Forbidden City & Great Wall Tours

Walk the Imperial Palace and Slide Down the Great Wall in One Legendary Day

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8-9 hours
1 Languages
Private & Small Groups
Free Cancellation
Everything You Need to Know

Complete Experience Guide

All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place

Experience

Experience Beijing's Top Two Icons

Combine China's most significant imperial landmarks into a single, unforgettable day. Begin by walking the path of emperors in the Forbidden City, the world's largest palace complex, exploring its grand halls and hidden courtyards. Then, journey to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, celebrated for its stunning scenery and well-preserved watchtowers. Whether you hike the ancient steps or take the thrilling toboggan ride down, this dual-experience tour maximizes your time in Beijing with expert logistics and historical immersion.

4.9/5
Guest Rating
10K+
Happy Travelers
9 Hours
Duration
Daily
Availability

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Forbidden City tickets sell out instantly; our partners secure your spot in advance

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Choose from top-rated tours with thousands of 5-star reviews from real travelers

Expert Local Guides

Gain deep historical insights from licensed English-speaking guides

Time Efficient

Maximize your limited time in Beijing with optimized itineraries and private transport

No Hidden Costs

Transparent pricing with no unexpected shopping stops or tea scams

Flexible Options

From budget bus tours to luxury private cars, find the perfect fit for your style

Visit Mutianyu Great Wall
Explore the Forbidden City
Private hotel pickup
Beijing's top-rated provider
Well-preserved ancient buildings

Essential Information

Know Before You Go

Entry Requirements
Original passport required for entry
Copies not accepted
Physical Level
Moderate to high
Steep steps on Great Wall
Extensive walking in Palace
Logistics
Forbidden City closed Mondays
Traffic can be heavy
Weather
Dress in layers
Summers are hot
Winters are freezing

Not Allowed

Large bags or luggage
Pets (except service animals)
Food and drinks
Essential Information

Booking Tips

  • Book at least 7-10 days in advance to ensure Forbidden City tickets
  • Choose a weekday visit to avoid massive domestic crowds
  • Select the 'Mutianyu' option for a less crowded Great Wall experience

What to Bring

  • Original Passport
  • Comfortable Walking Shoes
  • Sunscreen & Hat
  • Water Bottle
  • Power Bank
  • Cash for small purchases

Best Seasons to Visit

Spring (April-May) for flowers|Autumn (September-October) for foliage

What to Wear

Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable|Layers for variable weather|Windbreaker for the Great Wall (it's windy up there)

Planning

Historical Context

The Forbidden City was the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1420-1912). The Mutianyu Great Wall dates back to 1368 and served as the northern barrier defending the capital and imperial tombs.

Photography Tips

  • Bring a wide-angle lens for the palace courtyards
  • Use golden hour for the Great Wall texture
  • Respect 'No Flash' signs inside halls

Insider Tips

  • Bring your own water and snacks to save money
  • Use the restroom before entering the Forbidden City (few inside)
  • Go to the furthest watchtower first for empty photos

Our Partners

  • Book with confidence through Viator and Tripadvisor partners

Fun Facts

  • The Great Wall is not visible from space with the naked eye
  • The Forbidden City has 9,999.5 rooms (legend says only heaven has 10,000)
  • The mortar in the Great Wall was made with sticky rice flour

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).

Social Media

Share your experience: #GreatWall #ForbiddenCity #BeijingTravel #ChinaTrip #Mutianyu

Explore More

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Customer Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Real experiences from real travelers

S
Sarah Jenkins
USA • 2024-03-12

Highlight of our trip!

We booked the private tour with the toboggan ride. Our guide, Wei, was fantastic! He knew exactly where to get the best photos and timed our Forbidden City visit perfectly to miss the biggest crowds. The toboggan down the wall was so much fun!

L
Liam O'Connor
UK • 2024-02-28

Seamless experience

Getting tickets for the Forbidden City on our own was impossible, so this tour was a lifesaver. The bus was comfortable, and lunch was surprisingly good. Highly recommend for the convenience alone.

M
Maria Gonzalez
Spain • 2024-01-15

Beautiful but cold

The Great Wall in winter is stunning with the snow, but wrap up warm! The tour was well organized, though the drive took a bit longer due to traffic. The guide spoke excellent English and was very knowledgeable.

H
Hiroshi Tanaka
Japan • 2023-12-05

Excellent service

Private driver was prompt and the car was clean. We appreciated the flexibility to stay longer at the Wall. The Mutianyu section is definitely better than Badaling - much less crowded.

E
Emily Chen
Canada • 2023-11-20

Worth every penny

I was worried about the 'tea scams' I read about, but this tour was completely legit. No shopping stops, just pure sightseeing. The history of the Forbidden City is mind-blowing.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know for your journey

Experience

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