ZANBUS: Trip to the Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace

If you’re planning a trip to Beijing and want a hassle-free way to see two of its most iconic sites, Zanbus’s day tour to Mutianyu Great Wall and the Summer Palace earns a solid reputation. With a perfect 5-star rating from seven reviews, this tour promises a smooth day with expert guides, great value, and plenty of insider tips. It’s an excellent choice if you’d rather enjoy the sights without the stress of planning logistics or dealing with crowds on your own.

What sets this experience apart? First, the professional guides make a big difference—sharing insights, helping with ticket options, and ensuring you’re well-informed throughout. Second, the comfort of a private bus with a trusted, licensed operator makes travel between sites quick and relaxing. Lastly, the no-shopping, no-hidden-fees approach means you stay focused on enjoying the sights without unexpected stops or costs.

One consideration? The full day is quite packed, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or want more time at each site, this might feel a little rushed. Still, for those looking to maximize their sightseeing and value, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s especially suited for first-timers, solo travelers, or small groups eager to tick off two must-see Beijing attractions with ease.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive package with transportation, tickets, and guides included
• Expert guides providing detailed explanations and helpful tips
• Flexible ticket options for cable cars, chairlifts, or toboggans at the Great Wall
• No shopping stops or hidden fees, making the experience straightforward
• Time-efficient—about 4 hours at the Great Wall and 3 hours at Summer Palace
• Worry-free with included shuttle services and audio guides

An Inside Look at the Experience

Ease of Booking and Meeting

Booking this tour is simple, with most travelers reserving about 7 weeks in advance. The meeting point is conveniently located at The Regent Beijing Parking Lot, making it accessible whether you’re staying in the city center or nearby. The day begins early, with a 7:30 am departure, giving you plenty of daylight to explore.

The pickup process is straightforward—your guide is on-site to greet your group, clarify the day’s plan, and provide helpful tips. The small group size (up to 45 travelers) ensures you feel attended to without feeling lost in a crowd.

Transportation: Comfort and Convenience

Traveling by licensed, fully equipped tour bus with exclusive parking and a driver dedicated to your group means no worries about navigating Beijing’s busy streets or figuring out public transportation. The bus is modern and air-conditioned, essential for a long day under the sun.

The round-trip shuttle within the parks is included, which simplifies moving between the entry points and various scenic spots. Reviewers mention that the bus guide is friendly and professional, making sure everyone is on time and comfortable.

The Mutianyu Great Wall

This section is the heart of the tour and the highlight for many visitors. You get about 4 hours to explore, with your ticket covering both entrance and shuttle services inside the park. A major advantage is that you can choose how to experience the Wall—by cable car, chairlift, or toboggan—helped by your guide to purchase tickets in advance on the bus.

What you’ll love: The views from Mutianyu are stunning, with fewer crowds than the Badaling section. The wall twists and turns over lush hills, offering sweeping vistas for photos and peaceful moments away from busier tourist spots.

A reviewer, Ghassan_A, praised the guide’s attentiveness, noting, “Very good experience to see the great wall and summer palace with good guide.” The guide explained the different routes, so you can tailor your visit based on fitness and interest.

Potential drawback: Because of the limited time, you might not get to explore every interesting nook of the Wall, especially if you take longer to descend via toboggan or enjoy the views.

The Summer Palace

After the Great Wall, your journey takes you to the Summer Palace, where you’ll spend about 3 hours guided by an expert. The palace’s sprawling grounds, historic pavilions, and serene Kunming Lake are captivating, especially in the afternoon light.

Your guide will lead you through the main sights and share stories behind the architecture and gardens. The included tickets cover the entrance, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs.

One reviewer appreciated the guide’s thoroughness: “The guide took good care of us,” making sure everyone was comfortable and well-informed. You also have the option to take a Kunming Lake cruise, which is not included but available as an add-on if you wish.

End of the Day and Free Time

The tour concludes at the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium)—a modern architectural marvel. From there, you’re free to explore on your own or catch the subway back to your hotel. This flexibility is appreciated by travelers wanting to extend their sightseeing or avoid complicated transport plans.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At just $29 per person, this tour delivers a lot for the price. It includes round-trip transportation, entrance tickets, shuttle services, and a professional guide, all of which would cost significantly more booking separately. The inclusion of audio guides and headphones ensures everyone clearly hears the commentary, enhancing the experience.

The no hidden fees or shopping stops make it stress-free—there’s nothing worse than feeling pressured into shops when you’re trying to enjoy historic sites. Reviews confirm that the tour keeps things straightforward, allowing you to focus on the sights.

While the tour is quite structured, the balance of guided explanations and free time allows you to soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed. Plus, the early start helps you beat the bigger crowds at the Great Wall, and the return in the late afternoon provides a full day of sightseeing.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors to Beijing wanting a comprehensive day trip without the hassle of organizing transportation or tickets. It’s also perfect for small groups or solo travelers who prefer guided insights and a structured schedule. Budget-conscious travelers will especially appreciate the cost-to-value ratio, gaining access to two major sites for under $30.

If you enjoy learning from knowledgeable guides, appreciate authentic, crowd-controlled experiences, and want to maximize your time in Beijing, this tour ticks all those boxes. However, those seeking a more leisurely pace or wanting to spend more time at each site might find the schedule a bit tight.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour price?
Yes, the tour provides round-trip bus tickets, including transportation from the meeting point and shuttle services within the parks.

Can I choose the experience at the Great Wall?
The tickets include options for cable car, chairlift, or toboggan. These can be purchased in advance on the bus with help from your guide.

How long do we spend at each site?
You’ll have about 4 hours at Mutianyu Great Wall and 3 hours at the Summer Palace, which is enough to see the main highlights but might limit exploring every detail.

What’s the start and end time of the tour?
The tour begins at 7:30 am from The Regent Beijing Parking Lot and ends at the National Stadium in the late afternoon, giving a full day of sightseeing.

Are meals included?
No, meals and personal expenses are not covered, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to eat during your free time.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but be aware of the walking involved and consider physical limitations, especially at the Great Wall’s uneven terrain.

Final Thoughts

This Zanbus tour offers a well-organized, budget-friendly way to experience Beijing’s most iconic attractions. With expert guides, comfortable transportation, and clear logistics, it makes sightseeing stress-free and immersive. The focus on authentic experiences—without sales pitches or hidden costs—makes it stand out as a reliable option.

It’s especially suited for travelers looking for efficient, guided exploration without breaking the bank. If you’re eager to see the Great Wall and Summer Palace with knowledgeable commentary and minimal fuss, this tour provides excellent value and memorable moments.

For those willing to keep a steady pace and appreciate well-arranged logistics, this day trip will surely add some of Beijing’s most impressive sights to your travel story.