Summer Palace and Mutianyu Great Wall

Question

Hello,

I am planning to do Summer palace and great wall on the same day is it possible this time of winter?

What is the best option to get there and what is the cost for entry?

Answer

Visiting both the Summer Palace and Mutianyu Great Wall in a single day during winter is possible, but it will be a long day due to travel times and winter daylight hours. Mutianyu is approximately 70 km northeast of central Beijing, and the Summer Palace is about 15 km northwest of the city center.

Here’s a breakdown of your options and what to expect:

Private car or taxi: The most convenient way is to hire a private car or taxi for the day. This allows you to travel directly between your hotel, the Summer Palace, and Mutianyu without worrying about public transport schedules. Expect to pay around 400–600 CNY for a full day private car rental, depending on vehicle type.
Tour package: Some travel agencies offer one-day combined tours of the Summer Palace and Mutianyu. This often includes transportation, guide services, and sometimes entrance tickets. Prices can range from 400–700 CNY per person.
Public transport: It’s possible to use a combination of subway and bus, but it will be tight. You could take subway Line 4 to Summer Palace, spend 1.5–2 hours there, then return to central Beijing and catch a bus to Mutianyu. Winter days are short, so you may feel rushed and risk missing daylight for the Great Wall.

Entrance fees (Winter rates, approx.):

Summer Palace: 30–40 CNY (main area), boat rides or additional areas may cost extra.
Mutianyu Great Wall: 180 CNY including cable car up; toboggan or chairlift down is extra (around 100 CNY).

Practical tips:

Start early, ideally by 8 am, to maximize daylight at both sites.
Dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes, as it can be cold and windy, especially on the Great Wall.
Consider taking the cable car up at Mutianyu to save energy, particularly in winter conditions.
Bring snacks and water, as winter crowds are lighter but facilities are more limited than in summer.

Overall, a private car or organized tour is highly recommended to comfortably visit both in one day during winter.