📅 Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your English-speaking guide will meet you at Beijing Capital (PEK) or Daxing (PKX) airport with a private vehicle. Transfer to your hotel in the city center (approximately 45–90 minutes depending on airport and traffic).
After checking in and freshening up, take a leisurely stroll down Wangfujing Street, one of Beijing's most famous shopping avenues. Browse the boutiques, snack stalls, and century-old shops. In the evening, enjoy an authentic Peking Duck dinner at a renowned restaurant — crispy skin carved tableside, served with thin pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce.
- Private airport transfer (both airports available)
- Hotel check-in assistance
- Wangfujing walking tour (1–2 hours)
- Welcome Peking Duck dinner included
Start the morning at Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public plazas. Walk through the Gate of Heavenly Peace to enter the Forbidden City (Palace Museum), the imperial palace complex of the Ming and Qing dynasties spanning 720,000 square meters with over 980 buildings.
Your guide will lead you through the Three Great Halls (Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony), the Imperial Garden, and the Palace of Heavenly Purity. Learn about imperial court life, the 24 emperors who lived here, and the symbolism behind the architecture.
Exit from the north gate and climb Jingshan Park for a stunning panoramic view over the golden rooftops of the entire Forbidden City — the classic postcard shot of Beijing.
- Tiananmen Square walk (30 min)
- Forbidden City full tour (3–4 hours)
- Jingshan Park hilltop viewpoint
- Lunch at a local restaurant near the palace
Drive approximately 1.5 hours northeast to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, widely regarded as the most beautiful and best-preserved section open to tourists. Unlike Badaling, Mutianyu receives fewer crowds and offers a more authentic experience.
Take the cable car up to Wall Watchtower 14, then hike along the wall toward Watchtower 20 for breathtaking views of the wall snaking across mountain ridges. For the adventurous, try the toboggan slide down from the wall — a thrilling ride through the forest. Your guide will share stories of the wall's construction, defense strategies, and the dynasties that built it.
On the return drive, pass by the 2008 Olympic Village — see the iconic Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube from the outside.
- Private vehicle transfer (1.5 hrs each way)
- Mutianyu entrance ticket + cable car included
- Optional toboggan (additional cost)
- 2–3 hours on the Wall
- Olympic Village photo stop
Begin the day at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties held annual ceremonies of prayer for good harvests. Join local residents for a morning Tai Chi experience in the park — your guide can arrange a brief session with a local practitioner. Walk the Circular Mound Altar and marvel at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, an architectural masterpiece built entirely without nails.
In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. Stroll along the Long Corridor (728 meters of painted artwork), visit the Marble Boat, and climb to the Cloud-Dispelling Hall for views over Kunming Lake. Enjoy a dragon boat ride across the lake for a different perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Temple of Heaven + Tai Chi experience
- Summer Palace full tour (3 hours)
- Kunming Lake boat ride included
- Traditional Chinese lunch
Discover the soul of old Beijing in the hutongs — the narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes (siheyuan). Board a rickshaw for a ride through the Shichahai area, passing by centuries-old residences, small temples, and willow-lined canals.
Visit a local family in their courtyard home to learn about daily life, traditional customs, and perhaps try your hand at dumpling making. This intimate cultural exchange is a highlight for many visitors.
After the hutong tour, return to your hotel to collect luggage. Your guide and driver will provide a private transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
- Hutong rickshaw tour (1 hour)
- Local family courtyard visit
- Optional: Dumpling-making experience
- Private airport transfer
💡 Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn (Sep–Nov) offer the most comfortable weather with clear skies and mild temperatures. Summer can be hot and humid; winter is cold but offers stunning snow-dusted views of the Great Wall.
What to Pack
Comfortable walking shoes (lots of walking at the Forbidden City and Great Wall), sun protection (hat, sunscreen), a light jacket for spring/autumn evenings, and a small backpack for water and snacks.
Getting to Beijing
Beijing has two international airports: Capital (PEK) and Daxing (PKX). Both are connected by express trains and highways. High-speed rail also connects Beijing to Shanghai (4.5 hrs), Xi'an (4.5 hrs), and other major cities.
Tips & Notes
Forbidden City tickets must be booked in advance (limited daily quota). The Great Wall involves significant walking and stairs — reasonable fitness required. Passport required for all major attractions.