Planning the perfect Great Wall day trip from Beijing can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Whether you want a private luxury tour, a budget-friendly group trip, or a scenic hiking adventure, there’s a package that fits your travel style. In this guide, we’ll break down the top 10 Great Wall day trip packages from Beijing to help you find the perfect Wall experience for you!
1. Mutianyu Great Wall Private Day Tour
A private day tour to Mutianyu Great Wall is one of the most popular Great Wall day trip packages from Beijing. This tour typically includes hotel pickup, private transportation, entrance tickets, and an English-speaking guide. Mutianyu is less crowded than Badaling and offers stunning scenery with restored watchtowers. Many packages also include cable car rides or toboggan slides for extra fun. It’s ideal for families, first-time visitors, and travelers wanting comfort and flexibility. Expect a 6–8 hour itinerary, including lunch at a local restaurant. This package balances convenience, history, and breathtaking mountain views.
2. Badaling Great Wall Group Bus Tour
A budget-friendly group tour to Badaling Great Wall is perfect if you’re looking for affordability and ease. This is the most famous and fully restored section of the Wall, often included in standard Beijing day tours. Packages usually include round-trip bus transfers, entrance tickets, and a guide. While it can be crowded, the infrastructure is excellent, with cable cars and wide walkways. The tour lasts about 6–7 hours and sometimes includes a stop at a jade factory or Olympic Park. It’s great for travelers short on time who want the classic Great Wall experience.
3. Jinshanling Hiking Day Tour
For travelers seeking adventure, a hiking tour to Jinshanling Great Wall offers dramatic scenery and fewer crowds. This day trip package includes private or small-group transport, entrance fees, and an experienced hiking guide. Jinshanling features partially restored and wild sections, making it ideal for photography lovers. The hike typically lasts 3–4 hours with moderate difficulty. Expect steep climbs and rewarding panoramic views. Tours often depart early in the morning to avoid crowds and maximize daylight. If you want a more authentic and less commercialized Great Wall experience, this package is an excellent choice.
4. Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Tour
A combined tour to Simatai Great Wall and Gubei Water Town is perfect for those wanting something unique. Simatai is one of the few sections open for night tours, offering a magical illuminated Wall experience. Packages include transportation, entrance tickets, and guided commentary. After exploring the Wall, you can stroll through Gubei Water Town’s charming canals and traditional architecture. This 8–10 hour trip blends history and romance beautifully. It’s especially popular with couples and photographers looking for unforgettable evening views near Beijing.
5. Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall Tour
If you want something different, consider a day trip to Huanghuacheng Great Wall, also known as the “Water Great Wall.” This scenic section features parts of the Wall submerged in a lake, creating stunning reflections. Tour packages usually include private transfers, entrance fees, and optional boat rides. It’s less crowded and great for relaxed walking rather than intense hiking. The trip lasts about 7–8 hours and is especially beautiful in spring and summer when flowers bloom. This is one of the most photogenic Great Wall day trip packages from Beijing.
6. Juyongguan Great Wall Half-Day Tour
Located closest to the city, Juyongguan Great Wall is ideal for a quick half-day trip. This package usually includes hotel pickup, entrance tickets, and a guide. Juyongguan sits in a scenic mountain pass and features a circular walking route, making it manageable for beginners. Tours typically last 4–6 hours, perfect for travelers with tight schedules. It’s less crowded than Badaling but still well restored. If you want a convenient and time-efficient Great Wall experience without spending a full day, this package works perfectly.
7. Great Wall + Ming Tombs Combo Tour
This combo package pairs the Great Wall with a visit to the Ming Tombs, often including Changling or Dingling. Many tours visit either Badaling or Mutianyu first, then continue to the historic burial site of Ming emperors. The package includes transportation, entrance tickets, lunch, and a professional guide. Lasting about 8–9 hours, this tour provides deeper insight into imperial Chinese history. It’s perfect for culture lovers who want more than just the Wall. Combining two UNESCO sites in one day makes this a popular and educational choice.
8. Private Great Wall Sunrise Tour
For photographers and early risers, a sunrise tour at Mutianyu or Jinshanling offers a magical experience. This private package includes early hotel pickup (around 4–5 AM), entrance tickets, and a guide. Watching the sun rise over the mountains and illuminate the Wall is unforgettable. Fewer tourists mean peaceful exploration and perfect photo opportunities. The trip usually lasts 6–8 hours, finishing before afternoon crowds arrive. If you’re seeking a once-in-a-lifetime Great Wall day trip from Beijing, this serene and exclusive experience is absolutely worth the early wake-up call.
9. Wild Great Wall Adventure Tour
Adventurous travelers can book a wild Wall hike at Jiankou Great Wall. This unrestored section is rugged, steep, and dramatically beautiful. Tour packages include experienced hiking guides, safety briefings, private transfers, and sometimes picnic lunches. The hike is physically demanding but rewards visitors with untouched scenery and fewer crowds. Trips last around 8–9 hours. It’s not suitable for beginners or families with small children. However, for thrill-seekers wanting raw authenticity, this is one of the most exciting Great Wall day trip packages from Beijing.
10. Great Wall Layover Transit Tour
If you have a long layover in Beijing, a transit tour to Mutianyu or Badaling is a fantastic option. These packages include airport pickup and drop-off, entrance tickets, and an English-speaking driver or guide. The entire trip takes 6–8 hours, depending on your flight schedule. It’s designed specifically for international travelers using visa-free transit policies. This convenient package ensures you experience the Great Wall even on a tight schedule. For travelers passing through Beijing, it’s one of the smartest and most efficient day trip options available.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Great Wall day trip package from Beijing depends on your travel style, budget, and time. Whether you prefer a relaxed sightseeing tour, a romantic evening visit, or a challenging hike on a wild section, there’s a perfect option waiting for you. With private transfers, knowledgeable guides, and unforgettable views, these day trips make exploring the Great Wall easy and memorable. Book early, check weather conditions, and get ready for one of the world’s most iconic adventures!