Beijing Trip Overview
Visit several top attractions in the north of Beijing’s old city center on this layover tour. Learn about the cultural importance of ancestor worship; have a bird’s eye view of Forbidden City from Jingshan; experience the original Beijing atmosphere in Hutong and enjoy an excellent view of drumming performance at Drum Tower. Walking along Hutong will let you experience the Hutong atmosphere like no other form of transport.
1. Visit the UNESCO-listed Ming Tombs, a series of mausoleums to the ancient rules of the Ming Dynasty
2. Have a bird’s eye view of the Forbidden City
3. Lunch and traditional food are included, with vegetarian options available
4. Learn about local insights, history, and geography from your guide
5. Pickup and drop-off included from Beijing Capital International Airport or nearby hotel
Additional Info
Duration: 8 to 9 hours
Starts: Beijing, China
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Beijing Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Beijing, Beijing, China
Visit several top attractions in the north of Beijing’s old city center on this layover tour. Learn about the cultural importance of ancestor worship; have a bird’s eye view of Forbidden City from Jingshan; experience the original Beijing atmosphere in Hutong and enjoy an excellent view of drumming performance at Drum Tower. Walking along Hutong will let you experience the Hutong atmosphere like no other form of transport.
1. Visit the UNESCO-listed Ming Tombs, a series of mausoleums to the ancient rules of the Ming Dynasty
2. Have a bird’s eye view of the Forbidden City
3. Lunch and traditional food are included, with vegetarian options available
4. Learn about local insights, history, and geography from your guide
5. Pickup and drop-off included from Beijing Capital International Airport or nearby hotel
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Ming Tombs (Ming Shishan Ling), Ming Shisan Ling Area, Changling Town, Changping District, Beijing 102213 China
Your tour guide will meet you at at exit of the airport with the welcoming board on which your name will be written at 08:30 a.m.. Then, we will transfer to the Ming Tombs and start the highlight day tour.
The Ming Tombs are a must-see for history buffs.
A series of temple-like structures and burial mounds, the Ming Tombs contain the remains of 13 of the 16 emperors who ruled China during the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644). Of the 13 tombs, three are open to the public and accessible via a statue-lined path called the Sacred Way, where the carvings of mythical animals and legendary figures are believed to ward off evil spirits. The Ming Tombs Museum sits just behind the ticket office and offers a short introduction to each of the 13 entombed emperors.
Then, we will back to Beijing downtown and other Beijing highlights. At noon, we will taste traditional food for lunch.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Bell and Drum Towers, Di’anmen Wai Main Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100006 China
The Drum Tower was equipped with bronze clepsydras and drums that were beaten to mark the hours. The drum was beaten quickly for 18 times and then slowly for 18 times to mark the hour. You have the opportunity to climb to the top of Drum tower for an excellent view of drumming performance which lasts for 20 minutes.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Back Lakes (Hou Hai), Shicha Lake Scenic Resort, Xicheng District, Beijing 100009 China
Houhai, which literally means “Back Sea”, is a large artificial lake in northern downtown Beijing. There were many wine shops, workshops and opera stages in ancient times. Nowadays, it is open to all.
We will stroll along Lotus Lane in the Back Lakes (Houhai) area, see its night-time bars and lake waters, taste some local traditional snacks and take in the historical Yandaixiejie Hutong and Nanluoguxiang Hutong.
Yandai Xie Street (烟袋斜街胡同)
Know as Yandai Xiejie in Chinese, the Yandaixie Street is one of the oldest hutongs in Beijing. Located in the Xicheng District, it is close to the Shichahai which are famous attractions in Beijing.
Since the olden days, Yandaixiejie Street has been one of the most flourishing commercial areas in Beijing. The stores are closely packed along the street and a wide variety of souvenirs with Beijing characteristics can be found there.
Nanluoguxiang Hutong (南锣鼓巷)
Nanluoguxiang Hutong is known for its authentic Beijing atmosphere. The age-old siheyuans, archways, wall carvings, and former residences of socialites can be found there. Today there has been an unprecedented fusion of East and West in Nanluoguxiang Hutong, where new pubs and restaurants have given it an urban appearance.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Jingshan Park (Jingshan Gongyuan), No.44 Jingshanxi Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100009 China
Jingshan Park is superbly landscaped with hills to ascend by steps, clear lakes and dignified ancient buildings. It used to be one of the ancient imperial gardens in Beijing, and now has developed as a peaceful public park.
Because of close to north of the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park is the best place for a bird’s eye view of the Forbidden City and central Beijing. This park is open after dark, until 9pm in summer and 8pm in winter.
At dusk, the Forbidden City is particularly beautiful, palace eaves decorated with golden rays of the setting sun.
Afterwards, enjoy comfortable transfer back to Beijing Capital International Airport to catch your flight or your hotel. Wrap your memories and say good-bye.
Duration: 1 hour
