China · BEIJING TOURS

The 15 Best Beijing Tours & Day Trips

363 tours  ·  from $2

The capital gives you an imperial city, a stretch of wall ninety minutes north and a grid of grey lanes in between. These 15 sort them by what they cost, how long they take and which ones need their ticket bought in advance.

From Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall Tours with Options - Four to five hours among Mutianyu’s towers
Beijing Tours, Great Wall Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall Tours with Options

1.Mutianyu Great Wall Tours with Options

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 9,216 reviews · 8 - 10 hours · from $19Our pick

Take a direct Mubus coach from central Beijing to Mutianyu for four to five hours on the Wall. Choose independent exploring, a 30-minute architecture talk, a demanding 5-kilometer hike, lunch, or an overnight villa stay. Guides speak English, Spanish, or Russian, with guides such as Jily, Helly, Amelia, and John often praised for clear advice.

“We had an absolutely wonderful day today with perfect weather! We visited two of Beijing’s most iconic attractions: Mutianyu Great Wall and the Summer Palace. Our tour guide Amelia was incredibly professional and passionate. She shared detailed historical stories and made the whole trip enjoyable and informative. The Mutianyu Great Wall was breathtakingly spectacular—far more impressive than we imagined. The cable car ride up and the thrilling slide down were such fun experiences that we highly recommend. The Summer Palace was equally beautiful, with stunning lakes, pavilions, and traditional Chinese architecture. Every corner felt like a painting. Amelia took great care of our group, kept u...”

Check availability →Read our full review

Beijing: Forbidden City Tour(Group/Private)-Tickets Included - Crossing the Meridian Gate
Beijing Tours, Forbidden City Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Beijing: Forbidden City Tour(Group/Private)-Tickets Included

2.Forbidden City Tour(Group/Private)-Tickets Included

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 7,974 reviews · 3 - 8 hours · from $4

Choose a small-group or private visit to Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City, led by an English-speaking guide such as Mina, Maria, Jay, or Miko. You’ll see the palace’s main axis, Imperial Garden, and selected western courtyards, with longer options adding the Clock and Treasure halls or Coal Hill Park. Palace entry is arranged for you.

“Tour was great. Miko messaged me day before with thorough instructions. Got to learn a lot and Miko answered all our questions. Definitely recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

Beijing: T-Square & Forbidden City Group or Private Tour - Entering the Forbidden City through the imperial heart of Beijing
Beijing Tours, Forbidden City Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Beijing: T-Square & Forbidden City Group or Private Tour

3.T-Square & Forbidden City Group or Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4,446 reviews · 3 - 8 hours · from $17

See Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City with a guide such as Tony, Gary, Michael, or Song, depending on availability and language. Choose a three to four-hour group visit, a private tour, or an extended day with the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, hutong dumpling class, or Great Wall. Bring your passport and expect strict security checks.

“Gary was excellent! It was a wonderful tour and we learnt so much. I definitely recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall Daily Tour with Ticket & Lunch - Five hours to choose your own route
Beijing Tours, Great Wall Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall Daily Tour with Ticket & Lunch

4.Mutianyu Great Wall Daily Tour with Ticket & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,056 reviews · 9 hours · from $18Top rated

Meet guide Kevin, Linda, or another English-speaking guide at Zhangzizhonglu Subway Station at 8:00 AM. Ride by bus to Mutianyu, enter with your ticket, and spend about five hours exploring the Wall. Add a Chinese-style lunch for good value. Cable cars and the toboggan cost extra.

“I had a great time, Kevin was a nice guide! The lunch was also great.”

Check availability →Read our full review

All-Inclusive Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall - Walking through the Forbidden City
Beijing Tours, Forbidden City Tours, Great Wall Tours, Tiananmen Square Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

All-Inclusive Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall

5.All-Inclusive Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,873 reviews · from $128

Spend 9 to 11 hours exploring Beijing with a private guide such as Lucy, Wendy, Jerry, or Bobo. Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, eat lunch at a local restaurant, then hike Mutianyu Great Wall with a cable car or chairlift and toboggan option. Hotel pickup, tickets, water, and return transport are included.

“Lucy was our tour guide. She went above and beyond to make sure our family saw everything wev wanted to see and have the best experience. I high recommend Lucy and this tour!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

MuBus: Mutianyu Great Wall ENG/ESP/RUS Guided Bus Tour - Arriving at Mutianyu and getting uphill
Beijing Tours, Great Wall Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

MuBus: Mutianyu Great Wall ENG/ESP/RUS Guided Bus Tour

6.MuBus: Mutianyu Great Wall ENG/ESP/RUS Guided Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,361 reviews · from $20

Take a direct MuBus from Dongzhimen to Mutianyu, with an English, Spanish, or Russian guide on board. You get entry, internal shuttle buses, tea, snacks, and about five hours at the Wall. Guides such as Kevin, Mike, Taka, and Helly help with routes and tickets. Add a buffet lunch or choose the 5-kilometer hiking option.

