Beijing Excursion Tours
Some of the best days out of Beijing are outside the municipality. Badaling and the Ming Tombs make the standard full day; the Great Wall hiking version goes further along the unrestored ramparts for groups who want the walk rather than the photograph; and Gubei Water Town with Simatai pairs a rebuilt canal town with the wildest section of wall near the capital, which is at its best lit after dark.
All are private day trips with an English-speaking guide and a private vehicle, and the hiking versions are graded so you can choose the distance. Cable car and shuttle tickets at the wall are included.
