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Looking for the best Great Wall of China tours? Make sure you read this blog first!
We’ve been lucky enough to visit the Wall several times, and what a lot of people don’t realize is that there are a ton of different ways to experience this iconic man-made wonder.
From riding a cable car to high-up viewpoints to hiking along rugged sections or spending a night in a mountain villa, there are a ton of unforgettable ways to visit. And since the Wall is so incredibly long, it’s actually worth booking multiple tours, because each section offers a different experience. Let’s dive in!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE tour is this private, all-inclusive tour of the Great Wall. It visits a quieter and scenic section of the Wall plus two other must-sees with stops at Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City.
Absolutely everything is included and we loved having a private tour – it felt very VIP!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Best Great Wall of China Tours
- 1. All-Inclusive Tour to Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City
- 2. Go hiking at the Great Wall of China at Jinshanling
- 3. See the sunset at the Great Wall at Gubeikou and Jinshanling
- 4. Spend the night at a Mountain Villa at the Mutianyu Great Wall
- 5. See the Ming Tombs and the Great Wall of China at Badaling
- 6. Ride a cable car up the Mutianyu Great Wall and toboggan down
- 7. Visit the Summer Palace and Great Wall at Mutianyu
- Where to Stay in Beijing
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Best Great Wall of China Tours
1. All-Inclusive Tour to Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City
- Duration: 8 – 9 hours
- Time: 8 am, 8:30 am, or 9 am
- Highlights: Visiting Tiananmen Square, exploring the Forbidden City – including the Imperial Garden and the Hall of Great Harmony, lunch in an authentic local restaurant, 2-hour hike on the Mutianyu Great Wall, cable car ride
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, private driver, English-speaking guide, bottled water, lunch, cable car tickets, admission ticket
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This private all-inclusive tour is our top choice for Great Wall of China tours. It allowed us to explore a very quiet and scenic section of the Wall, plus two of Beijing’s major highlights: Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City.
Also, since it was a private tour, we were able to take it at our own pace and do it all our way.
We were picked up in a private car by our driver and guide, Jeffrey, who was a treasure trove of historical knowledge. He explained the significance of Tiananmen Square and showed us landmarks like the Great Hall of the People and Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum.
From there, we entered the Forbidden City through the iconic Tiananmen Gate. This is the largest palace in the world, so I think it’s safe to call it a must-visit!
After a delicious lunch of dumplings, we headed to Mutianyu, which is much less crowded than many other sections of the Great Wall. We enjoyed a peaceful hike with amazing views of the mountains, and the Wall winding through them like a giant stone dragon. We hiked one way and returned via the cable car afterward, which was the perfect way to cap off the day.
This tour is ideal if you’re short on time in Beijing, and want to tick off its three best attractions in just one day! We loved it because it didn’t feel rushed, and we learned a lot about the city’s history.
We highly recommend booking this tour in advance to guarantee your spot!
2. Go hiking at the Great Wall of China at Jinshanling
- Duration: 8-9 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Hiking along the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, admiring different architectural features of the wall, ability to explore at your own pace
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, round trip transfers, shuttle bus tickets, entrance ticket for the Jinshanling Great Wall
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re an independent traveler, then we highly recommend booking this self-guided hike at Jinshanling! It takes care of all logistics and transport while allowing you to explore a quiet section of the Wall at your own pace.
It’s both easy and budget-friendly, so what more could an adventurer want?
Jinshanling is about 2 hours away from Beijing by car, so it’s much less crowded than many sections closer to the city. It also has a more authentic feel, as this section has less been subject to reconstruction than more popular parts. But just because it’s quiet, doesn’t mean it’s not impressive! We loved exploring the old watchtowers and taking in the views of the serene landscape.
We hiked for 6 kilometers (3.7 miles), and we got to take it at our own pace. On average, it takes around 3 hours, and involves lots of steep inclines and stairs. It’s pretty tiring, but the mountain views were so worth it. We were in awe!
What we loved the most about this tour was the freedom we had. We didn’t have a guide hurrying us along, or a group to keep up with. So if you love to hike and explore independently, be sure to book this tour while you’re in Beijing. You won’t regret it!
Reserve this tour here and don’t pay a cent until just before you go!
