Looking for the ultimate Beijing city tour? This just might be it. Hit the icons, partake in local activities, ride the subway, and gain insight into life as a local right here on this Beijing city tour.
Meet your local guide at the east gate of Temple of Heaven metro station, and start your Beijing tour with a bit of morning exercise with locals in one of the city’s most popular parks and historical sites, Temple of Heaven Park. It is full of people of all ages taking part in traditional pastimes such as tai chi, fan dancing, diablo, kite flying, water calligraphy, and more.
Join in some of the activities, soaking up the park’s relaxed atmosphere. Visit the temple and ritual sites inside, where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would offer sacrifices to heaven and pray for good harvests.
From there, jump on Beijing's subway to travel to the very heart of the city for a visit to one of Beijing's icons: Tiananmen Square. As you wander through this immense square your local guide will enlighten you as to why Tiananmen is so special to the Chinese people. From there, you'll pass through the Gate of Heavenly Peace (adorned with its famous Mao portrait) to enter the famed Forbidden City. Off-limits to most of the world for 500 years, this ‘city’ houses the best preserved cluster of ancient buildings in China, and is a must-see spot in Beijing. Discover some of its secrets and legends while enjoying a tour through its many buildings.
After leaving the Forbidden City, you’ll grab a simple lunch at a local restaurant to enjoy tasty, authentic Chinese food. Then you will continue to gain a new perspective of the immensity of the Forbidden City from the top of the pagoda in Jingshan Park. High on a hill overlooking the city, this is the best place to take in stunning views of not only the Forbidden City, but the ancient heart of Beijing.
Your ultimate Beijing tour will end in Jingshan Park, where you are free to spend more time exploring, or head back into the heart of Beijing to take in more of the city’s sights.
Please Note: All participants must bring their passports to enter the Forbidden CIty. On occasion, Tiananmen Square may be closed without notice for official visits, events, or security reasons. Should this occur, the tour will enter or exit the Forbidden City through an alternative gate.