Choose from 3 flexible packages for this exclusive tour: 1: travel via the city’s efficient subway system. 2: enjoy round-trip private car transfers from your hotel. 3: upgrade to the premium private car package with a delicious dim sum meal. Your guide will meet you in your hotel lobby at your pre-selected pickup time, then you’ll head straight to Lama Temple. Once a princely residence of Emperor Yongzheng before he ascended the throne, the site was converted into a lamasery for Tibetan and Mongolian monks in 1744. Wander through its serene courtyards and halls with your knowledgeable guide, who will share insights into its transformation from a royal abode to a sacred Buddhist temple, the rise of Yellow Sect Tibetan Buddhism in China, and local perspectives on Buddhism. Admire the temple’s 3 renowned treasures: the world’s largest sandalwood Buddha statue, the bronze Buddhas representing the past, present and future, and the intricate 500-Arhat-Hill.

Next, head to Tian’anmen Square—the world’s largest downtown square located at the core of Beijing’s central axis. After entering the square, you’ll admire iconic buildings from the outside, including the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum, the Monument to the People's Heroes, and Tian’anmen Gate. Your guide will share fascinating stories and historical insights behind these landmark structures, deepening your understanding of their cultural and national significance. Please note that during peak seasons and special dates, the square implements extremely strict security checks. Queue times may last 1 to 2 hours, so we kindly ask for your advance awareness and understanding to ensure a smooth tour.

Pass through the south gate to the magnificent Forbidden City, a 250-acre complex of courtyards, palaces, pavilions and gardens, which served as the imperial palace for emperors and their households for more than 500 years. The Forbidden City was the imperial palace from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is located in the middle of Beijing, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government.

Follow your tour guide to explore the most important buildings along the Forbidden City’s central axis, including the Hall of Great Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Complete Harmony. The Hall of Great Harmony served as the imperial throne hall, hosting grand ceremonies such as coronations, imperial weddings, and celebrations of major festivals during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Hall of Central Harmony was the emperor’s resting place where he would pause to adjust his attire and receive briefings from officials before proceeding to ceremonies. The Hall of Complete Harmony functioned as the venue for the emperor to review memorials and practice rituals prior to important events.

Continue on to the imperial living quarters, where you’ll visit the Hall of Heavenly Purity, the Hall of Union, and the Hall of Earthly Tranquility. The Hall of Heavenly Purity served as the emperor’s bedroom and study in the Ming dynasty, later becoming the venue for imperial succession ceremonies in the Qing dynasty. The Hall of Union was a sacred space for storing imperial seals, while the Hall of Earthly Tranquility was the imperial bridal chamber for Qing emperors’ weddings and the empress’s residence. Your guide will regale you with intriguing tales of the emperor, his family, and the daily lives of concubines and eunuchs who once inhabited these opulent yet secluded chambers.

Conclude your Forbidden City exploration at the Imperial Garden—a lush, centuries-old oasis dotted with exotic rock formations, ancient pines, and elegant pavilions, serving as the former imperial family’s private retreat to relax and unwind away from courtly duties. Your Forbidden City tour wraps up right here. If you’ve opted for the subway package, your guide will point you to the nearest taxi stands and subway stations for your onward journey (at your own expense). For those who chose the private car package, our driver will transfer you back to your downtown hotel directly. If you selected the premium private car & dim sum package, your guide will escort you to savor a authentic dim sum meal—either lunch or dinner, tailored to your departure time—before sending you back to your hotel comfortably.