“This is a bare bones tour that gets you to the Wall and back, and sorts out the admin of getting tickets. That said, it served my needs. Our guide on the bus, Jili, provided some handy info on the history of the Great Wall, as well as what to expext once we got there. Once you're at the Wall, you're pretty much on your own, with well over 5 hours to explore Mutianyu.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4-Hour Small Group Tour to Forbidden City with Entry Tickets - The Meridian Gate and the first palace story
Beijing Tours, Forbidden City Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours

4-Hour Small Group Tour to Forbidden City with Entry Tickets

7.4-Hour Small Group Tour to Forbidden City with Entry Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,863 reviews · from $15

Meet your guide in central Beijing for a 3 to 4-hour small-group walk through the Forbidden City. Your prebooked ticket covers the palace, while guides such as Jimmy, Maria, Miko, and Vivian explain Ming and Qing court life. Choose Tiananmen Square or Jingshan Park as your added stop, and bring your actual passport.

“Great tour! Directions and communication were clear. Our guide (Mike) was professional, friendly and provided lots of useful information.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Beijing: Tiananmen Square Registration Service(Ticket) - Your approach to Tiananmen Square
Beijing Tours, Tiananmen Square Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Beijing: Tiananmen Square Registration Service(Ticket)

8.Tiananmen Square Registration Service(Ticket)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,704 reviews · 30 min · from $3

This $3.99 registration service from Ezio’s Private Tour arranges your free Tiananmen Square entry using your passport details. You receive confirmation by email, then show your passport and the emailed screenshot at the entrance. It takes about 30 minutes to arrange, includes information support, and lets you buy Forbidden City tickets at Meridian Gate.

“Thank you for your service, that was really helpful 🙏”

Check availability →Read our full review

Beijing Full Day Tours: Tiananmen Sq, Forbidden City, Great Wall - The Forbidden City, three hours inside the imperial complex
Beijing Tours, Forbidden City Tours, Full-Day, Great Wall Tours, Tiananmen Square Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Beijing Full Day Tours: Tiananmen Sq, Forbidden City, Great Wall

9.Beijing Full Day Tours: Tiananmen Sq, Forbidden City, Great Wall

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,634 reviews · from $99

Start with hotel pickup, then visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City before driving to Mutianyu Great Wall. This 10 to 11 hour small-group tour includes tickets, buffet lunch, water, headsets, and a cable car or chairlift with toboggan. Guides such as Helen and Rocky are known for clear explanations and helpful photos.

“We had Helen as a tour guide. She is approachable, attentive and accommodating. She provided information about places well. We had a good experience with her.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Beijing: Tianmen Square, Forbidden City & Royal Museum Tours - The Royal Treasures Museum Option
Beijing Tours, Forbidden City Tours, Museums, Museums in Beijing, Tianmen Mountain Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Beijing: Tianmen Square, Forbidden City & Royal Museum Tours

10.Tianmen Square, Forbidden City & Royal Museum Tours

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,288 reviews · from $4

Explore Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City with an English or Spanish guide. Choose simple ticket booking, a 15 to 20 person group tour, or a private visit with flexible timing. Some options include the Royal Treasures Museum. Guides such as Linda, Vanessa, Mary, Snow, and Icy are praised for clear stories and thoughtful help in the heat.

“The meeting point could be closer to the entrance, because it's a lot of walking inside the palace anyway.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Beijing: The Temple of Heaven or Summer Palace Entry Ticket - The QR code makes entry easier
Beijing Tours, Summer Palace Tours, Temple of Heaven Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Beijing: The Temple of Heaven or Summer Palace Entry Ticket

11.The Temple of Heaven or Summer Palace Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,286 reviews · 2 - 8 hours · from $7

Choose a self-guided entry ticket for Beijing’s Temple of Heaven or Summer Palace, with optional package access at the Summer Palace. You receive a supplier QR code for the gate, usually through WhatsApp or email. Expect 2 to 8 hours, passport details during booking, and clear transport instructions. Guides such as Andy, Tony, Joe, or Susan may assist with selected arrangements.

“Responded on time, got the tickets when requested, recommended, although you can also buy (sometimes) tickets at the entry for a little bit cheaper.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Mubus: Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with Summer Palace Options - Meeting at Dongzhimen and riding to the wall
Beijing Tours, Great Wall Tours, Summer Palace Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Mubus: Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with Summer Palace Options

12.Mubus: Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with Summer Palace Options

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,272 reviews · from $20

Take Mubus from Dongzhimen to Mutianyu on an 8:00 or 10:00 departure. Your English-speaking guide, such as Mike, Jilly, Leo, or Cici, explains the wall on the ride and helps with route choices. Entry, internal shuttle, tea, snacks, and luggage storage are included. Cable cars, toboggan rides, lunch, and Summer Palace options depend on the package you choose.

