This private, three-day tour gives you plenty of time to take in Beijing's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and The Great Wall of China. And since this is a private tour, please list any special interests you have while booking, from art and architecture to history and culture, so the guide can better prepare for your Beijing experience. Meet a guide from your hotel in Beijing, then start by exploring one of the world’s largest public areas, Tian'anmen Square.

Pass through the south gate to the magnificent Forbidden City, a 250-acre (101-ha.) complex of courtyards, palaces, pavilions, and gardens that served as the imperial palace for emperors and their households for more than 500 years.

Wander through the grand courtyards and opulent halls of the Forbidden City alongside your knowledgeable guide, who will unravel the centuries-old histories and captivating anecdotes hidden within this imperial masterpiece. You’ll explore its three iconic throne halls, each with a distinct royal purpose: Hall of Great Harmony: Hosted grand state ceremonies and imperial audiences. Hall of Central Harmony: Served as the emperor’s pre-ceremony resting and preparation space. Hall of Complete Harmony: Used for ritual preparations and storing imperial jade seals.

Then move on to the imperial living quarters, where your guide will share fascinating stories behind three iconic halls: Hall of Union: Symbolized the harmony between the emperor and empress, and stored imperial seals. Hall of Heavenly Purity: Served as the emperor’s private bedroom and office for handling daily affairs. Hall of Earthly Tranquillity: The empress’s official residence, also used for royal wedding ceremonies.

Your tour of the Forbidden City will end at the Imperial Garden, after which you will exit via the north gate. We’ll then head to a local restaurant to savor authentic Peking duck—crisp, golden skin paired with tender, juicy meat, wrapped in delicate pancakes with scallions and sweet bean sauce for an iconic Beijing flavor.

In the afternoon, head to Lama Temple—a world-renowned Tibetan Buddhist monastery with a rich 300-year history, once the imperial residence of Emperor Yongzheng before he ascended the throne. Follow your guide to explore its gilded halls and intricate murals, and dive into fascinating tales of Tibetan Buddhism, from ancient rituals to the temple’s evolution from a royal mansion to a sacred spiritual sanctuary. In the evening, you may opt to enjoy a spectacular Chinese Acrobatic Show at your own expense. After the day’s adventures, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Kick off your day with a choice: opt for the iconic Badaling Great Wall or the quieter, greener Mutianyu Great Wall—the two legendary sections are totally up to you. Meet your private guide in your hotel lobby, then settle in for a 1.5-hour scenic drive to your chosen destination. Along the way, your guide will share riveting stories about the Great Wall’s 2,000-year history and military legacy—feel free to ask questions anytime. Upon arrival, you’ll take a cable car straight to the wall’s ramparts, skipping the tiring uphill hike. Your guide will walk you through the site’s historic highlights, then leave you with plenty of free time to snap photos and soak in the sweeping mountain views. If you pick Mutianyu, you can choose ski lift up and descent for a thrilling toboggan ride down the hillside—note that wait times may apply during peak travel seasons.

On your return journey to downtown Beijing, we’ll make a scenic stop for a delicious lunch before pausing at the iconic Bird’s Nest—the Beijing National Stadium. This architectural marvel played center stage as the venue for the spectacular 2008 Summer Olympics, hosting unforgettable opening and closing ceremonies as well as top-tier athletic events. Snap stunning photos of this world-famous landmark to capture a piece of Beijing’s modern sports legacy.

Continue your journey to the Drum Tower area—climb up to the tower to watch an exhilarating traditional drum performance, and let your guide unravel the fascinating stories behind Beijing’s historic central axis. From the tower’s vantage point, you’ll enjoy a sweeping panoramic view of the winding hutongs below. Then, wander through the narrow alleyways with your guide, delving into the hutongs’ centuries-old history and getting a firsthand glimpse of authentic local life. After the tour concludes, you will be transferred back to your Beijing hotel.

Today your exploration begins with the Temple of Heaven—a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture, once the sacred venue where Ming and Qing emperors held annual prayer ceremonies for harvests and national prosperity.

Your guide will walk you through its two iconic landmarks, each with a distinct royal purpose: Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests: The emperor prayed here for favorable weather and bountiful harvests, its nail-free circular design a marvel of traditional engineering. Circular Mound Altar (Secular Mountain Altar): A three-tiered stone platform for the emperor’s Winter Solstice sacrifices, with every detail symbolizing harmony between heaven and earth.

Seek out the famous Echo Wall—part of the Imperial Vault of Heaven complex—and test its remarkable acoustical magic, where whispers at one end can be clearly heard at the other. Then head to the Circular Mound Altar nearby. Along the way, your guide will share the legend of the Nine-Dragon Screen and the fascinating story of the Heavenly Heart Stone at the altar’s center—stand on this stone and speak, and your voice will echo with a divine, resonant tone. Wrap up your Temple of Heaven tour by exiting through the South Gate.

If you’re looking for unique Chinese souvenirs, carve out some time to explore the bustling Pearl Market. Your guide will share insider tips to help you master the art of haggling like a local, so you can score beautiful pearls, traditional handicrafts, and one-of-a-kind mementos at great prices.

Savor a hearty lunch at a local eatery, then set off for the Summer Palace—a meticulously preserved imperial garden, hailed as one of the world’s most exquisite classical landscapes, blending stunning natural scenery with grand royal architecture. With a history dating back to the Qing Dynasty, it once served as a lavish retreat for emperors and empresses to escape the summer heat and handle state affairs in leisure.

Your guide will lead you through its most iconic spots: Step into the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the main hall where emperors and empresses held official receptions and greeted their ministers during their stays at the palace. Next, visit the Hall of Joyful Longevity, the private residence of the powerful Empress Dowager Cixi—her de facto political headquarters during the late Qing Dynasty, where she wielded supreme authority over the imperial court for nearly half a century.

Then stroll along the Long Corridor, the world’s longest painted corridor, where every beam is adorned with vivid murals depicting Chinese myths, historical tales, and delicate floral motifs.

Finally, marvel at the Marble Boat, a striking waterfront structure built to symbolize the imperial family’s enduring power. Wander past serene Kunming Lake and lush pavilions as you soak in the garden’s timeless charm. After the tour, we’ll drop you back at your hotel.