Private Tour: Great Wall of China at Juyongguan and Ming Tombs from Beijing

Begin your private day trip from Beijing at the Great Wall of China, the greatest symbol of Chinese engineering and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Spend the morning climbing the wall at Juyongguan, a famous pass through the mountains located in an 11-mile-long (18-kilometer-long) valley.

Surrounded by mountains, Juyongguan Pass served as a strategic military stronghold and was the site of many battles. The ancient pass was originally built in the Han Dynasty (220-206 BC) as a fortification, and later rebuilt to link it to the Great Wall of China. The circular pass is complete with supporting facilities, including a city tower, watch tower and a meeting place for the emperor. Juyongguan is surrounded by lush forests and magnificent mountains.

Enjoy lunch at a Chinese restaurant before heading to the Ming Tombs for a glimpse of ancient Chinese history and imperial culture. Enter the tombs through the Great Red Gate, covered with imperial yellow roof tiles. As you make your way down the main road called the Spirit Way, see the 36 impressive stone statutes of guardian officials and animals carved in the 15th century.

Continue your walk down the path to explore the Chang Ling Tomb. The Chang Ling Tomb is the largest and best-preserved of the Ming Tombs and is divided into three stunning courtyards.