•Your knowledgeable local English-speaking private guide will meet you in the hotel lobby;
•An air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed driver will transport you throughout your tour;
•We will arrange pre-booked tickets for Temple of Heaven, helping you save time.
Suggested Time Slot:
(For reference only and may vary based on actual conditions)
9:00 | Hotel meet-up |
9:20-10:30 | Panjiayuan Antique Market |
11:00-12:00 | Lunch (own expense) |
12:30-14:00 | Temple of Heaven |
14:00-15:30 | Beihai Park |
16:00 | Return to hotel |
Duration: 7 hours
Note: 1. If you exceed this duration, an overtime charge of 100 CNY per hour for the driver and 100 CNY per hour for the guide will apply.
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.
Your tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby as long as the hotel is within the Fourth Ring Road in Beijing. If your hotel is outside the Fourth Ring Road, or if you need to be picked up at the train station or airport, the guide can still meet you up, but there will be an additional charge.
Panjiayuan Antique Market
Panjiayuan Antique Market, one of the largest and most iconic markets in China, is a treasure trove for antique lovers and casual shoppers alike. Spanning over 48,500 square meters, this market boasts an incredible array of curios, artifacts, and replicas of ancient objects, including knock-offs from the Tang Dynasty, exquisite paintings, and authentic antiques from various periods of Chinese history. With over 3,000 individual stalls, the market is a labyrinth of collectibles, ranging from vintage porcelain and jade carvings to old books, traditional furniture, and jewelry. You can also find Cultural Revolution memorabilia and Tibetan crafts, making it a truly diverse shopping experience.
The market operates all week, but weekends are particularly lively, attracting both locals and international visitors. Even notable figures like Hillary Clinton have been known to shop here. Whether you’re a serious collector or just looking for unique souvenirs, your guide can assist you in navigating the vast selection to match your interests. Alternatively, you can explore at your own pace, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, engaging with local vendors, and soaking up the market’s rich cultural heritage. Panjiayuan offers not just a shopping experience but also an authentic glimpse into China’s artistic and historical treasures.
Temple of Heaven
Continue your journey with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, one of the top Beijing attractions and a significant UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient site, built during the Ming Dynasty, was where Chinese emperors conducted annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests and the favor of the heavens. As one of the largest and most important imperial complexes in China, it’s renowned for its architectural, historical, and cultural significance.
Start your visit by entering through the Southern Gate, where you’ll encounter the Circular Mound Altar, a beautifully crafted, three-tiered marble platform used for sacrificial rites. From here, follow the Danbi Bridge (also known as the Sacred Way) to reach the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the centerpiece of the Temple of Heaven. This stunning hall, with its iconic blue-tiled roof and dragon motifs, is a masterpiece of traditional Chinese architecture and one of the most photographed sites in Beijing. Learn about the symbolic design of the structure, which reflects the emperor's role as the intermediary between heaven and earth.
Explore the sprawling grounds, where you’ll also find the Imperial Vault of Heaven, surrounded by the famous Echo Wall, which allows sound to travel across great distances due to its acoustic design. Visitors often test the phenomenon by speaking into one side of the wall and listening on the other.
As you wander through the park, you’ll see groups of locals practicing Tai Chi and dancing, adding a lively and authentic touch to your visit. The serene atmosphere, combined with rich history, makes the Temple of Heaven a must-see on any Beijing city tour. A visit typically lasts around 2 hours.
Beihai Park
A visit to Beihai Park in Beijing offers a peaceful retreat within one of the city’s oldest and most well-preserved imperial gardens. The park is centered around a large lake, with scenic bridges, pavilions, and lush greenery creating a tranquil atmosphere. At its heart is the iconic White Dagoba, a Tibetan-style stupa that sits atop Jade Flower Island, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Beihai Park also features beautiful temples, ancient stone carvings, and serene pathways, where visitors can admire lotus-filled ponds in the summer and enjoy ice skating on the frozen lake in the winter. It's an ideal spot to experience traditional Chinese garden design and imperial architecture, all while escaping the city's bustle.
Inclusions
•Private English speaking tour guide
•An air-conditioned vehicle with a private licensed driver
•Temple of Heaven admission tickets
•Private Guide Lobby 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, and an air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed driver will pick you up.
3. Please remember to bring your passport, as it is required for entry into certain attractions.
4. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as some parts of the tour involve moderate walking.
5. It’s a good idea to have some local currency (CNY) for small purchases, as not all places accept international credit cards.