5-Day Beijing Imperial Heritage, Hutong Life and Peking Duck
Journey Overview
Visit iconic Beijing imperial landmarks including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall. Capture panoramic views of the Forbidden City from Jingshan Hill, explore ancient alleyways via hutong rickshaw, take part in a hands-on Chinese calligraphy workshop, and savor authentic Peking duck feast.
Journey Highlights
- Enjoy a sweeping bird’s-eye panorama of the entire Forbidden City complex from the summit of Jingshan Park.
- Hike the well-preserved Mutianyu Great Wall to appreciate the grandeur of ancient Chinese defensive architecture.
- Roam Shichahai historic zone and ride a traditional hutong rickshaw to discover authentic local old Beijing life.
Detailed Itinerary
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize every detail according to your interests and schedule.
Airport Pick-up
Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to a hotel in the city for check-in. After arrival, free time to rest.
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park & Peking Duck
Morning: Visit Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square, then enter the Palace Museum (Forbidden City) – explore the magnificent imperial palaces, halls and gardens that housed Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years.
Afternoon: Climb Jingshan Park to the top pavilion for a sweeping bird's-eye panorama of the entire Forbidden City complex along the central axis.
Evening: Savor the famous Peking duck, then transfer back to the hotel.
Mutianyu Great Wall - Summer Palace - Bird's Nest Water Cube
Morning: Drive to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall – hike along the well-preserved fortifications, enjoy breathtaking mountain views, and take the cable car up (cable car included; toboggan slide down at own expense).
Afternoon: Continue exploring Mutianyu Great Wall at a leisurely pace. Visit the watchtowers and learn about their military defense functions from your guide. Free time for sightseeing and photography. After the Great Wall tour ended visit the Summer Palace – stroll through the imperial garden, walk along the Long Corridor with its painted beams.
Evening: Head to Olympic Park for exterior night view of the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), admire the illuminated landmark buildings.
Temple of Heaven → Prince Gong’s Mansion → Shichahai → Hutong Rickshaw & Calligraphy Experience
Morning: Visit the Temple of Heaven – the imperial altar where Ming and Qing emperors prayed for good harvests. Then explore Prince Gong's Mansion, one of the best-preserved Qing dynasty princely residences with elegant gardens.
Afternoon: Stroll around the Shichahai historic lakeside area, then take a traditional hutong rickshaw ride through the old alleyways to experience authentic local Beijing life.
Evening: Join an immersive Chinese calligraphy workshop with an English-speaking instructor – learn basic brush techniques and take home your own handwritten calligraphy piece.
Drop-off
Transfer to the airport or train station by private vehicle according to your departure schedule. Tour concludes.
Journey Inclusions & Exclusions
- Transportation: Private air-conditioned vehicle for airport transfers and all scheduled sightseeing.
- Guide Service: Professional English-speaking guide during the scheduled sightseeing days.
- Entrance Tickets: Admission to the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Mutianyu Great Wall, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven and Prince Gong's Mansion.
- Included Experiences: Mutianyu cable car ascent, hutong rickshaw ride, and Chinese calligraphy workshop with materials.
- Accommodation: Four nights at a selected 3-star hotel with daily breakfast, based on twin sharing.
- Meals: Daily hotel breakfast and one Peking duck meal.
- Tour Management & Service Fees: Attraction reservations, tour coordination and related service charges.
- Taxes: All applicable local taxes.
- Flights & Visa: International or domestic flights and China visa fees.
- Meals: Lunches and dinners not specified under Price Includes.
- Optional Activities: Mutianyu toboggan slide and other optional or self-paid activities.
- Personal Expenses: Drinks, shopping, hotel incidentals and other personal consumption.
- Single Supplement: Additional charge for single-room occupancy.
- Gratuities: Tips for the guide and driver.
- Other Costs: Any service or expense not specifically listed under Price Includes.