We have tailored two departure options for this tour to suit different preferences: If you prefer a serene afternoon and the dazzling night view of the Great Wall, the afternoon departure route is highly recommended. If you wish to explore the entire itinerary during the daytime without the night view, you can opt for the morning departure route to enjoy a full-day journey blending nature and culture. Below is the detailed itinerary for the afternoon departure: Your friendly private tour guide will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel at the pre-arranged time, and then head directly to Mutianyu Great Wall. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours, during which your guide will elaborate on the millennium-old history and fascinating stories behind the Great Wall. Outside the window, the picturesque rural scenery of Beijing's suburbs unfolds slowly—golden rice fields, scattered villages and distant mountains complement each other, making the journey pleasant and relaxing.

Upon arrival at Mutianyu Great Wall, your immersive exploration begins right away. Mutianyu Great Wall is defined by lush vegetation coverage and well-preserved city walls, blending grandeur with natural beauty and offering sweeping views of Beijing’s suburban landscape. Your guide will accompany you as you take the cable car to the top. Once atop, the guide will walk alongside you on the gray-blue battlements, pointing out the weathered bricks and sharing insights into the Great Wall’s defensive systems, watchtower functions, and fascinating historical anecdotes tied to this iconic structure. After the guided portion, you’ll have ample free time to snap photos, visit iconic spots, and explore the watchtowers at your leisure. For the descent, you can take the cable car back the same way for a relaxed journey. If you opted for the fun ski lift on the way up, you can choose the thrilling toboggan ride down—adding an exciting twist to your Great Wall adventure.

Upon arriving at Gubei Water Town, your guide will arrange the visit to Simatai Great Wall according to the sunset time based on your preferences. Simatai Great Wall is renowned for its original and unrestored appearance, retaining the primitive charm of the ancient Great Wall, and offering a stunning view of Gubei Water Town at night. In the evening, only 2 to 3 sections of Simatai Great Wall are open to the public with lights on. You will take the cable car to the top of Simatai Great Wall with your guide, where you can admire the beautiful lanterns illuminating the path of the Great Wall and overlook the entire Gubei Water Town bathed in warm light.

After enjoying the night view, you will descend from Simatai Great Wall with your guide and start exploring Gubei Water Town. This town, a replica of the classic southern water towns in China, boasts a wealth of attractions: you can wander through the ancient stone-paved lanes, browse interesting specialty shops offering handcrafted souvenirs, savor authentic local snacks and delicacies in cozy restaurants, or simply stroll along the waterways and admire the traditional courtyard houses reflected in the calm water. Every corner of the town exudes a unique blend of northern boldness and southern elegance. At the end of this fantastic tour, your guide will drive you back to your centrally located hotel in Beijing, marking the perfect end to your day of exploration.