This imperial lakeside park houses the Fangshan Restaurant, Beijing’s oldest imperial restaurant. Located on a lake island, Fangshan was founded by chefs who cooked for China’s last emperor. On arrival, savor a set menu of dishes once beloved by China’s rulers, accompanied by drinks.

Afterward, stroll through Beihai and climb the man-made hill in Jingshan Park. Learn how and why the hill was built, and gaze over the beautifully lit-up Forbidden City and old part of Beijing.

Stroll along Lotus Lane in the Back Lakes (Houhai) area, seeing its night-time bars and lake waters, and take in the historical Yandai Xie hutong and Drum Tower, Beijing’s medieval timepiece.

Then, drive to Beijing’s Olympic Village. View the floodlit Bird’s Nest stadium, Water Cube, and Ling Long Pagoda here, and pass the innovative dragon-shaped Pangu complex, complete with a 7-star hotel forming its ‘tail.' Make the drive back to Tiananmen Square, and stroll around the dazzling, illuminated plaza or take photos from your vehicle—the choice is yours. Finally, admire modern Beijing’s bright lights along Chang’An Avenue before a hotel drop-off concludes your tour.