Tour Code: bj-4
Departure Date: Daily
Features: Private Tour Guide Private Car & Driver Authentic Local Restaurants
China has over 5,000 years of rich past, and Beijing was the epicenter of many of these chapters and harbors some of the most influential historical and cultural sites in the country. On this 6 day tour, discover this immense metropolis both in its ancient and modern ways, and learn what is really the Chinese way of life.
Your first day in China with us will be a simple transit day. On arrival into Beijing, we will transfer you to your hotel where you can arrange your things and explore the surrounding area on your own. Be sure to ask us for suggestions on things to see, do, and eat.
Start your third day at the Tiananmen Square which is in many ways the entrance to the Forbidden City both figuratively and literally. This is where the national flag raising ceremony is held, as well as various cultural events throughout the year. Nearby you will see Tiananmen Tower, the Monument to People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao, the founder of communist China.
Continue towards the Forbidden City which is the site of 980 imperial buildings whose constructions began in the Ming Dynasty. Overall, the complex was home to 24 of China’s grand emperors of Ming and Qing Dynasty. Your tour will guide you through the complex square, halls, gates, corridors, galleries, collections of priceless treaures, and much more of this massive architectural cluster.
Dine at a local restaurant nearby and learn a bit about local Beijing life in the afternoon. Beijing is characterized by its ancient residential areas known as hutongs, found in a style that is not popular elsewhere in China. These living zones have old homes with courtyards, single stories, and typical families. Although many of these Beijing hutongs are rapidly disappearing due to modern development and urbanization, the people are very proud of their traditional homes. Explore on foot and via rickshaw ride with us, and conclude at the Silver Ingot Bridge.
The Temple of Heaven, which was constructed in the Ming Dynasty over a period of 14 years, is a complex of Taoist religious buildings in the capital city. Here, the emperors used to pray for the success and bountiful harvests of their lands. It wasn’t until 1918, however, that the Temple of Heaven was open to the public. After visiting the buildings complex, enjoy the atmosphere of the nearby park where you will find thousands of older citizens practicing all forms of physical and mental exercises particularly in the morning.
Your guide will then take you to the Mutianyu Great Wall section which is one of the best restored areas of the construction. The original structure was built in the 6th century, but over time it has been amended and changed, with the most recent update in 1569. Mutianyu Pass, added in 1404, has 3 watchtowers which are connected together, a rare feature along the entire Great Wall.
Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restautant near the Great Wall and you will have the chance to visit a Cloisonne Factory where a master artist will teach you about this delicate and classic art which involves colored enamels and metalwork pieces.
Dive deeper into what the capital has to offer at the Beijing Capital Museum. The museum has 7 floors in total which showcases collections of items including porcelain, bronze, jade, seals, needlework, Buddhist statues, calligraphy, and much more. There are more than 5,600 relics to be seen from throughout China's eras. Rotating temporary exhibits always offer something new.
Next, go to Lama Temple which is also named Yonghe Lamasery, a monastery for Tibetan Buddhist monks. The site is still full of worshippers and devout followers who arrive daily. Your guide will tell you about the temple’s rich past. Here you will also witness the world's largest wooden statue which is of the Buddha.
Stepping into Guozijian afterwards. Founded in the year 1306, Guozijian is also known as the Beijing Imperial Academy which was an imperial college during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties and the architecture here is truly stunning.
Enjoy a fine meal at a local restautant and take a very fun turn in your trip to the Beijing Zoo. There are more than 450 species and 5,000 animals in total such as endemic Chinese types in addition to the usual favorites such as polar bears, American bison, zebras, kangaroos, giraffes, and elephants. The zoo hosts 16 different exhibition areas with Panda Hall always filled with visitors. Also be sure to stop by the Beijing Aquarium!
Take a dip into the bohemian and artsy side of the capital metropolis. At the 798 Art District, you will find hundreds of old warehouses and factories which have since been turned into brilliant and creative art galleries hosted by some of China’s most innovative minds. In addition, you will see artist studios, design companies, fashion shops, bars, cafes, boutiques, and more. The 798 Art District is a symbol of the nation's growing art scene both domestically and internationally.
Next visit the Beijing Olympic Stadium which was the site of the 2008 Summer Olympics which propelled China onto the international scene once and for all. You will pass by the exteriors of the National Stadium (dubbed the Bird's Nest) and the National Aquatics Center (known as the Water Cube).
At lunchtime, dine at a local restaurant which serves great local food. Finally, enjoy a trip through the Summer Palace which includes a short boat ride and journey to the Garden of Virtue and Harmony. It is the best preserved and largest imperial garden in the country. Throughout the site you will also stumble upon ancient temples and pavilions which give way to impressive views.
When you are ready, our private car or van will take you to Beijing airport for your outbound journey. Thank you for exploring amazing China with us!
We use different hotels for different tour classes while the itinerary is the same. Deluxe Class is usually staying at a 5-star hotel, Superior Class at a 4-star hotel and Tourist Class at a 3-star level hotel. The prices for one person are based on sharing twin hotel rooms with another guest. A supplement is necessary if you want to book single rooms. And the prices may rise during national holidays, such as the National Day (September 30th to October 6th) and Chinese New Year (late January or early February)
Sally Guo
Travel Advisor