•Your knowledgeable local English-speaking private guide will meet you at the airport;
•An air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed driver will pick you up to Mutianyu Great Wall;
•We will arrange pre-booked tickets for the Forbidden City, helping you save time;
•Tickets for a round-trip cable car or toboggan ride are included;
•Special experience to learn about Chinese opera masks.
Itinerary Quick Look
We’re happy to tailor this private tour of Beijing to match your interests. Please note that the time frame is for reference only and may vary due to traffic conditions on the day of your tour.
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Ni Hao, and welcome to Beijing, the capital of China and one of its most iconic cities! Upon your arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport or the railway station, you can take a taxi on your own to your hotel in downtown Beijing for a comfortable and convenient transfer. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the nearby attractions. Feel free to ask your guide for suggestions. The guide will contact you the day before to confirm the meeting time and place.
Arrival Options: Beijing is well connected with numerous international and domestic flights. You can also arrive via high-speed train from major cities like Shanghai (5-6 hours), Xi’an (5.5 hours), and Guangzhou (8-9.5 hours).
Day 2: Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City – Jingshan Park – Temple of Heaven
After breakfast, begin your exploration of Beijing’s historical landmarks with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest city plaza. This iconic site is where Chairman Mao proclaimed the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. From here, walk directly into the Forbidden City, one of the top UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of the world’s five most important palaces. This massive imperial complex, with over 9,000 rooms, was home to 24 emperors from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties.
Afterward, head to Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City and its watchtowers. In the afternoon, explore the Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO site, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Today, it's a lively spot where locals gather to practice Tai Chi, dance, and engage in traditional activities.
End the day with a Kung Fu Show at the Red Theatre, a favorite for kids and adults alike, where you can witness the history of Chinese Kung Fu and marvel at the impressive martial arts performances.
Day 3: Summer Palace – Mutianyu Great Wall – Beijing Olympic Park
After breakfast, take a 40-minute drive to the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China. Stroll through the ancient pavilions, temples, and corridors, and enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Kunming Lake, which covers 75% of the garden’s area.
Next, drive about 1.5 hours (70km) to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved and less-crowded sections of the Great Wall, built during the Ming Dynasty. Ascend by cable car and hike along this picturesque section, known for its stunning views of the wall snaking along mountain ridges. Descend with an exciting and safe toboggan ride for a unique experience.
On the way back to Beijing, stop at Beijing Olympic Park to admire the architectural masterpieces of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from the outside. For dinner, savor the famous Peking Roast Duck, a traditional dish dating back to the Qing Dynasty.
Day 4: Beijing Zoo – Hutongs – Departure
In the morning, visit the Beijing Zoo, a must-see attraction for families, home to rare Chinese animals like the giant panda, red pandas, South China tigers, and golden snub-nosed monkeys. Arriving early will give you the best chance to see the pandas during their feeding and playtime.
Afterward, experience the traditional life of Beijing Hutongs with a rickshaw ride through the narrow alleyways of these historic neighborhoods. Visit a local family’s home to learn about life in the Hutongs and enjoy a fun Beijing Opera face-painting class, where you can create your own opera mask with guidance from a local craftsman.
Your Beijing tour concludes here. Your guide will assist you in taking a taxi to the airport or train station.
Inclusions
•Private English speaking tour guide
•Cable car or toboggan ride service
•Tian’anmen Square reservation
•Forbidden City admission ticket
•Private Guide Airport Meetup
Exclusions
•Meals
•Gratuities
•Personal expenses
•Overtime service fee
Additional Info.:
1. It’s recommended to arrive at the hotel lobby on time to help you avoid the crowds and make the most of your day.
2. In the private tour, the guide can meet you in the hotel lobby; however in the case of no private driver service, the private transfer fee is not included, meaning you will need to take a taxi, and the taxi fare will be at your own expense.
3. If tickets or tours are not purchased at least 7 days in advance, you will need to buy your own ticket and wait in line.
4. Please remember to bring your passport, as it is required for entry into certain attractions.
5. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as some parts of the tour involve moderate walking.
6. It’s a good idea to have some local currency (CNY) for small purchases, as not all places accept international credit cards.
7. On special occasions of national significance, you may not be able to enter Tiananmen Square; instead, you will have the option to view it from the car.
8. The Forbidden City is closed to the public on Mondays.