Forbidden City Guided & Mutianyu Great Wall Self Guided Day Tour

Beijing, China
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Duration11h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 15 travelers

Overview

Two iconic sights in 1 day. Delve into royal history on an in‑depth Forbidden City guided tour, then head to Mutianyu Great Wall for self‑guided time and breathtaking mountain hike.

In-depth Forbidden City Exploration (3-3.5 Hours) - small group （Small Group within 15 Pax）
Exclusive morning in-depth tour of the Forbidden City. Avoid afternoon crowds, stroll through centuries-old imperial palaces, halls and courtyards, and fully immerse yourself in China’s royal history and traditional architecture with ample visiting time.

Long & Leisurely Great Wall Visiting (4 Hours)

Extended 4-hour sightseeing time at Mutianyu Great Wall. Enough time for hiking, photography, exploring watchtowers, and optional cable car/toboggan experiences.

What's included

  • Forbidden City tickets are require to be reserved 7 days ahead officially. If you book the tour only 1-2 days in advance, our staff will assist you with on-site ticket register for entry.
  • Headset for Forbidden City
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • 3 hrs guided tour of the Forbidden City
  • Lunch
  • Great Wall Cable Car or Toboggan (Optional)
  • Great Wall guided tour （4 hrs self-guided tour at Mutianyu）

What to expect

  1. Tongzi River
    Pass by
    Gather at Donghua Gate. Walk along the quiet outer moat (Tongzi river) path beside the Forbidden City ancient city wall to reach Meridian Gate. Finish ticket checking and entry procedures at Meridian Gate.
  2. Forbidden City Walking Route
    3h · Admission ticket included
    08:30 – 11:30 | In-depth Forbidden City Sightseeing

    Furniture Gallery (Exclusive Stop), Enter the Forbidden City and first visit the Palace Furniture Gallery, a rarely visited hidden boutique spot missed by most regular tour routes.

    Three Main Halls (Outer Court): ● Taihe Hall (Hall of Supreme Harmony) ● Zhonghe Hall (Hall of Central Harmony) ● Baohe Hall (Hall of Preserving Harmony)

    Treasure Gallery & Nine-Dragon Wall, Walk along the iconic Nine-Dragon Wall, enjoying precious royal jewels, gold wares and imperial collections.

    Continue to Qianlong Garden, a private imperial garden built for Emperor Qianlong's retirement.

    Pavilion of Cheerful Melodies. It was the royal theatre for imperial festivals and grand performances

    Hall of Joyful Longevity. A noble imperial hall in the Ningshou Palace area.

    Imperial Concubine Zhen's Well + East Corridor Path (YIN YANG Alley ). An ancient well with profound historical stories, located in the quiet backyard of the Forbidden City.
  3. Mutianyu Great Wall
    4h · Admission ticket included
    Long & Leisurely Great Wall Visiting (4 Hours)

    Extended 4-hour sightseeing time at Mutianyu Great Wall. Enough time for hiking, photography, exploring watchtowers, and optional cable car/toboggan experiences.

    Arrival about 13:30 (lunch on your own)

    ---------- 4 hrs self-guided tour ----------

    1) Taking chairlift to the [No.]6th Watchtower of the Great Wall where you can take a [toboggan/slide or chairlift ]down, hiking route from [6th - 1st

    - 6th or 6th - 14th - 6th ]

    2.Walking up the Great Wall along the stone steps (like a mountain hike - about 45 minute hike) - to the [6th .8th .10th or 12th] Watchtower, totally Self-Guided free and easy to walk as your wish.

    3.Taking cable car up to the Great Wall - to the 14th Watchtower, route from 14th -20nd,

    4.Take cable car up to 14th the west route to 20th then back to 6th to [toboggan /slide or chairlift] down.

    cable car or toboggan are optional choice（you can purchase on bus/in the park）

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Your Team wear blue vests and hold a blue flag with theZANBUS logo. They will wait here (Donghuamen ) every day, so you can find them easily and not miss them.

Gathering takes about 10 minutes. Walk along the quiet outer moat (Tongzi river) to reach Meridian Gate. Finish ticket checking and entry.

End point

For saving some traffic time and more things to do after this trip, Drop-off point will be nearby the Lama Temple metro station（LINE 2/5）. There are many popular restaurants, bars and old hutongs

19:30 The end time is for reference only; please be aware that it may change due to traffic conditions.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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$39.50 per person
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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