That horse-and-wall combo is unusual in Beijing. This private day pairs a guided walk at Badaling’s most complete, leader-famous stretch with an off-the-beaten-path ride at Kangxi Grassland, where you’ll spend time in open prairie space. I like that the plan welcomes riders of all levels and keeps you moving with a tight, 9-hour schedule.

Two standouts for me: the Great Wall portion is designed to be the “best first” experience—well-preserved, panoramic, and guided—and the Kangxi riding is structured around a real riding field with horses you can choose from. One possible drawback to think about: the horseback timing can depend on horse availability and on-course operations, and in at least one case the ride logistics shifted in a way that made the day feel more chaotic than expected.

Still, the payoff can be big. When the wall is the main event, it delivers; and when the riding runs smoothly, you get that rare feeling of swapping city walls for wide Beijing prairie on horseback.

Key things to know before you go

• Private small group (1 to 10): You’ll have your own guide setup rather than getting swept into a mass tour.
• Badaling is the “most complete” stretch: Expect easier navigation than other sections, plus classic views from higher points.
• Horseback time is 1 hour included: Plan your expectations around that baseline, since extra riding may cost more.
• You may pay for the cable car separately: The tour covers the Wall entry, but not the cable-car ticket.
• Course rules are strict: You’ll need to mount as instructed and stay within the riding course boundaries.

A Great Wall morning, then a horse on Beijing’s prairie

This is the kind of day plan that feels built for real variety. You start on one of the world’s most famous stone ridges, then you switch gears to green open space where the rhythm changes fast—wind, grass, and the steady motion of a horse.

If you’ve only done a single Great Wall section on a “tick-the-box” tour, you’ll likely appreciate the structure here: a guided visit at Badaling first, then lunch, then a riding block at Kangxi Grassland. It’s still one long day, but it’s not one long blur. You get two clear experiences instead of a single sightseeing sprint.

I also like that this doesn’t require you to already be a confident rider. The riding portion is set up for different experience levels, and staff instruction is part of the experience. That matters because horse riding is where people tend to either feel nervous or waste time asking questions.

Door-to-door pickup and a 9-hour pacing that actually works

The tour runs about 9 hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, plus an air-conditioned vehicle. That’s a practical win if you’re staying in central Beijing and don’t want to figure out timing and transport on your own.

The schedule also has built-in pacing:

• You get the Great Wall visit early, while the day is still settling.
• You eat before heading to the grasslands, so the riding time isn’t powered by empty stomach regret.
• The horseback block is time-limited (1 hour included), which keeps the itinerary from turning into a half-day of waiting.

One more small but real benefit: you’re not stuck in a huge bus group. This is a private tour with just your guide and a small group size (up to 10). In practice, that usually means fewer bottlenecks at the Wall and more flexibility for quick questions.

Badaling Great Wall: guided views and the “best-preserved” section

Badaling is the most popular and best-known Great Wall area near Beijing for a reason. In this tour, you’ll go straight to the best-preserved and most complete stretch, guided along the route your guide chooses to keep things coherent.

The aim is simple: you walk (or use the cable car, if you choose) up toward a high point for wide views. The itinerary specifically mentions the Sun-view Tower, noted for being at the highest latitude in this area. That detail matters because it’s where you start to feel the Wall’s scale—the parapets, the bends, and the long lines stretching into the distance.

Here’s the thing I appreciate: Badaling tends to be easier to manage than more rugged sections. If you want a classic Great Wall day without spending the whole time fighting steep navigation, this is likely your best bet.

What you’ll likely do on the Wall:

• Meet up with your professional guide after pickup.
• Spend about 2 hours on-site.
• Use either walking or the cable car option to reach the vantage point.

A drawback to keep in mind: crowd level at Badaling can be high (it’s the best-preserved, most popular segment). Even with a guide, it’s still a famous destination, so don’t expect solitude.

Cable car at Badaling: choose it for time, not for comfort

The tour includes the Wall admission ticket, but the cable car fee is not included. That means you get a choice, not a surprise cost.

If you’re trying to maximize views without draining your legs early, the cable car can help you arrive at the Sun-view Tower area with more energy for the walking portions. If you prefer steady exercise and don’t mind steeper segments, walking may feel more satisfying and gives you more control over your pace.

Either way, bring the mindset that Badaling is a full sightseeing zone. Even if you ride up, you’ll still spend time moving around towers, steps, and viewpoints.

Kangxi Grassland on horseback: what “all levels welcome” really means

After the Wall, you head to Kangxi Grassland, described as an original ecological prairie area around Beijing. In summer, it’s a popular resort-type destination, but the key point for you is that it’s set up for riding on a standard race course.

That matters because it’s not just “sit on a horse and hope.” The tour includes entry into the riding area and gives you 1 hour horseback riding as part of the package. You’ll also have help coordinating your ride:

• Beginners can ride at an appropriate pace.
• Experienced riders still get enjoyment from the open course.
• Staff instruction is part of the setup to help you ride safely and stay comfortable.