“Recomendo 100% o passeio!! Tem café, a guia fala inglês, o que facilita nossa vida, pois as pessoas que trabalham na muralha não falam!!! Tem um almoço muitoooooooo gostosooooooo no final do passeio e recomendo comprar os pacotes que são oferecidos na hora com teleférico, escorregador, etc!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Beijing:Mutianyu Great Wall Private Trip with English Driver - Pickup in Beijing and the 1.5-hour drive
Beijing Tours, Great Wall Tours, Private Drivers, Private Drivers in Beijing, Tour Reviews, Tours

Beijing:Mutianyu Great Wall Private Trip with English Driver

13.Mutianyu Great Wall Private Trip with English Driver

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,263 reviews · 6 - 8 hours · from $84

Travel from Beijing to Mutianyu in a private air-conditioned car with an English-speaking driver such as Peter, Jack, Naomi, or Shane. Your driver helps with entrance and shuttle tickets, explains the route, and leaves you free to explore for about three hours. Cable car and toboggan rides cost extra.

“I had a really great time with Peter, he picked me up in my hotel in the lobby in the agree time, very punctual and reliable!! He explained about the great wall and gave me some tips to enjoy it better. Recommended this tour to everyone!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Beijing Forbidden City Ticket Booking (Optional: guide service) - Entering through Meridian Gate
Beijing Tours, Forbidden City Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Beijing Forbidden City Ticket Booking (Optional: guide service)

14.Beijing Forbidden City Ticket Booking (Optional: guide service)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,263 reviews · from $9

Book your Forbidden City admission in advance and enter with your passport after security at Meridian Gate. Choose a morning or afternoon visit, then explore the grand halls, inner court, and Imperial Garden for about three to four hours. Add a guide such as Bobo, Summer, or Marco, or upgrade to the Treasure Gallery.

“Booked for party of 5, 4 UK and 1 Chinese national. Chinese member unable to enter using passport details, apparently need to use Chinese ID. This was not clear at time of booking, due to personal circumstances only 1 member of party used ticket. Attempts to call help number provided were fruitless because the person who answered hung up without engaging in conversation. Extremely disappointed, would not recommend using this service.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Beijing: Mutianyu Gt Wall Trip, Depart 8-10am Bus w/ Tickets - The 1.5-hour ride north
Beijing Tours, Great Wall Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours

Beijing: Mutianyu Gt Wall Trip, Depart 8-10am Bus w/ Tickets

15.Mutianyu Gt Wall Trip, Depart 8-10am Bus w/ Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,256 reviews · 8.5 - 9.5 hours · from $18

Take a licensed ZANBUS from central Beijing to Mutianyu, with admission, park shuttle, and English help included. You get about five hours to explore independently, choose a hiking route, or pay extra for a cable car and toboggan. Guides such as Maggie, Lina, Lucy, and Brown help with tickets and directions.

“The tour was fantastic, very well organized. Our guide, brown, was very kind and funny, and very well prepared about the history of china and the great wall”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Beijing Tours

★ 3.6Summer Palace Ticket; fast and smoothFrom $738 reviews
★ 5.0Summer Palace, Sacred Road&Ming Tombs Private TourFrom $1178 reviews
★ 4.8Summer Palace Highlight Walking TourFrom $4125 reviews
★ 3.3Summer Palace Entry TicketFrom $183 reviews
★ 4.7Summer Palace Entrance(combo/tour opt)From $286 reviews
★ 5.0Beijing Private Tour: Summer Palace, Panda House and OptionsFrom $5221 reviews
★ 4.8Summer Palace 3 Hours Guided Tour with Entry TicketFrom $334 reviews
★ 4.5SHUIGUO luxury SPA & Recreation Club day ticketFrom $6027 reviews
★ 5.0Beijing Royal Banquet with Chinese culture prefermanceFrom $1503 reviews
★ 5.0Acrobatic Show Tickets Traditional & Modern FusionFrom $274 reviews
★ 5.0Red Theatre Acrobatics Show Ticket-Local Must-SeeFrom $423 reviews
★ 4.8Qinle Palace Acrobatics Show TicketFrom $2114 reviews
★ 5.0Beijing Private Custom Tour: Licensed Guide&Transfer ServiceFrom $597 reviews
★ 5.0private transfer to Great Wall from airport/hotel6 reviews
★ 4.6Private Tour to Great Wall & POPLand Labubu HomeFrom $1823 reviews

Keep browsing

Great Wall Tours167Forbidden City Tours75Terracotta Army Tours43Food & Drink52Shows & Performances51Water Town Tours32
Scroll to Top

Where to go in China

Pick a dynasty, a mountain or a kitchen.

Imperial

Forbidden CitySummer PalaceTemple of HeavenMing TombsMuseums

Walls and mountains

Great Wall DaysTianmen MountainGlass BridgesCable CarsHikes

Food and tea

Food ToursCooking ClassesStreet FoodTea CeremoniesPeking Duck

On the water

River CruisesLi RiverWater TownsYangtze CruisesPearl River