You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Beijing or Capital International Airport in the morning. After lunch, your guided tour starts with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Temple of Heaven. Located in the southern section of Beijing, the temple was the center of imperial ceremonial life during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Built more than 500 years ago during the reign of Emperor Yongle, and later renovated while Emperor Qianlong ruled, the Temple of Heaven is a masterpiece of ancient architecture.

Leaving the temple complex, walk to the famous Hongqiao pearl and clothing market. Known as one of the best places in China to buy pearls, the market stalls also sell clothes, shoes, games and handicrafts. In the evening, relax in the comfort of your centrally located hotel or venture out on your own to explore Beijing’s nightlife. Your guide will be happy to recommend local establishments for dinner.

After breakfast, head to nearby Tiananmen Square, known as the world's largest public square. Walk through the historic area with your guide, who will point out notable monuments like the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, located at the southern end. If the monument is open, you'll line up and take a tour inside. (Note: The mausoleum is closed on Mondays.) When you reach the famous Tiananmen Gate (Gate of Heavenly Peace) at the north end, pass through this entrance to the Forbidden City.

As the imperial residence, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has seen countless battles and reconstruction. Marvel at architecture dating back to the early 15th century as you tour four palatial halls that served as a ceremonial and political center of the Chinese government for centuries. An extensive collection of artwork and artifacts from the Ming and Qing dynasties are housed here. Please note: The maximum capacity for the Forbidden City has been reduced from 80,000 visitors a day to 30,000 a day after the pandemic. This now has a big impact on the availability of Forbidden City tickets to both tour groups and individual visitors, especially during high domestic travel season from March to October. As a tour company, we will also have to snap up the entrance through the app at least 9 days before the visiting date. And we are not sure of the results, because it's out of our control. If we fail to get the entrance for Forbidden City, we will visit the Temple of Heaven instead.

Stop at a Beijing hutong, an alley lined by traditional courtyard residences, and immerse yourself in the lifestyle of a typical Beijing local. These residences hold cultural significance in Beijing society and provide a stark contrast to the sights you will have seen earlier in the day. Later, enjoy a night of entertainment at a Beijing acrobatics show - a mind-blowing display of seemingly impossible feats and tricks, such as juggling porcelain urns and balancing on unevenly stacked chairs!

After fortifying yourself with breakfast, drive to the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, located in Huairou County just 43 miles (70 km) northeast of central Beijing. This section of the Great Wall, which connects Jiankou in the west and Lianhuachi in the east, includes a 1-mile (2.5-km) stretch where you’ll spend a few hours walking with your guide. Explore some of the 22 watchtowers dating back to the Ming Dynasty and take in panoramic views of the valley, which extends on both sides of the winding granite wall lined with green trees and flowers. On this private tour of the Great Wall, walk at your own pace with the benefit of your guide’s undivided attention.

Afternoon visit the gorgeous Summer Palace with your guide and marvel at the splendid pavilions on one side and natural landscapes of hills and open water on the other.

After breakfast, you are free to depart at any time. You’ll be transferred back to the airport, train station or another hotel by private vehicle if you decide to extend your stay in Beijing.