Private Beijing Day Trip: Ming Tombs & Mutianyu Great Wall
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the ancient Ming Tombs
- Hike the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall
- Enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch
- Experience a private tour with a knowledgeable guide
- Capture stunning photos of historical landmarks
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off
- English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees to Ming Tombs and Mutianyu Great Wall
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Itinerary
The day begins between 8am and 9am when your private tour guide and personal chauffeur collect you from your hotel lobby. Your first stop is the UNESCO-listed Ming Tombs, about an hour from Beijing. Your guide will accompany you along the Spirit Way, the passage that leads to the 13 tombs where Ming dynasty emperors were buried. Lined with vast, monumental sculptures of guardian animals and officials, it's an impressive entrance to the tombs: rather than walk the entire 4.5-mile (7-kilometer) route, your driver will collect you to drive to the Chang Tomb. Built between 1409 and 1413, the Chang Tomb is the mausoleum of the third Ming dynasty emperor, the Yongle Emperor Zhu Di: his consort, Empress Xu, is buried here too. The largest, oldest and best preserved of the Ming Tombs, its buildings cover an area of 30 acres (12 hectare). You'll have an hour to explore here with your guide.
From here, it's a bit over an hour to the UNESCO-listed Great Wall at Mutianyu. Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant near the Wall before you explore. This stretch of the Great Wall is known for its beautiful surroundings – dense woods and rich pastures that change colors with the seasons of the year. It winds its way over 1000 meters to the crest of a mountain, before turning sharply and dipping downhill. You'll have around two hours to explore the Great Wall. It takes around half an hour to hike up on foot, or you can choose to take the cable car or chair lift: it's also possible to toboggan. After you've strolled along the Great Wall and captured iconic pictures, it's about a 2-hour drive back to Beijing. You'll arrive at your hotel between 4 and 5pm.
Important information
Know before you book
- This is a private tour; the itinerary can be customized upon request
- Please inform the operator of any dietary restrictions in advance
- The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and architecture
- Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infants Required On Laps
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Traveler reviews
Amazing visit at Ming Tombs & Mu Tian yu Great Wall
This was an incredible trip to both the Ming Tombs and Mu Tian Yu section of the Great Wall of China! Our tour guide, Maggie knew all about the history of the areas we visited, as well as being very friendly and accommodating to our group! Mr. Xu was always available with his car, while providing us with chargers and water in the car! The provided lunch was a tasty buffet, and after visiting the Great Wall, the tea tasting ceremony was a fabulous experience! Words can’t put how much I would recommend this tour to everyone!
Ming Tombs + Mu Tian yu Great Wall review
An excellent tour comprehensively covering both the Ming Tombs and Mu Tian yu portion of the Great Wall of China! Maggie was an excellent guide who was extremely friendly, knowledgeable about the history of the surrounding areas, and a joy to be around. Mr. Xu was also readily available with his car when needed. Overall a very smooth and fantastic tour; 10/10 would recommend to everyone!
Our 2nd Tour with the Amazing Lucy Jie Jje
Lucy was such an amazing tour guide, this was our second day with her and we specifically requested her!! She was SO knowledgeable and friendly and answered ALL the questions my family and I had for and trust and believe, WE HAD A LOT especially my father LOL. She was so polite and knew where to take great photos and really helped us enjoy the Great Wall, especially with the limited amount of time that we had. We're definitely friends for LIFE and would recommend any of my friends and family to go on a tour with her!! 10/10 stars!!!
Amazing Memorable Experience
This was the most amazing day. Our tour guide, Sally, is the very best. She is sweet, friendly, communicates very well and is so knowledgable of the tour destinations, Chinese history, and Chinese customs. I highly recommend the tour and Sally to anyone visiting Beijing. The tour is an exceptional value, I will most definitely tour additional areas with Sally on my next visit to Beijing.
Great Tour and Fantastic Experience!
The tour was amazing. Sally was great at communicating with us before and during the trip. The driver was very professional and we felt safe while driving to the Great Wall and back. Our tour guide Sally did a fantastic job at balancing the information she provided and giving us some free time to enjoy on ourselves. Food was tasty and we could try several different dishes. We also bought souvenirs at a cheap price and good quality. Overall, I loved the tour and the price is fair!