How to Plan Your Beijing Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall Private Day Tour
When you visit Beijing, there are two major attractions that you cannot afford to miss; the Forbidden City and the Mutianyu Great Wall. If you’re short on time, joining a day tour that covers both of these iconic landmarks is the perfect solution. In this guide, we’ll show you how to plan your Beijing Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall Private Day Tour in just a few easy steps.
Step 1: Book Your Tour
The first step in planning your tour is to book your tickets. Viator offers a private day tour that starts at 8:00 am and lasts approximately 8 hours. The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned business car, a professional English/Spanish/French-speaking guide, and entrance tickets to the Forbidden City. The tour also includes a stop at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the most beautiful and less crowded parts of the Great Wall. You can book your tour on this link.
Step 2: Choose Your Pickup Location
There are several pickup points available for this tour:
- Major hotels in downtown Beijing
- Beijing Railway Station
- Beijing South Railway Station
- Beijing West Railway Station
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
You can select your preferred pickup point when you book your tour. The tour starts at 8:00 am, so make sure you arrive at the pickup point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Step 3: What to Expect on the Tour
The tour starts with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. You’ll have approximately 40 minutes to explore the square and take some photos before moving onto the Forbidden City. The guide will give you some background information about the square and its significance in Chinese history.
After Tiananmen Square, you’ll head to the Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum. The Forbidden City was the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and it’s one of the best-preserved ancient palaces in China. You’ll have approximately 2 hours to explore the palace, including the Gate of Heavenly Peace, the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and the Hall of Clocks and Watches.
Afterwards, you’ll head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Mutianyu is located about 70 kilometers northeast of Beijing, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. You’ll have approximately 2 hours to hike and explore the Great Wall before heading back to Beijing. The tour ends with drop-off at your original pickup point.
Step 4: Tips for the Tour
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Beijing Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall Private Day Tour:
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and hiking, so make sure you’re comfortable.
- Bring snacks and water. There are a few shops and restaurants at the Great Wall, but it’s always good to have some food and water on hand.
- Bring your passport. The tour operator requires your passport information to book your entrance ticket for the Forbidden City.
- Bring cash or a credit card. There are entrance fees and souvenir shops at both the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, so make sure you have some money on hand.
- Don’t forget your camera. You’ll want to take plenty of pictures of these iconic landmarks!
Step 5: Cancellation Policy
If for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. To cancel, simply contact the tour operator using the information provided in your confirmation email.
Book Your Tour Now
The Beijing Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall Private Day Tour is a fantastic way to experience two of China’s most iconic landmarks in a single day. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily plan your tour and make the most of your time in Beijing. Book your tour today and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
FAQs About Beijing, China
Beijing is a fascinating city that is rich in history, culture, and tradition. As the capital of China, Beijing is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. If you’re planning a trip to Beijing, you may have some questions about the city. Here are some frequently asked questions about Beijing.1. What is the best time to visit Beijing?
The best time to visit Beijing is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded. The summer months (June to August) can be hot and humid, while the winter months (December to February) can be bitterly cold, with occasional snow.2. What are the top tourist attractions in Beijing?
Beijing has many famous tourist attractions such as:The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. It stretches for more than 13,000 miles across different parts of China, and some of the most accessible sections of the wall are around Beijing. You can visit the Simatai section or the Badaling section of the wall, which are both popular tourist destinations.The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the imperial palace for over 500 years during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It has more than 9000 rooms and is one of the largest palace complexes in the world.Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square is the largest public square in the world and is located in the heart of Beijing. It has great political significance and is the site of several important events in Chinese history.Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a beautiful park filled with lakes, gardens, and palaces. It was the summer retreat for emperors during the Qing dynasty.3. What is the currency used in Beijing?
The currency used in Beijing, and in the rest of China, is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). It is advisable to carry some cash with you, as credit cards are not widely accepted in local markets and smaller stores.4. What is the language spoken in Beijing?
The official language of Beijing is Mandarin Chinese. However, many people can also speak English, especially in tourist areas.5. What is the transportation system like in Beijing?
Beijing has an extensive transportation system that includes buses, subways, taxis, and bicycles. The subway system is the most convenient and easy to use for tourists. Taxis are also readily available, but it’s important to make sure the meter is turned on before starting your journey.6. What are some traditional foods to try in Beijing?
