2-Day Beijing Highlights Tour: Great Wall, Summer Palace & Forbidden City
Tour Overview
In just two days, capture the very essence of Beijing — from the awe-inspiring Great Wall to the grand imperial landmarks. Hike up the well-preserved Mutianyu section or take the cable car, then spend some time wandering the gardens, lakes, and pavilions of the Summer Palace.
In the city center, step inside the Forbidden City to discover the palaces, architecture and stories of China’s imperial past. With a flexible choice between Beijing Zoo and Yonghe Temple, plus a private guide and driver, this tour offers a convenient introduction to Beijing’s history, culture and classic sights.
Travel destination: Beijing
Suitable for: Culture and history lovers, first-time visitors to Beijing
Tour type: Private
Tour at a Glance
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Day
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What to See and Do
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1
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Mutianyu Great Wall, Cable car/chairlift ride, Great Wall hiking & photography, Summer Palace, Long Corridor, Tower of Buddhist Incense, Kunming Lake boat ride, Shichahai & Houhai evening stroll
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2
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Beijing Zoo or Yonghe Temple, Tian’anmen Square, Tiananmen Rostrum, Zhengyangmen Gate, Forbidden City, Hall of Supreme Harmony, Imperial palace architecture & court-life stories
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Highlights of This Tour
Pick how you want to tackle the Great Wall — hike between watchtowers, hop on a cable car for sweeping views or scream all the way down Mutianyu on a toboggan.
Step into the shoes of Chinese emperors: walk straight from Tian’anmen Square into the Forbidden City, where every hall, carved detail and courtyard whispers stories of court life.
Take it easy in a royal garden: wander the Long Corridor at the Summer Palace, linger by Kunming Lake, and if you feel like it, grab a boat to see the whole scene from the water.
Choose your own cultural experience: say hi to the giant pandas at Beijing Zoo, or lose yourself in the incense-heavy halls and Tibetan Buddhist vibe of Yonghe Temple.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Beijing Mutianyu & Summer PalaceExplore the Great Wall and Stroll Through Imperial Gardens
Today you'll leave downtown Beijing for the Mutianyu Great Wall, then head to the Summer Palace in the afternoon.
Your guide and driver will meet you in the hotel lobby at 8:00 a.m. and drive about 1.5 to 2 hours to Mutianyu. This section of the Great Wall dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) and is known for being well-preserved, with fewer crowds and gentler slopes.
Upon arrival, choose how to go up based on your fitness level. You can hike up the wall, or take the cable car or chairlift. Once on the wall, you will have about 2 hours to walk around and take photos. See the dense watchtowers and the panoramic view of the wall winding along the mountain ridges.
For the descent, you can take the cable car. If available, take the toboggan ride for a different experience.
Warm Tips: The toboggan is suitable for ages 3 to 60. Children under 10 must ride with an adult.
Mutianyu Great Wall winds through the colorful forests in autumn Head to the Summer Palace and walk around the lakeside gardens. Stroll through the Long Corridor, traditional pavilions, bridges and the architecture along Longevity Hill.
Go up to the Tower of Buddhist Incense for a view of the whole park. If tired, take a rest at the Long Corridor, where you can see thousands of colorful paintings. After the visit, head back to your hotel in downtown Beijing.
Optional activity: Take a boat ride on Kunming Lake for a different view of the Summer Palace.
Recommended Night Activity: Take a leisurely stroll in Shichahai and Houhai. Walk along the lakeside to discover old Beijing hutongs and the illuminated waterfront, or stop at a local restaurant for dinner.
The view of Kunming Lake from the Long Corridor in the Summer Palace - Day 2: Beijing City HighlightsDiscover Beijing’s Imperial Landmarks and Choose a Zoo or Temple Visit
The first stop today is up to you. Select one of the following attractions based on your interest:
Beijing Zoo: Suitable for Families and Animal Lovers
Explore the park at a relaxed pace to see giant pandas playing, eating or sleeping. Besides, you can meet various other kinds of animals, including monkeys, tigers, giraffes and flamingos, etc.
Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple): Ideal for Culture and History Enthusiasts
Yonghe Temple was a Qing imperial residence that was later converted into a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, featuring red walls and yellow tiles. Visit different halls along the central axis to see Buddha statues, traditional buildings and religious decorations.
Yonghegong Lama Temple with red walls and yellow tiles Continue to Tian’anmen Square, one of the world’s largest city center squares. You can see the Tiananmen Rostrum and the main buildings around it, including the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum.
Your guide will point out the Zhengyangmen Gate and the Forbidden City and briefly explain the layout of old Beijing city and how the area has changed.
Walk to the Forbidden City (closed on Mondays). During the Ming and Qing (1636 - 1912) Dynasties, it was the imperial palace of 24 emperors. Today, it is the world's largest ancient palace complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Step through the Meridian Gate to the main palaces such as the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Your guide will share the functions and designs of different palaces and stories of court life. Look for details like door studs, ridge beasts, and carved stonework as you stroll.
After the visit, your driver will transfer you back to your hotel, ending the day's tour.
The Forbidden City in spring
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
Accommodation For This 2-Day Beijing Highlights Tour
For your China private tour, the choice is in your hands: you can select luxury 5-star hotels for unparalleled comfort, cozy 4-star accommodations, or value-for-money 3-star options.
All our partner hotels are handpicked for their prime locations, conveniently situated near bustling commercial areas. Every room is equipped with standard amenities like air conditioning, hot water, 24-hour showers, reliable Wi-Fi, and windows for natural light.
In some hotels, there are English-speaking staff who are committed to providing attentive service. Should you have any special requests, feel free to ask - they are always ready to assist.
