How to Plan Your Beijing Private Tour: Hutong, Mutianyu Great Wall+Cable Car Up and Toboggan Down

If you are planning a trip to Beijing, you must include a tour of the Hutong and Mutianyu Great Wall. The Hutong is a traditional Chinese neighborhood that showcases the old alleyways and courtyard houses. The Mutianyu Great Wall is a remote and less crowded section of the Great Wall of China, allowing visitors to appreciate the stunning scenery and architectural marvel at a more leisurely pace. This Beijing private tour includes a cable car ride up the Great Wall and an adventurous toboggan ride down.

In this blog post, we will guide you on how to plan your Beijing private tour to experience these fantastic attractions.

Overview of the Tour

The Beijing private tour: Hutong, Mutianyu Great Wall+Cable Car Up and Toboggan Down is a full-day tour that takes you to two of the most popular spots in Beijing. With private transportation, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Beijing, and you will first visit the Hutong area. Stroll along the narrow alleys, explore the Ming-era courtyard houses, and take a rickshaw ride to learn about the local culture and lifestyle.

After Hutong, you will head to Mutianyu Great Wall, where you will take the cable car up to the Great Wall. The Mutianyu Great Wall is about 90 kilometers from Beijing city center and is one of the most well-preserved sections of the Great Wall. The wall winds along steep ridges, with a stunning view of the green valleys beneath. There are watchtowers and fortresses located along the wall, providing a glimpse into the history and culture of ancient China. Once you reach the wall, you can explore it at your own pace.

The tour also includes a toboggan ride down from the wall to the valley, which is an exciting way to finish your visit to Mutianyu Great Wall.

The tour includes a Chinese-style lunch and snacks to keep you energized throughout the day.

What’s Included in the Tour

• Private transportation with air-conditioned vehicles.
• A professional English-speaking tour guide.
• Lunch and snacks.
• All necessary admission tickets.
• Cable car ticket up to Mutianyu Great Wall.
• Toboggan ride down from Mutianyu Great Wall.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off within five rings of Beijing city center.

Meeting and Pickup

You can either meet your tour guide directly at the meeting point or request pickup from your hotel within five rings of Beijing city center. Pickup time is at 8:30 AM, and the tour will last approximately eight hours.

Meeting point:

Beijing, China

Pickup points:

Select a pickup point during the booking process.

What to Expect

• Enjoy a traditional Hutong tour and learn about the old alleyways and courtyard houses.
• Take a rickshaw ride and explore the local culture and lifestyle.
• Visit Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved sections of the wall.
• Cable car ride up and explore the Great Wall at your own pace.
• Toboggan ride down from the wall is an exciting way to end your day.
• Enjoy a delicious Chinese-style lunch and snacks.

Additional Info

• Confirmation will be received at the time of the booking.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible.
• The tour is stroller accessible.
• Infant seats are available on request.
• Most travelers can participate in the tour.
• This is a private tour, and only your group will participate.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel the tour up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the start time of the experience will not be accepted.

If you are planning a trip to Beijing, this private tour is an excellent way to see the Hutong and Mutianyu Great Wall, two of the most popular attractions in the city. Book the tour here and enjoy a day filled with culture, history, and adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beijing

Beijing is the capital of the People’s Republic of China and is one of the largest cities in the world. From the wonder of the Great Wall of China to the magnificence of the Forbidden City, Beijing is a fascinating tourist destination. For anyone planning to visit Beijing, there are many frequently asked questions about the city, and this article will provide comprehensive answers to some of these questions.

1. What’s the best time to visit Beijing?

The best time to visit Beijing is during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and there are relatively fewer tourists. During these seasons, visitors can avoid the crowds and appreciate the natural beauty of the city. Summer is the peak tourist season, and it is usually crowded and hot. Winter, on the other hand, is bitterly cold, and it is the off-season for tourism.

2. What is the currency used in Beijing?

The currency used in Beijing is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Visitors can exchange their local currency at banks, hotels, or currency exchange counters. Most major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted in upscale hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small transactions and in case of emergencies.

3. Is it necessary to learn some Chinese before visiting Beijing?

It is not necessary to learn Chinese before visiting Beijing as English is widely spoken in hotels, major tourist attractions, and shops. However, it is polite to learn some basic Chinese phrases such as “hello,” “thank you,” and “goodbye” to communicate with locals and enhance the cultural experience.

4. How do I get around Beijing?

Beijing has a comprehensive public transportation system that includes subways, buses, and taxis. The subway system is affordable, efficient, and easy to navigate. Taxis are also readily available and affordable, but the language barrier can make it challenging to communicate with drivers. Visitors are encouraged to have their destination written in Chinese characters before boarding a taxi.

5. What are some popular tourist attractions in Beijing?

Beijing is home to many historical landmarks that attract millions of visitors every year. Some of the most popular tourist attractions include:

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Beijing. The wall stretches over 21,000 km and is a symbol of China’s ancient civilization.

The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is a palace complex that served as the imperial palace for over 500 years. It is an excellent representation of ancient Chinese architecture and design and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is the largest public square in the world and is located in the heart of Beijing. It is a historic site that witnessed significant events in Chinese history.

The Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a Taoist temple that is over 600 years old. It is a beautiful temple that has been well-preserved and is a symbol of Chinese religious beliefs.

6. What should I pack for my trip to Beijing?

Regardless of the season, visitors should pack comfortable clothing and shoes for walking around. Summer temperatures can soar up to 40°C, so light clothing is necessary in that season. During winter, temperatures can drop to below freezing, so warm clothing, including thermal underwear, hats, gloves, and scarves, is necessary. Visitors should also bring their personal care items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and toiletries.

7. Is Beijing a safe city for tourists?

Beijing is generally a safe city for tourists, and violent crime is rare. However, visitors should exercise caution in crowded areas and be wary of pickpockets and dishonest taxi drivers. It is advisable to use registered taxis and avoid taking unlicensed cabs.

8. What is the local cuisine like in Beijing?

The local cuisine in Beijing is rich and diverse, which reflects the city’s long cultural history. Some popular local dishes include:

Peking Duck

Peking Duck is a famous Beijing dish that features crispy skin and tender meat. It is often served with pancakes, scallions, and a sweet bean sauce.

Jiaozi

Jiaozi is a type of Chinese dumpling that is often served as a snack or a meal. The filling can be meat or vegetable, and the dumplings can be steamed or fried.

Hotpot

Hotpot is a type of Chinese soup that is served in a communal pot over a burner. Diners can choose their ingredients, including meat, vegetables, and seafood, and cook them together in the pot.

Conclusion

Beijing is a fascinating tourist destination with many beautiful landmarks, delicious cuisine, and intriguing cultural experiences. By addressing these frequently asked questions, visitors can plan their trip to Beijing with confidence and make the most of their visit to this incredible city.