable car with us and said that we could explore it on our own and that he would wait for us. It was a real shame because there is an incredible amount of history there, and it would have been great to know more about it before walking around. We asked lots of questions, and he would only answer exactly what we asked, often with a yes or no, without exploring anything further or sharing more than what he was being asked. We spoke to him about it before going to the Summer Palace, and he told us that he wasn't an expert and only knew a little bit about each site. However, if we wanted a guide who knew a lot about the history, he could ask the agency for another guide to meet us at the Summer Palace. Unfortunately, when we got there, he said that no one was available, and the same thing happened. He shared only basic information, most of which was written on the signs in English anyway, and nothing else. Everything we asked, he answered with very short, often monosyllabic answers. It was really disappointing, especially considering how much history is involved in both of these places. We feel that we paid an extraordinary amount of money simply for someone to drive us to the sites. Our driver was really good, but the guide part of the tour was not value for money at all. I would not recommend this tour or agency to others, and I feel that the reviews are very misleading, which even left us wondering if they were real. For context, there were four of us, and we all felt a similar way. Also, it's not a cultural issue, because we had several other tours in China that were absolutely incredible, and the guides were really knowledgeable. Unfortunately, this was a very specific issue with this tour guide. If he isn't as knowledgeable, I believe the agency shouldn't assign him to this type of tour, especially for such an extraordinary site.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing tour!!!
Our tour of the Great Wall of China was phenomenal! Ranee was an amazing guide - super friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. The Great Wall itself was spectacular and our visit to the Summer Palace was great. This tour was definitely a highlight of our trip to Beijing. Highly recommend. Thank you Ranee!
via Viator
Better to get a public tour or DIY
The driver picked us up and dropped us back off at the hotel. We arrived early, so the line moved quickly, and the trip went smoothly overall. The guide accompanied us inside the Summer Palace. However, the main issue was that she left us to walk the Great Wall on our own and simply waited for us at the entrance. Other tour groups were walking with their guides; we were the only ones without one. It would have been better to just take a public tour. It felt like a missed opportunity to fully enjoy the trip.
via Viator
Amazing Guide and Day Trip out of Beijing
Perfect day trip out of Beijing! Ranee is an excellent tour guide and everything was executed as planned.
via Viator
Great Wall & Palace with best guide!
Jackie Chan was very knowledgeable and delightful. Highly recommended.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $138 to $448
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 298
- Verdict
- Exceptional
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 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beijing.
How much does Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options cost?
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Prices start at $138 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 Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 851 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Beijing, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options?
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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 Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options?
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Around 298 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options 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 Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Professional guide; Bottled water; Lunch; and Cable car round trip or ski lift up and toboggan ticket. Not included: Dragon boat cruise in the Summer Palace; Gratuities; and Additional entrance fee to the museums at the Summer Palace. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2305 listed pickup locations in and around Beijing. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options 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 Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options?
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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 Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and 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 Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options 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 Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options?
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Across 851 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 Mutianyu Great Wall&Summer Palace Excursion:Group/Private Options?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Private Tour from city hotel, Tour start from PKX Airport, Tour Start from PEK Airport, Small Group Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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