All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Day Tour: My Review

Visiting Beijing, and very likely the Great Wall and Summer Palace are right at the top of your ‘things to do’ list. Let’s get real, right? After lots of comparing tour options, I ended up picking the ‘All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Day Tour’. So, this is my take on if it lived up to what it promises and maybe even if it’s a good choice for you. Basically, what you’re going to read, is my honest opinion!

What to anticipate

This tour says it’s ‘all inclusive’, and it does, pretty much, live up to that statement. This normally covers your transportation (usually a comfy van or a coach, in a way), entrance fees for both sites, a tasty lunch, and a guide who can talk to you in English. What you might discover is that ‘all inclusive’ doesn’t usually cover personal expenses, you know, such as shopping for those charming little things you find on the Wall, or those must-try snacks.

The itinerary typically has you set off to Mutianyu Great Wall nice and early so, very importantly, you can miss a good chunk of the crowds. Seriously, arriving before midday makes a big difference. After a few hours exploring the Wall, you head on for a scrumptious lunch (typically local fare), followed by the Summer Palace in the afternoon. The trip wraps up late afternoon, with you being driven back to your hotel. Seems pretty straight forward, doesn’t it?

The Great Wall adventure, or more specifically, the Mutianyu experience

Of all the sections of the Great Wall to choose from, Mutianyu is the one to consider if you’re wanting outstanding scenery with less intense crowds than Badaling. It is that balance. Very cool, isn’t it? Getting to Mutianyu involved about, I don’t know, maybe a 2-hour drive outside of Beijing. The ride let you sneak peeks into what local life looks like, kind of getting you ready for the majesty ahead. That drive lets you transition your head a bit.

Right after you get there, you have got the choice of going up to the Wall by cable car or ski lift. Honestly? Treat yourself. Spend a bit extra and get on that cable car. The views on the way up just give you a small taste of what’s to come. Walking atop the Mutianyu is kind of awe-inspiring. Seeing the Wall snake along those mountaintops really does deliver the feels. Plus, there’s something awesome in a way, you know, when you realize you’re actually standing on something constructed so long ago.

Mutianyu has had some repairs along the way, so the steps and pathways seem pretty safe. But, and this is important, do wear suitable shoes, really. There are a lot of stairs to deal with, so comfort is super crucial. It’s super tempting to walk the entire stretch of the Wall open to the public. But, be sure to know your limits and allow time to enjoy things instead. Taking it slowly and just absorbing the history and beauty surrounding you often feels much better. It allows time for you to appreciate what you are seeing, right?

The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is like an awesome contrast to the Great Wall. Moving from ancient defense structure to a serene imperial garden offers that awesome juxtaposition, kind of putting two very big pieces of Chinese history and culture right next to each other for you.

The Summer Palace, so you are aware, was sort of a retreat for the imperial family, built so they could escape the city’s chaos. It’s composed of lakes, gardens, and palaces, it’s really something to witness, and it’s just awesome for chilled out exploration. Our tour guide told us all about the background on key spots, like the Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, making everything seem much more meaningful.

Wandering through the palace grounds means finding places like the Marble Boat and the Long Corridor. Don’t miss the Long Corridor, so you’re prepared. It features thousands of paintings, each telling various historical or mythical tales. The whole Summer Palace has this vibe of royal lavishness blended with total nature calmness – which makes it something really exceptional.

What you eat makes the difference

The lunch that’s part of this tour usually aims at tourists. Which I mean, isn’t really a shock is it? Usually that translates into a selection of dishes like sweet and sour pork, kung pao chicken, fried rice, and different veg dishes. When offered, the food’s decent – normally tasty and fulfilling enough to refuel you for the afternoon ahead.

Now, in my experience, authenticity may change based on where the tour decides to stop, but the chances are you’ll get a filling introduction to Chinese flavors. And, so you know, vegetarians and anyone with other specific dietary needs need to say when booking so that the tour operator can arrange appropriate food. So important. Don’t skip on this. When you don’t like a certain food type, tell them.

The tour guides that will accompany you.

One of the best things, arguably, on one of these tours is getting to listen to the guide. These guys and gals usually talk pretty good English and they know heaps of info concerning the sites. The guide can share all the historical significance as well as a fair few engaging stories which might be what gives this experience a real difference. Being led through these locations can enrich things beyond simply just looking.

The quality could be variable – depending on the guide’s personal knowledge and how good they’re at telling it. Even so, a reliable guide is invaluable for learning everything you could about these famous landmarks, not only making it way more educational, and giving a way more fulfilling experience overall.

Pros and Cons, and is the package any good?

Pros:

• It makes it easier. Everything’s planned out, which removes so much stress from your side.
• Normally you jump to these places very early on so you do, pretty much, dodge most of the crowds, particularly at Mutianyu.
• English-speaking guide make everything far more interesting providing contextual knowledge.
• Having your meals and entrance all worked out upfront means you control your finances on the ground.

Cons:

• You run on the tour’s timeline. Flexibility is often, pretty limited.
• Food can be kinda “touristy”, instead of real, you know?
• The pace sometimes feels really quick to suit both spots in. It could feel exhausting.
• You can sometimes have an extra payment that, if you aren’t aware, might impact.

So, taking it all in account? That ‘All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Day Tour’ works excellently if you’re kinda pressed for time and keen to pack two giant destinations into only one day with minimal hassle. Very importantly, you need to know what’s coming and work out the small print so you have full awareness.

Some FAQs to know.

Is getting on a tour simpler compared to going solo?

Without question, yes. A tour gets rid of the complications such as public transport routes, entrance fees, as well as language blockages. So, at the end of the day, it really boils down to how well you enjoy organizing travel yourself.

When’s the most awesome time of year to consider this tour?

Spring and fall, I suppose, are perfect. Temperatures stay reasonable and the scenery is gorgeous – just try and miss out the national holidays when those sites are often even busier than normal.

What is suggested to bring on the trip?

Comfy footwear! Sunscreen, hats, also bottled water are just standard. Should you plan buying gift stuff at either location bring a little extra cash with you, really.

Will the tour go ahead even though the weather is bad?

Most of the time yes. However, so you’re aware, at times related to serious conditions certain areas may become temporarily shut to ensure people’s protection. Be very vigilant on local recommendations before your planned trips for the latest information.

Is tipping normally expected for that sort of thing?

Though it’s normally factored, If you find the guide does especially well it’s fine in some cultures to present a little extra for showing admiration related to excellent company/professionalism etc.