5 Days Beijing In-depth Exploration Tour

Ni Hao, welcome to Beijing, the iconic city as well as the capital of China!

You will be met by your local tour guide at the arrival hall of your arrival airport or train station, then be escorted to check in to your hotel in downtown by a private comfortable vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to relax. If you want to explore nearby, feel free to get some practical suggestions from your tour guide.

Arrival Ideas: At present, there are many international and domestic flights to Beijing. Besides, you can take a high speed train to this capital city from Shanghai (4.5-6 hrs), Xian (4-6 hrs), Guangzhou (7.5-8 hrs), Chengdu (7.5-10 hrs), Chongqing (7-9 hrs), Hong Kong (8 hrs), etc.

Day 2 Beijing (B, L)

After breakfast, you will start a journey through Beijing's storied past with a brief visit to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public plaza. This iconic site is where Chairman Mao proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China from the imposing Tiananmen Gate.

Step through Tiananmen Gate and into the heart of imperial China - Forbidden City (Palace Museum). This vast palace complex of nearly 10,000 rooms, once home to 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties, stands as a marvel of architectural brilliance and historical grandeur. Admire the intricate details, from the dazzling yellow-glazed tile roofs to the refined white marble bases. As you explore the myriad rooms and courtyards, envision the lives of emperors, empresses, and their courtiers.

After leaving the Forbidden City, take a short walk to Jingshan Park, where you can ascend to its summit for a panoramic view. From here, marvel at the sweeping vistas of the Forbidden City to the south and the serene landscapes of Beihai Park, Shichahai Lake, and the iconic Drum Tower to the north. For unforgettable photos, make your way to one of the palace's corner towers, a favorite spot among photography enthusiasts.

Following lunch, drive to the outskirts of Beijing to experience the enchanting Summer Palace. Once the exclusive summer retreat of the imperial family, this site is renowned as China's largest and most well-preserved royal garden. Discover a stunning array of ancient pavilions, grand mansions, serene temples, and elegant bridges. The Long Corridor, stretching along the peaceful shores of Kunming Lake, is adorned with thousands of vibrant paintings that tell captivating stories of history and mythology.

Lastly, be escorted back to your hotel.

Optional Night Activities:
1) Enjoy a thrilling acrobatic show featuring incredible feats of strength, balance, and agility.
2) Or experience the classic Chinese performing art of Peking Opera at the renowned Liyuan Theater.

This morning, you'll be driven approximately 70 km (about 1.5 hours) to the iconic Mutianyu Great Wall, a less-crowded but beautiful section of this World Wonder. Begin your adventure by ascending the wall via an enclosed cable car, reaching No. 14 Watchtower, your starting point for an incredible experience. Hike westward along the wall, passing through towering watchtowers and capturing breathtaking views. The trail is moderate, suitable for most fitness levels, including families with children. For the more adventurous, challenge yourself by climbing the Great Man Slope to No. 20 Watchtower, the highest point, offering an even more spectacular vista. After exploring the wonderful sightseeing, hike back to No. 14 Watchtower and descend by the enclosed cable car.

Optional Toboggan Experience: For an extra thrill at Mutianyu, travelers (under 60 years old) may consider taking the toboggan ride to descend the Great Wall, available at No. 6 Watchtower. Note that there might be a queue, especially during peak seasons like Chinese holidays.

Continue your trip to Sacred Way, a 7-kilometer-long passage leading to the Imperial Tombs of the 13 Emperors of the Ming Dynasty. The Emperor, known as the Son of Heaven, would travel from Heaven to his country through the Sacred Way and return to Heaven through this road. Take a walk through the largest archway in China and the Great Palace Gate, and you'll see the magnificent stone guard statues of 12 sets of mythical animals and 12 officials. Then, drive back to Beijing and take a short stop at the Beijing Olympic Village to view its famous Bird's Nest and Water Cube from the outside.

Lastly, be escorted back to your hotel.

Optional Night Activity: After the day's tour, treat yourself to a great dinner and taste the famous Peking Roasted Duck, a world-renowned dish with crisp skin and juicy meat.

After breakfast, you'll be escorted to the National Museum of China, home to over 1 million artifacts spanning from 1.7 million years ago to the present. The centerpiece is the Ancient China Exhibit, featuring significant treasures such as the fish-patterned basin with a human face (5000-3000 BC), the Four-goat Square Zun (1400-1100 BC), the Houmuwu square cauldron (1300-1046 BC), the Eastern Han Dynasty tomb figurine of a storyteller (25-220 AD), the Neolithic Jade Dragon (about 5000 years ago), and the Ming Dynasty Phoenix crown of Empress Xiaoduan (1368-1644 AD), the Sanxingdui bronze mask (3600-3100 years ago), etc.. With your guide's insights, you'll gain a vivid understanding of China's historical legacy.

Following this cultural immersion at the museum and after lunch, visit the Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe Temple. This site merges Han and Tibetan architectural styles, providing a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhism. Admire its notable Buddha statues, multilingual scriptures, and detailed design.

Then, walk ahead 10 minutes get to Confucius Temple - where emperors of the past worshiped Confucius, as well as the Imperial College at Guozijian - an ancient imperial colleague for high-ranking scholars in history. The historic halls and courtyards feature classical architecture, emphasizing its role in educating scholars and officials. This visit offers a deep insight into Confucian principles and their lasting impact on Chinese culture.

After breakfast, drive to Temple of Heaven, a historic site once used by emperors for sacrificial ceremonies. As you explore this grand complex of buildings and gardens, you'll discover the rituals and beliefs of the Ming and Qing emperors, who sought divine blessings for good harvests through intricate ceremonies. Beyond its historical importance, you'll observe vibrant local life, with residents practicing Tai Chi, dancing, and engaging in various exercises among the lush pine woods.

Then get back to the central city to hop on a rickshaw to experience the Beijing Hutongs - narrow alleys lined with historic quadrangle dwellings. This journey will immerse you in the traditional Beijing lifestyle, where you can explore charming antique shops, boutique stores, and witness the city's historical evolution. You'll also visit a local family's home in the Hutongs, offering a glimpse into everyday life.

Hutong Optional Activities: Hutong offers a variety of engaging classes (additional cost) for you to explore, including Chinese Paper Cutting, Chinese Brush Calligraphy, and Face Mask Painting. You can choose to participate in any of these activities to deepen your understanding of Beijing culture, all under the guidance of a skilled instructor.For those interested, we recommend booking a train departure after 4:00pm or a flight after 6:00pm.

Your Beijing tour is now about to end. Your tour guide will escort you to catch your flight/train to next destination.