Highlights
- Cover 2 Beijing must-see icons in a single day—perfect for first-time travelers
- Explore two iconic World Heritage Sites for an unforgettable story-filled day
- Choose a mini-group (max 8) or private tour option for different needs
- Enjoy door-to-door hotel transfers plus professional guide, for hassle-free trip
- Enjoy fully included entrance tickets – just sit back, relax and enjoy the tour
Description
For many travelers, a trip to China is incomplete without visiting two icons: the Forbidden City—the grand imperial palace of Ming and Qing dynasties—and the Great Wall—the 'longest defense wall in the world,' both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Our one-day tour lets you dive deep into these two treasures, so you won’t just check them off your list—you’ll uncover the stories, legends, and history that make them truly extraordinary.
We offer 2 tailored options to fit your style:
Mini Group Tour (max 8 people): Enjoy a friendly, intimate vibe—share the experience with a small group of fellow travelers, split costs subtly, and still get plenty of time to ask your guide questions.
Private Tour: Travel at your own pace, with the guide’s full attention on your group. Customize stops slightly and opt for airport pick-up—ideal for families, couples, or anyone wanting a personalized experience.
Itinerary:
Your day starts with convenience: your guide and driver will pick you up directly from your downtown Beijing hotel (private tour option also offers airport pick-up, perfect for arrivals). From there, we’ll head to our first stop: Tiananmen Square. You will see these buildings from outside: Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum, the Monument of the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of The People, and more while learning about the history of these buildings from your guide. (During peak seasons, security checks at Tiananmen Square, which serves as both a major tourist site and a political hub, can take 1 to 2 hours. Since the square is free and our focus is on the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, if the line is too long, we'll drive you around it instead)
Enter the Forbidden City from the Meridian Gate. The Forbidden City was the political and ritual center of China for over 500 years. After its completion in 1420, the Forbidden City was home to 24 emperors, their families and servants during the Ming and the Qing dynasties. Spend 1.5 hours to explore the halls, courtyards and gardens. Your guide has an extensive knowledge of Chinese history, culture and architecture. They will share their knowledge with you in an informative, personable, and enjoyable manner.
Next, head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. During the 1.5-hour drive, your tour guide will explain the related history and stories.
Stop for a satisfying lunch (included in both tour options) to refuel for the afternoon's exploration. Then follow your guide to the Wall. Stand face to face with the longest man-made structure on Earth, and let your guide bring its history to life: how soldiers once kept watch from these towers, and how signal fires raced across the ridges in a matter of minutes. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore the Wall at your own pace. After about 1.5 hours of hiking, descend by cable car or ski lift — or, if you're feeling adventurous, whiz down on the thrilling toboggan ride (at your own cost)
Then, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Beijing.
Includes
English-speaking tour guide
Round-trip transfer
Entry fees to Forbidden City and Great Wall
Bottled water
Lunch
Excludes
Additional tickets for museums inside Forbidden City and buildings around the Tian'anmen Square
Tips
Cable car ride or ski lift/toboggan (can be purchased on site)
Important Information
- 1: Your passport will be required during the tour. You may be refused entry to the Forbidden City without one
- 2: Tours will run rain or shine (unless the Forbidden City is closed by the officials-full refund)
- 3: During peak seasons, security checks at Tiananmen Square, which serves as both a major tourist site and a political hub, can take 1 to 2 hours. Since the square is free and our focus is on the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, if the line is too long, we'll drive you around it instead
- 4: Tian'anmen Square might close without advance notice due to government activity, if this happens you will walk around the Square
- 5: If you are on a layover tour, please send your flight details to the tour operator; they will advise the pick up time and location (varies depending on your flights). This tour requires at least 13 hours between two flights if you are on layover
- 6: Please arrive at the scheduled time. Guests who are more than 10 minutes late will be marked as 'No Show'
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
