D1 Arrive in Beijing
Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be met at the airport by your private guide and driver. Your Beijing tour begins with an exterior visit to the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, two of Beijing’s most recognizable modern landmarks and iconic venues from the 2008 Olympic Games.
After the visit, drive to your hotel and check in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and recover from your journey.
D2 Beijing City Tour: Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City & Hutong
Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel between 7:00 am and 8:30 am. Your Beijing city tour starts at Tian’anmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and an important landmark in China’s modern history. The square is surrounded by several significant monuments and historic buildings.
From Tian’anmen Square, walk into the Forbidden City, the largest and one of the best-preserved ancient imperial palace complexes in the world. With a history of more than 500 years, the Forbidden City served as the imperial palace and political center of China during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
You will explore the Forbidden City along its central north-south axis for approximately 2 hours, visiting its impressive courtyards, ceremonial halls and imperial buildings.
In the afternoon, continue to one of Beijing’s historic Hutong neighborhoods. Hutong refers to the traditional narrow alleys and residential lanes that form an important part of old Beijing. Many historic hutongs developed during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties around the Forbidden City, offering a glimpse into the city’s traditional lifestyle and architecture.
In the evening, enjoy a choice of traditional Chinese performances, including a Kung Fu show, Acrobatics show or Beijing Opera.
After the performance, your driver will take you back to your hotel.
D3 Beijing / Ming Tombs / Mutianyu Great Wall
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and drive to the Ming Tombs. You will visit Dingling, the best-preserved and most famous of the Ming imperial tombs.
Dingling is the underground mausoleum of Emperor Wanli, the 13th emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Its Underground Palace is an impressive subterranean complex with several halls and passageways. It was the first imperial tomb in China to be systematically excavated according to an archaeological plan.
Spend approximately 2 hours sightseeing at the Ming Tombs.
You will finish your visit at around 11:00 am. Before your traditional Chinese lunch at approximately 11:30 am, stop at a Jade Carving Factory for about 45 minutes. Jade carving is a famous traditional Chinese craft, combining exquisite carving techniques with elements of Chinese culture, symbolism and artistic traditions.
After lunch, drive to Mutianyu Great Wall, located in Huairou District, approximately 75 km from central Beijing.
Mutianyu is particularly famous for its beautiful natural surroundings, with dense forests and green pastures that change color with the seasons. Historically, this section of the Great Wall served as an important northern defensive barrier protecting Beijing and the imperial tombs.
Enjoy a walk along this well-preserved section of the Great Wall and admire the surrounding mountain scenery. If you would like to reach the highest points of the wall more easily, a cable car is available as an optional service.
After your Great Wall visit, return to downtown Beijing. In the evening, enjoy the famous Beijing Roast Duck at Quanjude Restaurant, one of Beijing’s traditional roast duck dining experiences.
After dinner, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
D4 Departure from Beijing
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing’s most important imperial architectural complexes.
Built for imperial ceremonies and rituals, the Temple of Heaven is renowned for its magnificent architecture and traditional Chinese design. Enjoy a final sightseeing visit before continuing to the airport or railway station for your onward journey and departure from Beijing.
End of your 4-day Beijing tour.