Beijing is renowned for its cuisine and has many traditional dishes that are a must-try, including:Peking Roast Duck
Peking Roast Duck is the most famous dish from Beijing. The dish involves roasting a whole duck over an open fire, and then serving it with thin pancakes, scallions, and a sweet bean sauce.Jianbing
Jianbing is a traditional Chinese breakfast food that is popular in Beijing. It’s a thin crepe-like pancake that is cooked with a variety of ingredients such as egg, scallions, and hoisin sauce.Hot Pot
Hot Pot is a popular Chinese dish that is often eaten in the winter months. It involves cooking raw meats and vegetables in a pot of boiling soup at the table.7. What are some cultural practices to be aware of in Beijing?
When visiting Beijing, it’s important to be mindful of some cultural practices, including:Bowing
Bowing is a traditional way of showing respect in China. It’s common to bow when greeting someone, especially when meeting older people or those in positions of authority.Gift Giving
Gift-giving is also an important part of Chinese culture. When meeting someone for the first time or visiting someone’s home, it’s customary to bring a small gift as a gesture of goodwill.Table Etiquette
When dining in Beijing, it’s important to wait for the host to start eating before beginning your meal. It’s also polite to finish everything that is served and not to waste any food.8. What are some local customs to participate in Beijing?
To fully immerse yourself in the local culture in Beijing, consider participating in:Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art that involves slow and graceful movements. It’s often practiced in public parks, and taking a class can be a fun way to learn more about the culture.Calligraphy
Calligraphy is an ancient art form that involves writing Chinese characters using a brush and ink. It’s a popular pastime in Beijing, and many calligraphy classes are available for visitors.Olympic Park
Visiting the Olympic Park is a great way to immerse yourself in modern Chinese culture. It was the site of the 2008 Summer Olympics and has several iconic buildings, including the famous Bird’s Nest stadium.Book Your Tour Now
Beijing is a city that is full of surprises and adventure. It’s important to do your research before visiting, and this FAQ is a great starting point for planning your trip. With so many cultural and historical attractions, delicious food, and unique experiences, Beijing is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to China.
How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Beijing
Beijing, the capital of China, is a city that is steeped in history and culture. With over 21 million residents, it’s one of the most populous cities in the world. It’s also a city that was the seat of power for many emperors, with royal palaces, gardens, and parks. Some of the most famous Chinese landmarks such as The Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square are located in Beijing. It’s a hub of finance, culture, and politics, offering visitors a unique mix of history and modernity. If you’re planning a visit to Beijing, here are some of the best ways to spend your time in this lively and colorful city.1. Visit the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the greatest wonders of ancient architecture. Located about an hour’s drive from Beijing, it spans over 13,000 miles and is visible from space. You can hire a guide or join a tour group to visit the different sections of the wall. Some of the most popular ones include Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and carry plenty of water as the climb can be steep and tiring.2. Explore the Forbidden City
Located in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s not to be missed. The palace complex was the seat of power for the Ming and Qing emperors for over 500 years. You can visit the numerous buildings and museums, and even walk through the royal gardens. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues and crowds.3. Stroll through the Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is a beautiful imperial garden that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll. It’s located on the outskirts of Beijing and was once used as a summer retreat by the emperors. The palace complex includes a man-made lake, pagodas, and bridges, making it a serene and tranquil getaway from the busy city. You can also hire a boat and explore the lake from a unique perspective.4. Walk around Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square is one of the largest public squares in the world, located in the heart of Beijing. It’s regarded as the political center of China and has witnessed many historical events over the years. You can visit the Tiananmen Gate, the National Museum of China, and the Monument to the People’s Heroes. Make sure to check the opening hours as they vary throughout the year.5. Visit the Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven was a place of worship for the emperors who visited to pray for good harvests. It’s now a public park where you can admire the beautiful architecture and watch locals practice Tai Chi or play traditional Chinese instruments. You can also visit the Echo Wall, where whispers can be heard from far away.6. Go to Beijing Zoo
If you’re traveling with kids, Beijing Zoo is a great place to visit. It houses over 500 species of animals, including giant pandas, elephants, and Siberian tigers. The zoo is also home to the Beijing Aquarium, and you can watch dolphin and sea lion shows. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as the zoo is quite large, and don’t forget to carry water and sunscreen.7. Indulge in Local Food
No trip to Beijing is complete without trying out the local cuisine. From Peking Duck to dim sum, the city has a rich culinary history that’s waiting to be explored. You can visit Wangfujing Food Market to sample different types of street food, or head over to Quanjude for some authentic Peking Duck. Make sure to try out the different types of tea, such as jasmine or green tea.Book Your Tour Now
Beijing is a city that has something for everyone, from history buffs to foodies, and nature lovers. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a week, make sure to explore the different parts of the city and soak in the unique culture and traditions. Don’t forget to carry a camera and capture the unforgettable moments of your trip to the Capital of China.Table of Contents
