Seeking Advice: Klook Tour vs Private Driver for Mutianyu on

Question

Hi everyone,

We have finalized our trip for 2nd November. We are 2 adults + 1 child (1.07 m). I understand that the Great Wall ticket with chairlift and toboggan on the West Side of Mutianyu is 140 CNY per person.

Now, my main question is about transportation:

• Should we take a Klook tour that starts at 8:00 AM from Beijing and reaches the Great Wall around 10:00 AM?

• Or should we opt for a private driver and leave early, around 6:30 AM, to reach the Wall early and avoid the crowds?

Regarding crowds: Is 2nd November considered peak season? From what I’ve heard, it’s not, but I want to experience the Wall mainly to see the autumn foliage and prefer it without too many tourists. I’ve also heard that by 10:00 AM, most of the tourist buses arrive, which can make it a bit crowded.

The private tour option costs significantly more than the Klook tour, so I’m wondering if it’s really worth it. If the experience in terms of crowds is similar, we’d rather save the extra money.

Additional questions:

1. Is the shuttle bus from the car drop-off point to the ticket counter free or do they charge 20 CNY per person? Some sources say it’s free, others mention a charge. Could anyone clarify?

2. Are there any reasonably priced private tours that you’d recommend, without exorbitant charges?

I’d appreciate your honest opinions, tips, and suggestions for visiting the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.

Thanks in advance!

Answer

Visiting Mutianyu on 2nd November is a great choice for autumn foliage, and your main concern—crowds—can be managed with timing. November is considered off-peak season, so while there will be some tourists, it is significantly less crowded than during Golden Week or October.

Regarding your transportation options:

Klook tour starting at 8:00 AM: You will likely reach Mutianyu around 10:00 AM. At this time, there may already be some tourist buses arriving, but overall, crowds are moderate in early November. This option is cost-effective and convenient since transfers and tickets are handled by the tour provider.
Private driver leaving at 6:30 AM: Arriving around 8:30 AM will give you an earlier start, letting you enjoy the Wall before most visitors arrive. This is ideal if you prefer a quieter experience and more flexibility in spending time at specific sections of the Wall. However, it is significantly more expensive.

Tips:

If budget is a concern and you don’t mind some moderate crowds, the Klook tour is sufficient. You will still experience the Wall and autumn colors comfortably.
If your priority is minimal crowds, private driver is worth the extra cost, especially for families with children who may want a more relaxed pace.

About the shuttle from the car drop-off to the ticket counter:

The shuttle bus is generally free for visitors who park at the official parking area. Some private parking lots may charge a small fee (~20 CNY), but the official car drop-off point provides complimentary transport to the ticket counter.

Regarding private tours:

Many local tour agencies offer half-day or full-day private Mutianyu tours at reasonable rates (typically 500–800 CNY for a car and driver for a 4–5 hour visit). Booking through popular platforms like Klook or Ctrip can provide verified options with English-speaking drivers.

In conclusion, for a balance of cost and experience, a Klook tour starting at 8:00 AM is sufficient in early November. If you highly value early access and minimal crowds, a private driver is the better option. Make sure to confirm the shuttle bus policy at the specific parking lot you use, but usually, it is free.