The operation has a specific rule mindset that you should respect. The tour instructions say:

• When mounting, stand at the left front of the horse under staff instructions.
• Riders should ride within the course and not leave the area or ride other horses without the course’s uniform management and insurance.

Those rules aren’t there to be annoying. They’re how the ride stays controlled, and they also protect you if anything goes wrong.

The reality check: horse availability can affect timing

One review included a rough moment: the guide, Kevin, managed to secure the hour ride through local coordination and ended up driving somewhere else after disputes, then waiting for horses. The wall portion still came out better than expected, but the horseback logistics didn’t go perfectly.

So here’s the practical advice: keep your expectations flexible for the riding timing. If you’re booking for a strict “only morning riding” plan, this tour is still a good fit, but plan your day mindfully and don’t treat the horse hour like a guaranteed clockwork show.

Buffet lunch and the energy math for a long day

Lunch is included, and it’s described as a buffet. A vegetarian option is available if you tell the operator when booking. That’s a helpful detail—Chinese tour buffets can be hit or miss for dietary needs, so telling them early is your best move.

In a day like this, the main value of lunch isn’t just calories. It’s timing. You’re about to ride a horse, and you’ll appreciate eating before you head to the riding field. You also get bottled water included, which helps if the day warms up.

Plan around the fact that you’re doing:

• 2 hours on the Wall
• Lunch
• 2 hours at the grassland stop, with 1 hour of horseback riding inside that block
• Plus travel time between stops

That structure is why the tour is about 9 hours total. You’ll want to be ready for a full day even if the itinerary blocks look manageable.

Price and value: how $68 stacks up (and what can cost extra)

At $68 per person, this tour is priced like a “simple, packaged day,” not a luxury private expedition. The value comes from what you get included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional guide
• Bottled water
• Lunch (buffet)
• Admission ticket for the Great Wall
• 1 hour horseback riding

That’s a lot of moving parts rolled into one fee. If you tried to stitch this together on your own—transport, Wall entry, guide, and a horse-riding session—you’d likely spend more time and often more money.

What’s not included (your potential add-ons)

The listing also flags a few extra costs:

• Cable car fee at the Great Wall
• Additional hour of horseback riding fees (if you want more time)
• Horseback riding instructor fee

So if you see yourself wanting more than the included 1 hour, that’s the main lever that can raise the total price.

My take: if you’re happy with the included riding time and you choose walking on the Wall (or you’re fine paying for the cable car), this can be a very solid value. If you want extra riding and cable car time, budget for add-ons.

When a private 1–10 group makes the day smoother

Small-group private tours do two helpful things:

1) They reduce wait-time pressure. You’re not competing with a crowd of strangers for attention.

2) They let the guide manage the day for your group.

That matters most on horseback days, where you can’t always control horse logistics. And it matters on the Wall, where a guided route helps you spend your time on viewpoints that make sense for a first visit.

Also, this tour is set up as a true private activity, so you’re not juggling multiple groups at once. If you’re traveling with family, that usually improves the vibe.

Who this suits best (and who should reconsider)

This tour looks like a strong match if you want:

• A classic Great Wall experience without over-planning
• A horseback experience that doesn’t require you to already be a seasoned rider
• A day that feels like two different worlds, not one long commute

It’s especially good for families because the horseback portion is described as welcoming riders of all levels—and children rules are clearly spelled out.

Consider a different plan if you:

• Need a guaranteed, perfectly timed horseback ride with zero chance of delay
• Have a very tight schedule where a 9-hour excursion is hard to absorb
• Are uncomfortable with any outdoor activity and stair-heavy walking on the Wall

Should you book this private Badaling and Kangxi horseback tour?

I’d book it if you’re craving that contrast: Badaling for the iconic Wall views, then Kangxi Grassland for the chance to ride in open prairie space. The included guide, pickup, lunch, Wall entry, and the 1 hour of horseback riding make it feel like a clean package for the money.

I’d hesitate only if your biggest priority is the horseback portion running perfectly on schedule, every minute. Based on real experience with guide Kevin stepping in during a riding logistics hiccup, the overall service can still be handled well—but horse operations are one part of travel you can’t fully control.

If you’re flexible and you show up ready for a full day, this is a memorable way to experience more than one side of Beijing.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s described as a private tour/activity with just your guide and a group of one to ten people.

How long is the horseback riding included?

The tour includes 1 hour of horseback riding.

What’s included in the price besides admission?

The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, lunch (buffet), the Great Wall admission ticket, and 1 hour of horseback riding.

Do I need to pay extra for the cable car at Badaling?

Yes. The cable car fee on the Great Wall is listed as not included.

Can I get a vegetarian lunch?

A vegetarian option is available. You should advise the operator at booking time.

What riding experience do I need?

Riders of all levels are welcome, and staff instructions are provided on an appropriate pace.

Are there age limits for children?

Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 7 are free, but they will be asked to ride with an adult.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, free cancellation is offered. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time for a full refund.