How to Plan Your Private Tour of Mutianyu Great Wall and Hutong in Beijing

If you’re planning on visiting Beijing, China for the first time, you must visit the historic Mutianyu Great Wall and Hutong, a maze-like residential area in the heart of Beijing. Visiting the Mutianyu Great Wall will provide you an astonishing view of the wall without crowds of tourists. And, exploring a Hutong will give you a glimpse of the locals’ daily lives.

Booking a private tour of Mutianyu Great Wall and Hutong with the experienced team at viator.com is a convenient and relaxing way to visit these two places. This tour will take you on an unforgettable journey through history and culture. In the following paragraphs, we will guide you through the process of planning your private tour in Beijing.

Overview

The private tour of Mutianyu Great Wall and Hutong is designed for the convenience and comfort of visitors who want to experience Beijing’s attractions in a more personal and private way. You will have your own tour guide who will escort you to Mutianyu Great Wall to enjoy an early morning hike, visit a local farmer’s market, try delicious snacks and tea, travel through the winding neighborhoods in a rickshaw, and enjoy lunch with a local family.

What’s Included

This tour covers a lot of interesting things, and most of them are included in the package. Here’s what you can expect to be included in your tour:

1. Hotel pickup and drop-off in air-conditioned transportation within 5 Rings of Beijing City
2. Unlimited bottled water and tea
3. Visit to Mutianyu Great Wall with cable car ride
4. Explore a local farmer’s market and learn how to bargain
5. Authentic Chinese snacks
6. Riding in a rickshaw
7. Visit to a Hutong to learn about the local culture
8. Lunch with a local family in their home
9. A reserved seat at a Chinese acrobatics show
10. A private tour guide who speaks English

Meeting and Pickup

Since this is a private tour, a tour guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby within the Fourth Ring Road of Beijing. If you’re staying outside this area, you may need to travel to a meeting point. The pickup time is 9:00 AM. Please be ready in your hotel lobby by then!

If you’re not familiar with the pickup points or if you have a question, you can call the tour provider to get help. The tour provider team is always happy to help you!

Pickup Points

The tour provider picks up guests from their hotel lobbies within the Fourth Ring Road of Beijing City.

Select a Pickup Point

When booking your tour, you will be prompted to select your pickup point. You can select your hotel from the dropdown menu or type in the name of your hotel in the search bar.

Start Time

The tour starts at 9:00 AM. Please be ready in your hotel lobby by this time.

Pickup Details

The tour guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby inside the Fourth Ring Road of Beijing City. Please wait in the hotel lobby with your voucher until the tour guide arrives.

What To Expect

This tour is designed to take you to Mutianyu Great Wall and Hutong, two of the most popular tourist spots in Beijing. Throughout the day, you will learn about ancient China and see Beijing’s current way of life.

You will hike the Great Wall during the quiet morning hours, which means fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and plenty of photo opportunities without tourists in the background. Afterward, you will visit a farmer’s market located nearby to experience a local Chinese-style bazaar. Next, you will enjoy some delicious Chinese snacks, which will give you an idea of what the local eats.

From there, you will ride a rickshaw through Hutongs, a labyrinth of winding alleys, and learn about the exciting history of this residential area. Discover roadside markets, glimpse into the locals’ daily lives, and experience a rich Chinese culture that has been preserved for centuries.

Finally, you will head to lunch hosted by a local family. You will have a chance to taste authentic Chinese dishes and experience Chinese hospitality. In the evening, enjoy reserved seating at a Chinese acrobatics show – this is a great way to wrap up a day of exploring!

Additional Info

Before booking this tour, please read and understand the essential information:

1. Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
2. Wheelchair accessible
3. Stroller accessible
4. Infant seats available
5. Most travelers can participate
6. This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate.

Cancellation Policy

The cancellation policy for this private tour of Mutianyu Great Wall and Hutong is:

• You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
• For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
• 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 experience’s start time will not be accepted.
• Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Book the Tour Here

To book your private tour of Mutianyu Great Wall and Hutong, click here to visit the tour provider’s website. Remember, booking your tour in advance will make your trip to Beijing more enjoyable and will guarantee a spot for you!

The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Beijing

If you’re planning to visit Beijing soon, it’s quite natural to have many questions in mind. Beijing is a fascinating city, rich in history and culture; however, it can also be intimidating and confusing, especially for first-time visitors. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about Beijing that will provide you with useful information and help you make the most of your trip.

1. What is the best time to visit Beijing?

Beijing experiences four distinct seasons, and the best time to visit largely depends on your personal preferences. However, the peak tourist season is from April to October when the weather is warmer and the skies are clearer. The off-peak season, from November to March, is less crowded but can be quite cold, especially in December and January, with temperatures dropping to -10°C.

2. What are the must-see tourist attractions in Beijing?

Beijing is home to a wide range of tourist attractions, including historical landmarks, cultural sites, and stunning natural landscapes. The most popular attractions include:

• The Great Wall of China
• The Forbidden City
• The Summer Palace
• The Temple of Heaven
• Tiananmen Square
• The National Museum of China
• The Beijing Olympic Park
• The Hutongs (traditional alleyways)

3. What is the best way to get around Beijing?

Beijing has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, subways, and taxis. The subway system is cheap, efficient, and easy to use, with signs and announcements in both Chinese and English. Taxis are also readily available, but make sure the cab is metered to avoid any scams or misunderstandings.

4. What should I know about the currency in Beijing?

The official currency in Beijing is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also known as Renminbi (RMB). Most hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions accept credit cards; however, smaller shops and street vendors may only accept cash. It’s recommended to exchange your currency at banks or authorized exchange kiosks to avoid being scammed by unauthorized money changers.

5. What is Beijing’s cuisine like?

Beijing’s cuisine is famous throughout China for its unique flavors, aromas, and cooking techniques. Some of the most popular Beijing dishes include:

• Peking Roast Duck
• Mongolian Hotpot
• Beijing Fried Rice
• Jianbing (Chinese Crepe)
• Ma Po Tofu
• Lamb Skewers

6. What should I know about the local culture and customs?

Chinese culture is ancient and deep-rooted, and Beijing is no exception. Here are a few customs and etiquette tips to help you navigate the city like a local:

• Always address people by their title and family name, with a polite suffix like “Mr.” or “Ms.”
• Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home or a traditional restaurant.
• Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics, religion, or Tibet.
• Respect the local customs and traditions, such as removing your hat when entering a temple or shrine.
• Don’t be afraid to haggle when shopping in local markets, but do so with respect and a smile.

7. How much should I budget for a trip to Beijing?

The cost of a trip to Beijing largely depends on your travel style, accommodation preferences, and itinerary. However, Beijing is generally an affordable travel destination, with a wide range of budget-friendly accommodation options, local street food, and public transportation. A daily budget of $50-$100 USD should be sufficient for most tourists.

8. How do I apply for a Chinese visa?

If you’re a foreign visitor to Beijing, you’ll need a valid Chinese visa before you can enter the country. You can apply for a Chinese visa at the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process could take several weeks, so make sure you plan ahead.

9. Is it safe to travel to Beijing?

Beijing is generally a safe city for tourists, with a low crime rate and a visible police presence. However, like any big city, there are occasional reports of pickpocketing and scams, especially in crowded tourist areas. To stay safe, keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Conclusion

Beijing is a vibrant and exciting city with plenty to offer tourists. By keeping these frequently asked questions in mind, you’ll be better prepared to explore and enjoy everything Beijing has to offer. Whether you’re interested in Chinese history and culture, world-class cuisine, or stunning natural landscapes, Beijing is sure to leave a lasting impression.