The Great Wall is 70 km from central Beijing. Getting there on your own means navigating a Chinese-only ticket system, public buses, and 3 to 4 hours of transit logistics. A guided tour handles everything in one booking.
Tour Details and Price (2026)
Beijing Essential Full-Day Tour: Great Wall at Badaling, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
- From $99 per person (discounted rates for kids)
- 9-hour full day with hotel pickup and drop-off (within Beijing’s 4th Ring Road)
- English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, lunch included
- All admission tickets included
- 4.6 stars from 700+ reviews
- Operates every day except Monday (Forbidden City is closed Mondays)
You came for the Great Wall, but you also get the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square in the same day. Three attractions, one ticket, one guide.
👉 Book your Great Wall of China tour from Beijing
What You’ll See
Tiananmen Square (30 min). One of the largest public squares in the world. Your guide covers China’s modern history while navigating you through the security checkpoints.
Forbidden City (2 hours). The Imperial Palace of 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties. Over 180 acres, 980 buildings, and centuries of treasures. Without a guide, it’s overwhelming. With one, every hall tells a story.
Lunch. Chinese-style buffet included. Stir-fried vegetables, rice, noodles, chicken, tofu soup. Reviewers consistently say it’s good and filling.
Great Wall at Badaling (2 hours). The best-preserved section of the wall, with panoramic views from the mountain ridges. Walk the ancient steps on foot or take the cable car (not included, ¥140/~$20 round-trip). Your guide points out the best photo spots and helps you avoid the crowds.
Before You Book
- Passport required. Mandatory for security at Tiananmen Square and entry to the Forbidden City and Great Wall.
- Book at least 4 days ahead. If you book within 3 days of the tour date, Forbidden City tickets may be sold out. You’d visit Jingshan Park instead.
- Cable car. Not included. ¥140 (~$20) round-trip at Badaling. Recommended if you want to save energy for walking along the wall at the top.
- Shopping stops. The tour includes a tea house and jade factory visit. No obligation to buy, but be prepared for sales presentations.
- Hotels outside 4th Ring Road. Meet the group at Prime Hotel, No. 2 Wangfujing Avenue at 7:30 AM.
- Bring cash. Chinese Yuan for the cable car, tips, and personal purchases. Many vendors don’t accept international cards.
- Cancellation: free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Book Your Great Wall Tour
Three iconic attractions in one day, from $99 per person, with everything handled in a city where almost no one speaks English.
👉 Check availability and book your tour
Prices based on 2026 rates. Forbidden City access not guaranteed for bookings within 3 days of tour date. Confirm details at checkout.