3. See the sunset at the Great Wall at Gubeikou and Jinshanling
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 11 am
- Highlights: Visiting two different sections of the Great Wall, walking along the Gubeikou Wall, local lunch, watching the sunset at Jinshanling
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, bottled water, lunch, professional guide, snacks
- Rating: 5 stars (check 290+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you want to experience the Great Wall to the fullest, then we suggest that you book this full-day tour ASAP! It allowed us to explore two sections of the Wall, and watch the sunset from one of the world’s most famous landmarks. It was certainly an experience I’ll never forget.
We were picked up early by our guide, Leo, who was super friendly. We were driven out to Gubeikou Village, where we began our hike along this beautiful and rugged section of the Wall. It was so quiet there – in fact, we barely saw any other tourists the entire time! And the views from the General Tower were truly spectacular, with rolling mountains and ancient stonework as far as the eye could see.
After the hike, we refuelled with some dumplings for lunch, and then we headed to Jinshanling. We arrived just in time for the golden hour, so we enjoyed a beautiful hike along the Wall, and then watched the dramatic sunset from a quiet spot. We were the only ones there, which made it even more special!
This tour was absolutely incredible. I mean, it’s not every day that you get to watch the sunset over the mountains from the Great Wall of China!
Book this once-in-a-lifetime experience before it sells out!
4. Spend the night at a Mountain Villa at the Mutianyu Great Wall
- Duration: 20 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Exploring the Mutianyu Great Wall, staying overnight in a beautiful mountain resort, lots of free time
- Inclusions: Round trip transport from Beijing, Great Wall admission ticket, buffet lunch, overnight accommodation
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 450+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’ve got the time, why not stay overnight at the Great Wall? We loved this tour to the Mutianyu Great Wall, because it was well-organized and super flexible. We had tons of time to explore at our own pace, and really immerse ourselves in the beauty of the scenery.
The journey began with a comfortable journey from Beijing to Mutianyu, and then we spent the afternoon exploring at our own pace. No rushing or crowds, just strolling around and enjoying sweeping views of the Wall snaking its way through the rugged countryside. It was bliss!
As the sun set, we enjoyed a light meal and a beer (or two!) at the resort’s viewing terrace, which was the perfect note to end the day on. The resort was also super comfy and peaceful, so we slept well, and woke up early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise views before we headed back to Beijing.
If you’re an independent traveler who likes to take things slow, then we can’t recommend this tour enough. It’s seamlessly organized, the accommodations are beautiful, and we loved being able to explore the Wall with no time pressure.
To fully experience Mutianyu, book this popular overnight tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. See the Ming Tombs and the Great Wall of China at Badaling
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 7:30 am
- Highlights: Exploring the Badaling section of the Great Wall of China, visiting the Chang Ling Tomb, enjoying an authentic local lunch, free time to shop at the Longdi jade factory
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned coach transport, professional English-speaking tour guide, admission tickets, lunch
- Rating: 4.1 stars (check 550+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
The Badaling section of the Great Wall of China is the best preserved section of the wall, and seeing it was nothing short of extraordinary! Not only did this combo tour take us to see this amazing example of Ming architecture, we also got to visit a Ming tomb.
History buffs, this one’s for you!
Seeing the Badaling section of the Wall was everything we had imagined and more. Our guide, Michael, shared some fascinating stories about its 500-year history, and we had the choice to either hike up the North Face, or take the funicular. We went with the former, but it’s great to have the choice, especially for those who aren’t keen on doing a lot of walking.
We grabbed lunch, which was a delicious spread of authentic Chinese dishes at a local restaurant, and then headed onto the Chang Ling Tomb. This is the largest and most impressive of the Ming Tombs, and we loved walking through the courtyards and learning about the lives of different Ming Emperors.
On the way back to Beijing, we visited the Longdi Jade Factory. We were able to learn more about the cultural significance of jade, and see how products are made with this semi-precious stone. We also had the opportunity to grab some souvenirs, although there was no pressure.
This tour was so well-organized, and we loved learning more about Chinese history from our guide.
Dive deep into Ming history by reserving a spot on this tour!
6. Ride a cable car up the Mutianyu Great Wall and toboggan down
- Duration: 5 – 8 hours
- Time: 7 am – 3 pm
- Highlights: Riding the cable car up to the Mutianyu Great Wall, enjoying sweeping views, racing down on a toboggan slide, sunset from the Great Wall (nighttime tour only)
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, cable car tickets, toboggan tickets, entrance fee, bottled water
- Rating: 5 stars (check 175+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking for an adventurous way to experience the Great Wall at Mutianyu, then be sure to book this tour! It was the ideal way to escape the hassle of crowded public transport or rushed group tours.
