Unforgettable Mutianyu, Summer & Old Summer Palace Day Trip Review

If you’re thinking about a trip to Beijing, you’ve maybe come across tours that promise to pack a lot into a single day. One that’s often seen is the tour that covers Mutianyu Great Wall, the Summer Palace, and the Old Summer Palace all in one go. It sounds like a really amazing opportunity, and it can be, but here’s the lowdown, almost like your best travel buddy giving you the heads-up.

Is the Mutianyu Great Wall, Summer Palace, and Old Summer Palace Day Tour Right for You?

First, let’s consider, can you even handle it? These tours are geared toward folks who, as a matter of fact, want to see a bunch of top spots but might not have tons of time. Now, right, the idea of checking three major attractions off your list in just one day can sound super appealing, specially if your Beijing trip is a quick stopover. But here’s where you need to think about your personal travel style.

Do you usually like to wander at your speed, drinking in every last bit of history and taking tons of pictures? Or do you prefer hitting the main highlights and moving on? If you are the type that enjoys those in-depth experiences, you might, just a little, find this kind of tour a little rushed. I mean, there’s a lot to see and a limited time to see it all, very much turning it into a whirlwind adventure.

Mutianyu Great Wall: A Majestic Start

Alright, so the first stop, very typically, is Mutianyu. What’s really special here is, unlike some of the Great Wall’s busier spots, Mutianyu gives you beautiful views and a little bit of space to take all that in. What really sticks in your mind is how it curves dramatically along the mountains. It’s just so, so beautiful, right?

Now, that said, if you are doing this as part of a day tour, expect that your time on the Wall will likely be around two to three hours. That, for instance, should give you just enough time to walk a pretty decent stretch, maybe take a few pictures, and even enjoy the views. What’s more, you get the option of taking a cable car up, so that it saves some energy, or even tobogganing down, that is like a super fun way to end the visit. Be prepared, anyway, it may get crowded, more or less, depending on when you go.

Summer Palace: An Imperial Retreat

After Mutianyu, usually, the tour then heads over to the Summer Palace, which, as a matter of fact, is completely different. This is such a pretty place, too it’s almost hard to believe that it was once where emperors escaped the city’s summer heat. You’ve got this huge lake, Kunming Lake, dotted with boats, and then there’s Longevity Hill with its temples and towers. In a way, you are getting two amazing things together: nature and history, which I think is pretty amazing.

When you only have, say, a couple of hours here, concentrate on the main highlights like the Long Corridor (that is, if you love painted stories) and the Marble Boat (which, clearly, is not actually for sailing, alright?). It is just, really, impossible to see everything, so take a bit to appreciate the overall feel and the key spots instead.

Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan): Reflections of the Past

Finally, if the tour is sticking to the itinerary, you’ll get to the Old Summer Palace, sometimes known as Yuanmingyuan. In contrast to the Summer Palace that is very well preserved, the Old Summer Palace, though, mainly exists as ruins. That, in fact, gives it such a powerful and reflective atmosphere.

What makes this spot unique is that, seemingly, it is more about imagining its past beauty rather than seeing it all laid out in perfect condition. Very many parts of it were ruined in the 1800s, and now, pretty much, it is a park where you can wander among the stones and think about the old times. When you’re there, and you’re short on time, try to just take a little bit to walk around the European-style ruins. They, obviously, look very different from everything else you’ve seen that day. I feel that it is really, really captivating.

Food on the Tour

Now, food can, for instance, be kind of a mixed bag on these types of tours. In general, it may be included, but sometimes it’s pretty basic. I would say it’s definitely a smart idea to bring snacks with you, just like your favorite granola bars or a piece of fruit, especially if you are particular about what you like to eat. I have found that, that way, at the end of the day, you know you’ll have something you enjoy, just in case. Oh, as a matter of fact, staying hydrated is really important, especially in the summer heat, and water can be somewhat pricey at the tourist spots. Bring a water bottle!

The Guide and Transportation

The guide really can make or break a tour like this, right? If you get a guide that, in reality, is super enthusiastic and gives interesting background info without droning on, that is amazing. They can make the whole experience that much better. Getting around, generally, is in a tour bus, which can be comfy, but be prepared for possibly long travel times between places. Beijing traffic, if you didn’t know, can be intense!

Things to think about when picking your tour.

Before you book, pay some attention to a couple of details. Check what’s covered, right? Find out, basically, if entrance fees, lunch, and maybe even those cable car rides at Mutianyu are included. Read the small print so that, basically, you are clear on exactly what you’re getting. In addition, consider the group size. Fewer people on the tour, pretty much, often means a better experience since the group can move around a little bit faster and it tends to be simpler to hear the guide. In short, it can have a really big impact.

Overall thoughts

Right, doing Mutianyu, the Summer Palace, and the Old Summer Palace in just one day can seem a bit intense, yet it’s possible. If your travel style is more about hitting the high points and you’re okay with a fast speed, it may just fit. However, really, if you cherish those slow-paced explorations and dislike feeling rushed, perhaps spread these visits over two days instead.

Oh, and before I forget, prepare to be tired afterward! You will, more or less, have traveled quite a distance, walked around quite a bit, and soaked in tons of sights. Think about planning for a relaxing evening. You will have totally earned it. Basically, you might just want to think about booking that massage beforehand.