Viator Rating : 5 (1624 reviews)
Beijing
Beijing Great Wall, Forbidden City & Tiananmen: Mini Group Tour
Overview
Beijing 10h Mini Group: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Sq. offers a worry-free, full-day adventure through Beijing's most iconic landmarks. This small group tour ensures a personal experience with a Price Beat Guarantee and a No Shopping Promise, allowing more time for sightseeing. Travelers can explore the historical heart of Beijing, from imperial palaces to ancient walls.
The tour starts with a visit to Tiananmen Square, followed by skip-the-line access to the Forbidden City, where one can explore the 600-year-old imperial palace. The highlight is a 2 to 3-hour hike on the Mutianyu Great Wall, offering breathtaking views. In the evening, the tour stops at the vibrant Houhai Lake and Yandai Xiejie Hutong, also known as Tobacco Pipe Lane.
This comprehensive tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off within Beijing's third ring road, a professional English-speaking guide, and transportation in an air-conditioned minivan. Entrance fees to the Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall are included, along with complimentary bottled water. This tour ensures a memorable and efficient exploration of Beijing's must-see attractions. 
Highlights
Explore Tiananmen Square: Walk through the world's largest public square and learn about its historical significance.
Visit the Forbidden City: Skip the line and explore the magnificent former imperial palace.
Hike the Mutianyu Great Wall: Enjoy 2-3 hours hiking on one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall.
Discover Houhai Lake Area & Yandaixiejie Hutong: Explore the traditional Hutong alleyways and experience Beijing's nightlife.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved seeing all the main attractions in one day.
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The guides are very knowledgeable and friendly.
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The small group size makes the tour feel more personal.
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Many visitors enjoyed skipping the long ticket lines.
Some customers felt the tour was a bit rushed.
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A few people wished they had more time at the Great Wall.
The Journey
Tiananmen Square
Begin your Beijing adventure at Tiananmen Square, a vast public square steeped in history and symbolic significance. Witness the Monument to the People's Heroes, a towering obelisk commemorating revolutionary martyrs, and admire the imposing Great Hall of the People, China's center for legislative activities. Capture the solemn Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao, a tribute to the nation's founding father. Feel the pulse of modern China as you walk through this expansive space, reflecting on the events that have shaped its narrative.
Forbidden City
Step back in time within the walls of the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest imperial palace complex in the world. Explore the meticulously preserved courtyards, halls, and chambers where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties once reigned. Uncover the stories behind the top 10 palaces, carefully selected to showcase the architectural brilliance and rich history of this imperial enclave. Marvel at the intricate details of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Palace of Heavenly Purity, and the Imperial Garden, each offering a glimpse into the lives of emperors and concubines.
Mutianyu Great Wall
Ascend the Mutianyu Great Wall, a remarkably preserved section of this ancient fortification, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Escape the crowds with an afternoon visit, allowing ample time to explore the wall's watchtowers and battlements. Capture stunning photographs as you walk along the ramparts, imagining the soldiers who once defended this strategic passage. Experience the awe-inspiring scale and historical significance of one of the world's most iconic landmarks. Consider a cable car or toboggan ride for a unique perspective and added thrill.
Houhai Lake Area & Yandaixiejie Hutong
Immerse yourself in the traditional charm of Beijing's Houhai Lake Area and the historic Yandaixiejie Hutong. Wander through narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard houses, discovering hidden cafes, bars, and restaurants. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the tranquil Houhai Lake, admiring the reflections of willow trees and traditional architecture. Indulge in authentic Beijing cuisine and local snacks, or simply soak in the vibrant nightlife. This area offers a glimpse into the soul of old Beijing, blending history with contemporary culture.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes pick-up and drop-off from hotels within the third ring road of Beijing. Entrance fees to the Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall are covered, as well as bottled water. It excludes meals, gratuities, and the cable car fee at the Great Wall. Meeting point details will be provided upon booking.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes for walking, especially at the Great Wall. Bring extra water and snacks, though water is provided. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season. Some visitors suggest taking the cable car at the Great Wall to save time and energy.
Review Summary
People finds this tour consistently praised for covering Beijing highlights in one day with knowledgeable guides, included entrance fees, convenient hotel pickup/transport, and the Mutianyu Great Wall experience (often mentioning the cable car/toboggan options) based on Viator listings and reviews; common positives are efficient skip‑the‑line access to the Forbidden City, friendly guides, and good value for an all‑inclusive day. The most frequently mentioned negatives are the long day/early start and amount of walking/climbing at the Great Wall, occasional variability in which hotels qualify for pickup, and that some variants require confirming whether lunch or the chairlift/toboggan are included, so reviewers advise checking the exact tour inclusions and cancellation terms on the Viator booking page before purchase.[3][4][8][9]
Frequently Asked Questions
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