Everything was smooth and stress-free, and tobogganing down the mountainside was so much fun.
The drive out to Mutianyu was super comfortable, and we loved the views along the way. When we arrived, we bypassed the crowds and headed straight to the cable car. We hopped in, and glided up to one of the most beautiful sections of the Great Wall. The views were stunning, both on the way up and at the viewpoint itself.
Our guide, Maggie, shared fascinating insights about the Wall’s history with us, but we were mostly free to explore at our own pace. We enjoyed strolling along the wall, but my favorite part of the experience was zooming downhill on a toboggan. It was so much fun!
This tour was really relaxing, with no rushing, and plenty of time to take it all in. Plus, we think it’s the ideal choice for those who don’t want to do a ton of walking and hiking, as the cable car is ideal for those who aren’t as mobile. You can even take it back down again if you’d prefer to skip the toboggan ride.
Reserve this tour here and get access to free 24-hour cancellation!
7. Visit the Summer Palace and Great Wall at Mutianyu
- Duration: 6 – 8 hours
- Time: 7 am – 9 am
- Highlights: Riding the cable car or ski lift up to the Wall at Mutianyu, tobogganing down the wall, hiking along the wall, exploring the Summer Palace in Beijing, lunch at a local restaurant
- Inclusions: Hotel or airport pickup, lunch, professional guide, cable car or ski lift tickets, toboggan tickets, private transport
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re on a layover, or just want to kick off your first day in Beijing with a bang, this private tour of the Great Wall and the Summer Palace is the perfect choice. I mean, you can get picked up right from the airport and have ticked off two of the most famous attractions in China in just one day. How cool is that?
First up, we visited the Mutianyu Great Wall, where we took the cable car up to the less-crowded section of the wall. The views were breathtaking, and our guide, Susan, shared a lot of insights into the history of its construction and its role in defending the Ming empire against invasions.
We walked along the wall for around 1.5 hours, and then had the option to take a toboggan ride down, which was a blast!
Then, we went to visit the Summer Palace. I’m not kidding when I say that the architecture and gardens left me in awe. Susan told us the story of the “Dragon Lady”, the Dowager Empress who misappropriated Chinese navy funds to renovate and decorate the property.
This tour is an incredible way to dive deep into China’s Imperial history, and see some incredibly beautiful landmarks. We think it’s a great choice for families and big groups, as it’s a private tour that gets cheaper per person when you book for a larger party. So if you want to see the best of Beijing in comfort, be sure to book this tour!
Book this private tour worry-free with FREE cancellation here!
Where to Stay in Beijing
Since all these tours leave from Beijing, you need somewhere comfortable to stay! You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to hotels in this city, so to help narrow down your options, I’ve picked out three excellent stays.
Luxury – $$$
If you’re looking for a luxury stay, the Grand Hyatt Beijing will provide it! Located within walking distance of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, you can easily access Beijing’s top sights. The rooms are high-end, offering standard hotel rooms, suites, and apartments. There’s a resort-style pool onsite, five restaurants, a gym, and spa so you can enjoy all the luxuries of your stay!
Prices start at $220 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Sunworld Dynasty Hotel is a comfortable hotel at a moderate price point. It’s located in the Wangfujing area of Beijing, which is near top shopping and historic sights so you can walk to Beijing’s main attractions. The rooms here are modern and comfortable, ranging from twin to king sized rooms.
Rooms are priced from $110 to $200 USD per night. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
For budget travelers, the Beijing Saga Hotel offers cozy and clean rooms for an affordable price. Located near the Sanlitun Bar Street, it’s a fun area to explore, and you can access the trains by a short walk. The rooms are simply decorated but are perfect for a few nights stay. Prices range from about $60 to $75 USD and range in size and offerings.
Check availability and book this budget stay on Booking.com.
For more options, see all of the hotels in Beijing here.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
The Great Wall of China is a bucket list place and we can confirm it lives up to the hype! But since you may only have one chance to visit, you want to pick a great tour! Hopefully, our guide helped you find the Great Wall tour that’s perfect for your trip.
For more helpful tips and travel inspiration for this part of the world, have a look at our Asia blog section! We’ve traveled a lot in this part of the world and love sharing our experiences.
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