7:00 AM: Hotel Pick-Up & Departure
Your day of exploration begins promptly at 7:00 AM, when your guide or driver will meet you in the lobby of your confirmed pick-up hotel. After gathering the small group (max 8 travelers), you'll set off for the Mutianyu Great Wall, kicking off a wonderful day of cultural discovery. During the drive, your guide will provide a detailed overview of the day's itinerary, along with fascinating insights into the historical background of the Mutianyu Great Wall and the Summer Palace, helping you build a deeper understanding of these iconic sites before you arrive.
Mutianyu Great Wall Exploration
Upon arriving at the Mutianyu Great Wall, you'll have two transportation options to reach the wall itself—both included in your tour fee—and you can choose one combination: either round-trip cable car, or SK lift up and lift down. Please inform your guide of your preferred option in advance to ensure a smooth arrangement. Once on the wall, your guide will accompany you as you explore, sharing vivid stories about the Great Wall's history, the function of the watchtowers, and the legends behind the "unbroken" sections of this ancient defense system. After the guided portion, you'll also have free time to wander at your own pace, take photos of the breathtaking mountain views, and soak in the grandeur of this world-famous landmark. When the free time ends, you'll meet your guide at the designated spot to head to lunch.
Lunch Break
Following your time at the Great Wall, you'll enjoy a delicious included lunch, where you can refuel and relax before continuing to the next stop of the day.
Summer Palace Tour
After lunch, the group will travel to the Summer Palace, China's premier imperial garden. Here, your guide will not only lead you to visit its most significant attractions but also share rich stories behind the garden's design and historical evolution—including key insights into Empress Dowager Cixi, a pivotal and influential figure in the Qing Dynasty. You'll learn about her prominent status in imperial China's political and royal circles, as well as how her preferences and decisions left a profound mark on the Summer Palace's construction, expansion, and even the layout of its iconic spots.
Follow your guide to visit its most significant attractions: first, the Hall of Benevolent Longevity (Renshou Dian), a key site for imperial ceremonies; then the Hall of Jade Ripple, once a residence for Qing Dynasty emperors; and the Hall of Joyful Longevity, a luxurious imperial living quarters. Next, you'll stroll along the Long Corridor with your guide—recognized by the Guinness World Records as the longest corridor in the world—and learn the stories behind its intricate paintings that depict historical events, folk tales, and scenic landscapes. The final stop in the Summer Palace will be the Marble Boat, where your guide will uncover the interesting history and symbolic meaning behind this unique structure, which has stood the test of time despite its "stone boat" design.
Return to Beijing City Hotels
Once the Summer Palace tour concludes, your guide and driver will take you back to your hotel in downtown Beijing, marking the end of your memorable one-day journey through two of China's most cherished world heritage sites.
Important Pre-Tour Notes
Please note that the specific hotel for your pick-up will be confirmed one day before the tour starts. If your hotel is within the 3rd Ring Road of Beijing, round-trip transportation is included. For hotels beyond this area, you have two options: either pay an additional fee for the driver to pick you up in advance, or take a taxi to the designated meeting hotel. Additionally, ensure your email address and phone number are correct, as we will notify you of the exact pick-up time one day prior to the tour.