Mutianyu Great Wall & Forbidden City Day Trips: Are They Worth It?

So, thinking of seeing both the Mutianyu Great Wall and the Forbidden City in one day? That sounds like a bit of a packed adventure, right? Actually, when planned well, it really could be an amazing experience, very. Finding the *right* tour or organizing everything yourself can definitely make a big difference, of course. Let’s take a closer peek at what this kind of day trip involves, and what to look out for, right?

Why Combine Mutianyu and the Forbidden City?

Combining the Mutianyu Great Wall and the Forbidden City definitely seems like a smart use of time when you’re in Beijing, very. After all, they’re basically the two must-see spots, and fitting them both into one day is *possible*. Mutianyu offers incredible views and less crowd that, you know, makes it ideal if you’re really wanting to experience the Great Wall in a pretty awesome way, definitely. Then, the Forbidden City, I mean that reveals centuries of history and the splendor of imperial China. It’s something really quite awesome. Now, some tour operators make it pretty convenient, but keep in mind, you’ll want to make the most of every single moment. Basically, a little thought into planning the experience can give rise to truly a day well spent, alright?

What to Look for in a Tour Package

Okay, selecting the tour that you actually think is right for you; this could really be key. So, think about this: First, see if they cover entry fees and the transport. Nobody actually wants extra charges cropping up on the day, after all. Next, basically read those reviews! Seeing what others actually have to say can save some possible problems, right? Basically, small group tours actually tend to be a good idea if you actually fancy a bit more personal attention. You know, the kind of tours where you don’t feel like you’re just herded, pretty much. It’s almost like having a guide that, well, answers your questions instead of giving you the same old canned spiel, certainly, yet.

Tour Options to Consider

• All-Inclusive Tours: Tours like this usually handle meals, tickets, transport – practically the whole shebang, obviously. It’s all done to actually create that smoother experience if you don’t actually enjoy planning every detail yourself.
• Private Tours: Thinking of basically having your own personal experience, these can make all the difference really. So, you set the pace and you decide where to spend the most time; very nice, very personal, really very nice, honestly.
• Budget Tours: Just so you know, these options tend to be quite lighter on the pocket, that said. Very frequently, these often cover just transportation and entry fees. And really, you sort of handle meals and extras as you go along, like the slide or the toboggan at the Great Wall, maybe?

Sample Itinerary

1. Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Generally you leave pretty early for the Mutianyu Great Wall, and that way, you know, you can miss a few of those large crowds, honestly. Most tours take you there in a private van or bus; very relaxing, like. So, it usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to actually get there. You do climb, get the photo ops, then you just breath it all in, basically.
2. Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM): More often than not lunch is at a restaurant pretty near the Wall or sort of on your way back towards Beijing, very. It is sometimes part of the package. You get some *real* Chinese grub in you that just keeps you fueled up, maybe.
3. Afternoon (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Here you go straight over to the Forbidden City. So, it could take a while, I mean that thing is enormous; I hope that you have put your comfy walking shoes on? You could then take a peep at some palaces and gardens. And hear those tales about emperors of yesteryear, yeah.
4. Evening (5:00 PM onwards): Get back, get something to eat. Think, and basically feel great, that you got two major items done in one day! And actually, you earned that dinner, really.

Essential Tips for Your Day Trip

Here are some things that you should be *actually* keeping in mind as you prep to be amazed, too.
Comfy Footwear: This really needs to be mentioned because it will have impact. I’m not messing with you now; you should actually think of this like a marathon for feet, truly.
Weather-Ready Clothing: Actually, dress suitably. It’s actually better to check the forecast and get on the front foot.
Snacks and Water: Take with you something to eat or drink, that’s definitely the shout. Being outside really saps energy, doesn’t it?
Cash: Get some cash because you just never really know. The odd small vendor actually only trades with notes, you know.
Fully Charged Camera: It goes without actually saying; make sure you pack your device because the camera on those smart phones soon use all the energy. Don’t be without, eh?

Personal Experience: A Whirlwind Adventure

Basically, when I actually went on my day trip it all went *fairly* well. Alright, waking at some ridiculous time actually sucked, but really beating all the crowds at Mutianyu that really paid dividends. I had basically pre-booked a tour with a small group which really went swimmingly. The tour guide, I seem to remember her calling herself Lucy, she could talk for *England* but actually that’s really the kind of person that keeps things lively, of course. Right? It also goes without actually saying that, that Forbidden City was so packed, that there were loads of elbows flying and folk treading on people, sort of. You know the kind of pushing and shoving thing that actually happens when everybody is basically there to basically drink the same Kool-Aid at the same time? Anyhoo. Next. At the end of it all, completely ruined but having been able to basically see all the items; tick! Actually, it was worth the effort, and it actually goes to show if planned in advance really helps when being there. I will state that Lucy basically made me go the market. The Beijing Markets – really take the skin from ya. Anyway. Would I say that this tour, with this guide should be something that folk should actually sign up for? Basically, I’d respond with yes!

Potential Downsides

Okay, so really, fitting both sights into a single day comes with some potential snags, to tell the truth. Time constraints, obviously means you might only experience everything on a *very* basic level. It’s obviously also rather a hectic pace; it is not really a slow amble. If basically you dislike hoards of tourists, and it actually doesn’t require the mental agility of Einstein, then you *probably* aren’t really the type who enjoys that type of trip, maybe? So, you may *perhaps* actually wish to take longer on all items; more time. Maybe take two days so that you are relaxed on the adventure, in other words? If so you are then actually going to receive far more fulfillment than basically what you’d expect. As I say.