5 Days Classic Beijing Tour with In-depth Great Wall Experience

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.

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.

In the morning, your tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to Jinshanling Great Wall, which is about a 2.5-hour drive (160 km). Known as one of the best-preserved and most picturesque sections of the Great Wall, it features in steep mountains and dense, ornate towers. This section is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts and photographers.

From the entrance of the scenic area, you'll walk about 20 minutes to Zhuanduo Tower. Then, start your hike eastward along the undulating wall winding through stunning and remote mountainous terrain. The entire hiking route from Zhuanduokou to Eastern Wuyan Tower typically spans 3-4 hours. During your hike, you’ll encounter several notable towers: General Tower, Small Jinshan Tower, Big Jinshan Tower, Flower Tower, and Corner Tower. Each of these towers features distinctive architectural elements and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the wall itself. This journey promises not only a physical challenge but also a deeply immersive experience into the grandeur of the Great Wall, providing countless opportunities for stunning photographs and moments of awe.

Customizable Hiking Route: There are multiple exit points for descending the Wall during your hike, allowing for a tailor-made itinerary based on your physical condition. You have the option to take a cable car (additional fee required) to descend from Xiaojinshan Tower, or walk down from the Houchuankou Tower to shorten your route. Feel free to share your preferences with your travel guide during the trip.

After descending the Wall, take a shuttle bus back to the tourist center. From there, you'll drive approximately 30 minutes to Gubei Water Town for your accommodation.

This morning, you'll begin your hike from Watchtower No. 2 to Watchtower No. 10 on the Simatai Great Wall. The climb is challenging, but the sight of the majestic walls winding up the mountain ridges, resembling a giant axe's cut, is truly spectacular. As you walk, you'll enjoy views of the Jinshanling Great Wall stretching to the west and a bird’s-eye view of Gubei Water Town. Watchtower No. 10 is the highest point of the scenic area of Simatai Great Wall. Reaching this summit requires traversing unrestored paths without sidewalls, adding to the adventure. After taking in the views, you'll hike back to Watchtower No. 8 and then walk to the cable car station, where you can take a cable car to descend the Wall to avoid retracing your route.

After the hike, drive back to your hotel in Beijing.

Extensive Trip Idea: We highly recommend an optional visit to Gubei Water Town, located at the base of the Simatai Great Wall. This charming area offers scenic highlights such as picturesque lakes, elegant bridges, and delightful boat rides. If you're interested and your schedule allows, let your travel consultant know in advance. This way, you can experience the enchanting beauty of Gubei Water Town both by day and by night during your 2-day hiking trip.

After breakfast, you will visit 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.

Optional Activity: If time permits, you may join a class on Traditional Chinese Paper Cutting in the Hutong area. Learn to create beautiful designs and motifs with the guidance of a skilled teacher.

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