Tour Highlights
The 1st Mutianyu International Chestnut Harvest Festival (Sept 19–30): Celebrate this inaugural seasonal harvest at the foot of the Great Wall, highlighted by a themed chestnut feast at Yisonglou Restaurant, limited-edition chestnut afternoon tea, and Great Wall specialty coffees (chestnut cappuccino and caramel macchiato).
Lively Harvest Street & Cultural Encounters: Explore an authentic harvest market street featuring wok-roasted sweet chestnuts, regional farm produce, local chestnut pastries and wines, traditional folk performances, and festive photo spots.
Interactive Harvest Activities: Join in lighthearted chestnut peeling competitions and hands-on craft workshops, including chestnut shell painting, clay modeling, and painted chestnut dolls.
Overnight Stay Among Autumn Foliage: Spend the night directly beneath the Mutianyu Great Wall to admire the surrounding slopes cloaked in early autumn colors and red leaves without the daytime crowds.
Imperial Classics & Ancient Temples: Take in Beijing’s iconic heritage sites—the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, and the tranquil ginkgo groves of Hongluo Temple.
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Day 2: Imperial Splendors
Constructed from 1406 at the very centre of Beijing, the Palace Museum is more widely known as the Forbidden City. Previously home to 24 different emperors, it is the largest palace complex in the world at approximately 720,000 square metres. Note: Closed on Mondays. In case of closure or ticket unavailability, the itinerary adjusts to Jingshan Park for a premier panoramic view overlooking the entire Forbidden City.
Completed in 1420, the Temple of Heaven is the largest complex of sacrificial buildings in China that still stands to this day. The temple was visited by Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1636-1912) emperors on an annual basis to pray to the heavens for a good harvest. The subtle employment of acoustic principles used in the construction of the Echo Wall, Triple Sound Stone and Dialogue Stone reflects the advanced architectural technology in use in ancient China.
Day 3: Royal Gardens & Sacred Halls
Dive into the heart of old Beijing with a visit to the Hutongs—a maze of historic, narrow alleys lined with traditional courtyard houses. To experience this vibrant neighborhood like a local, you will take a traditional rickshaw tour. Sit back and relax as your driver wheels you through the lively lanes, passing by local markets, ancient doorways, and hidden gardens. It is a wonderful, nostalgic journey that offers an intimate look at the city's traditional lifestyle away from the modern skyscrapers.
The Lama Temple has a reputation of the largest and best-preserved Tibetan Buddhist Lamasery in Beijing. The building and artwork of the lama Temple is a combination of Han and Tibetan styles.
Day 4: 1st Mutianyu International Chestnut Harvest Festival
Begin your morning exploring the historic storefronts and vibrant commercial atmosphere of Wangfujing Pedestrian Street. Later in the morning, leave downtown Beijing for a scenic drive north toward the mountains of Huairou to reach the foot of the Mutianyu Great Wall.
Head straight to Yisonglou Restaurant to savor an exclusive Chestnut Festival specialty set lunch, highlighting local seasonal dishes infused with freshly harvested chestnuts.
In the afternoon, check in at your hotel beneath the ramparts and ascend the Great Wall to take in sweeping views of the mountain slopes blanketed in early autumn colors and fiery foliage.
Afterwards, immerse yourself in the vibrant festivities of Mutianyu's 1st International Chestnut Harvest Festival (held Sept 19–30). Stroll along the bustling harvest street lined with colorful photo spots, catch live folk performances, or join fun visitor activities such as the chestnut peeling competition. Unwind with a limited-edition chestnut afternoon tea paired with seasonal fruits and exclusive Great Wall coffees, including chestnut cappuccinos and caramel macchiatos. Browse stalls filled with freshly wok-roasted sweet chestnuts, chestnut pastries, and regional farm specialties, or create your own keepsake at the DIY workshop featuring chestnut shell painting and clay modeling before enjoying a peaceful overnight stay beneath the Great Wall.
Day 5: Autumn Serenity at Hongluo Temple | Departure
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When is the best time to see the autumn leaves and join the Chestnut Festival?
A: End-Sepember to early October is the prime window. During this period, the hillsides around the Mutianyu Great Wall turn brilliant red and gold, coinciding with the peak harvest and seasonal festival activities.
Q: What is included in the Chestnut Festival activities on Day 4?
A: Guests enjoy seasonal afternoon tea with chestnut treats and fresh fruits, limited-edition Great Wall specialty coffee, a curated dinner banquet at Yisonglou Restaurant, and access to the market area for roasted chestnut tastings, DIY crafts, and local product exhibits.
Q: Is the hike on the Mutianyu Great Wall suitable for all fitness levels?
A: Yes. Mutianyu offers cable cars and chairlifts to reach the main ramparts easily, making it accessible for travelers of varying fitness levels. Paved walking paths and rest areas are available throughout the scenic area.
Q: What should I pack for an autumn tour in Beijing?
A: Autumn in Beijing is generally crisp, dry, and sunny, but temperatures drop significantly in the evening—especially in the mountainous Mutianyu area. Pack layers, including a windproof jacket, a warm fleece or light down layer, and comfortable walking shoes.
-- Private Tour guide
-- Private air-conditioned car or coach
-- Land transfers between airport or railway station and hotel
-- Entrance tickets as listed
-- Lunch as listed
-- Hotel accommodations with breakfast
-- Service charge & government taxes
-- International flights with airport tax
-- Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, fax fee, phone bills, optional activities
-- Gratuities for guides and drivers
-- China Entry Visa
-- Travel insurance