Brief Beijing Stay
Experience Seamless Care from Arrival to Departure – Absolutely Worry-Free!
This thoughtfully designed tour is perfect for travelers with limited time in Beijing. Whether you’re taking advantage of a layover or simply want to make the most of a short trip, this tour provides a comprehensive overview of the city’s iconic attractions. During this tour, you will have a quality time to explore the magnificence of the Great Wall of China by visiting Mutianyu section, as well as get a view of the modern buildings in the Olympic Park. Besides, you won’t miss two other icons of Beijing – historical Forbidden City and traditional Hutongs, both offer a probe into Beijing. All the itinerary can be customized to meet your schedule, it is also available to start the tour from your hotel directly. Feel free to tell your needs to your travel consultant, and start a tour according in your own pace and style.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR
- Be picked up by private car and English-speaking guide upon your arrival and enjoy a worry-free transfer to hotel and different attractions;
- Not only visit Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven to explore absolutely unmissable collection of imperial architecture, but also appreciate a bird's-eye vista of Forbidden City from Jingshan Park;
- Hike along the man-made wonder – less-crowded Mutianyu Great Wall which is renowned for its Ming Dynasty watchtowers and stirring views;
- Get some perspective of the old Beijing's local life by strolling or riding a rickshaw on Hutongs, Beijing's lovely alleyways.
Itinerary Day by Day (Can Be Customized)
Airport/Railway Station Pick Up
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.
Temple of Heaven - Mutianyu Great Wall - Bird's Nest & Water Cube
After breakfast, 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.
After the Temple of Heaven visit, 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 or the chairlift cable car to descend the Great Wall, both available at No. 6 Watchtower. Note that there might be a queue, especially during peak seasons like Chinese holidays.
Next, drive back to Beijing City 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.
Tiananmen Square - Forbidden City - Jingshan Park - Hutongs - Departure
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. This vast palace complex, 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.
After lunch, go 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.
Tips: In order to enjoy this day’s itinerary at a comfortable space, you are suggested to book a flight departing after 18:00.
What's included?
- Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
- Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4-star standard);
- Necessary vehicle transfers as listed in the itinerary;
- Luggage Transfers: between airports (railway station) and hotels;
- All meals as listed ("B" for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; "L" for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; "D" for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.);
- Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.
What's excluded?
- China visa;
- Personal expenses;
- Accommodation not listed in the itinerary;
- Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary;
- Recommended optional activities;
- Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary;
- Excess Baggage Charges;
- Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Important Beijing Travel Notes
Beijing applies to the 240-Hour Transit Visa Exemption. Citizens of 50+ countries who hold an ordinary passport with at least 3 months of validity and an onward flight, train, or cruise ticket to a third country (or region) within 240 hours can transit in designated areas of 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China’s Mainland for up to 240 hours without a visa. With the new policy, you are allowed to travel across provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities within the permitted stay areas. For example, you could fly into Beijing and then visit cities like Xian, Shanghai and Zhangjiajie, as long as your total stay does not exceed the 240-hour limit.
China also has many other visa-free policies, such as 30-day visa free, APEC holders visa free, etc. Check more information »
The itinerary in this tour can be customized according to your own interests and needs. Usually, Mutianyu Great Wall is the top recommended among several sections of Great Wall in and around Beijing, because it's less crowded, fully-restored and quite family-friendly. If you want to explore the primitive appearance of Great Wall and want a memorable hiking experience in lesser known sections, consider hiking less-traveled sections like Jinshanling, Simatai, Huanghuacheng, etc. It is also available to choose some other attractions based on your interest. Besides, you can visit a local family in Beijing Hutongs, or take part in some other interested activities. If you have any personal travel ideas, feel free to tell us.
As China's capital and a top tourist destination, Beijing is equipped with numerous hotels and restaurants for your choice. Undoubtedly, every traveler can stay in Beijing with great comfort. There are enough luxury hotels with good location and best value. It is also easy to find many comfortable 4-star hotels and economical hotels. You can choose one hotel according to your tour itinerary and budget. Beijing also offers a large number of choices of food – from multi-course cuisine to various street food to satisfy your taste bud.
Beijing boasts a well-developed transportation network, making it accessible from both international and domestic cities. There are many daily flights from Europe (London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Amsterdam, etc.), America (Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Washington, etc.), Asia (Singapore, Tokyo, Taipei, Macao, etc.) and Oceania to Beijing. Additionally, domestic flights from over 120 cities in mainland China, including major hubs like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming, Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Chengdu, make reaching Beijing convenient.
With a temperature monsoon climate, Beijing enjoys four distinctive seasons. It has warm spring (March ~ May), hot summer (June ~ August), cool autumn (September ~ November) and cold winter (December ~ February). Visiting Beijing in different seasons allows you to see different featured scenery, but the best time to visit Beijing is spring and autumn because you can enjoy the most comfortable weather. It is also important to avoid visiting Beijing in China's big festivals, including May Day, Tomb Sweeping Day, Dragon's Boat Day and National Day when most of the scenic areas will be crowded and it will be common to meet traffic jam.
If you have more days in China, you are strongly suggested to extend your tour to another two top tourist destinations - ancient Xi’an and modern Shanghai. This combination provides a comprehensive view of China's historical and contemporary highlights. A tour combining these three cities will help you get a first panoramic view of China. For a more enriching experience, you can visit Guilin for its stunning karst landscapes or take a Yangtze River cruise for a relaxing holiday.
