James was a great guide and adapted to our schedule and preferences. We had a one day layover and tried to squeeze in as much as possible before flying out at night to Wuhan. Our flight out from PEK was canceled and rebooked to PKX which James covered logistically to get us straight there to the airport from the tour. James knew all the tricks to get us quickly through the lines for admission at both Tiananmen Square and the forbidden city. On the tour he spent extra time where we were more interested and he gave us extra detailed history. He was very knowledgeable on all aspects of Chinese culture and history, beyond just what we saw on our tour to Tiananmen Square, forbidden city and the Great Wall. Overall it was a tremendous trip and were so happy that my wife and I were able to squeeze this in on our layover.
Mutianyu + Ming Tombs or Summer Palace Private Day Tour
+23 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 8–9 hours
- Price from
- $220 / person
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 100 reviews
- Languages
- DE, EN, IT, ES
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Instant
Prices checked on Sep 11, 2026Things to do in Beijing
Description
Come and travel with the experienced and knowledgeable tour guide to visit the Mutianyu section, a stretch less crowded than the others. After lunch, visit one of the most famous imperial gardens-Summer Palace which is considered the model of tradinational Chinese garden art, you will know more history, more architecture art and cultural significance, understand the stories of the Dragon Lady as well. Or visit the Ming Tombs-Ding Tomb, learn Ming dynasty history and burial culture.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Come and travel with your experienced tour guide in the morning to visit the Mutianyu section, which is farther away from Beijing and more popular section, a stretch less crowded than the Badaling segment. It is considered as one of most famous Great Wall by the beautiful view in Beijing. Once you arrive at Mutianyu Great Wall, you can choose the return cable car or chairlift up and toboggan down the wall.
After lunch in the local restaurant nearby the wall, take approximately hour and half drive to visit the Imperial Garden - Summer Palace, a summer resort for imperial family members. It’s considered the best preserved imperial gardens in China, you can understand the stories about the dragon lady. You will be transferred back to your centrally located hotel lobby at the end.
There are 13 Ming dynasty enmperors were buried in this area, the Best condition tomb is Ding Tomb. You will go inside tomb to feel the underground tunnel and see the burial objects.
Highlights
Entrance tickets& Shuttel bus tickets
Round Trip cable car or chair lift up and toboggan down the wall for Mutianyu section
Local Lunch
Private Transfer with private driver
Hotel pickup and drop off
Private English guide
What's included
Included
Entrance tickets& Shuttel bus tickets
Round Trip cable car or chair lift up and toboggan down the wall for Mutianyu section
Local Lunch
Private Transfer with private driver
Hotel pickup and drop off
Private English guide
Not included
Accommodation
Dinner
Gratuity to the guide and driver
Pickup Locations & Times
Your guide will meet you in your hotel lobby within 4th ring road of Beijing.
Traveller Ratings
5.0
100 reviews
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Infant (1-3 years old) are free providing they do not occupy a seat
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Extra fee is requested after 8 hours tour
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mutianyu + Ming Tombs or Summer Palace Private Day Tour take?
Mutianyu + Ming Tombs or Summer Palace Private Day Tour lasts about 8–9 hours. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does Mutianyu + Ming Tombs or Summer Palace Private Day Tour cost?
Prices start at $220 per person for this Beijing experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 4 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Mutianyu + Ming Tombs or Summer Palace Private Day Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Your guide will meet you in your hotel lobby within 4th ring road of Beijing. Pickup points include CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyH5BTPAFndK66IB/YW3NlJc=, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyPcI3mXA3OHt4VhXzsI+tR0=.
What languages is Mutianyu + Ming Tombs or Summer Palace Private Day Tour offered in?
The experience is available in DE, EN, IT, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult Infant (1-3 years old) are free providing they do not occupy a seat
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(100)
A
Great experience on 1 day Beijing layover
T
Beijing 1 day private tour
I strongly recommend this company and James, our tour guide. We came from the Bay area and had arranged a 1-day private tour for the Forbidden City, Summer Garden, and Mutianyu Great Wall with him. James is very knowledgeable and kind about all the attractions. He recommended a restaurant for lunch, and the food was awesome, especially the braised pork, which was very reasonably priced. This is a perfect tour for my family!!
9
Jenny is so knowledgeable and super amazing!
We had a great experience with Jenny. She is knowledgeable, great to talk to, and I highly recommend her for your next trip!
C
An unforgettable day with Catherine Lu Tours!
Driver David and guide James from Catherine Lu Tours have given us an unforgettable day. Friendly, punctual, thought along and great food at lunch. The car was clean and she provided custom work. We visited the Chinese wall and the summer palace. We enjoyed it!
H
A good time
The service was very accommodating. Transportation and meals were included, and we were picked up straight from our hotel. Shout out to our tour guide Lena, who guided us through two palaces and up the Great Wall. She was very knowledgeable, and enlightened us with many facts. Most importantly, she was fun to hang around, and accompanied us through thick and thin. Would highly recommend.
2
Tour in Beijing
The tour was very well organized and our guide James tailored it according to the weather . He helped us to skip the long waiting lines and save time. Good driver Mister Lu and good new vehicle. Highly recommend
A
Mutianyu and tombs
We enjoyed the visit to one of the Ming dynasty tombs and then the wall, thanks to our guide Song who was very pleasant and planned everything in the best way to make the most of the day.
W
The best experience!!!
We had a great experience and Catherine Lu Tours provide the best service!! Song our guide was amazing!!!
D
Super fun Great Wall tour
We booked the Great Wall and Summer Palace tour through Catherine Lu tours. Our tour guide, Justin, was great. We fully enjoyed our experience at the Great Wall. We took the chair lift up, explored the majesty of the Great Wall, and rode the toboggan down. So fun!! We enjoyed a delicious American style lunch at the Brickyard Restaurant. After driving back toward Beijing we strolled through the park at the Summer Palace. We enjoyed seeing the natural beauty as well as the beautiful architecture. Highly recommend this tour. Very friendly and very informative.
W
Superb day
We had an exemplary day. Magnificent tours accompanied by a great guide who understood very well how we work on the sites. Very efficient and discreet if needed. Present all day at all hours, helpful. Very good contact.
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