Beijing Day Trip of the Forbidden City, Hutong, Beihai Park and the Lama Temple

Beijing, China

Although Beijing has modernized along with the rest of the country there are still a lot of historical charms remaining. This is a full day tour with an English-speaking guide through the historical city center that will introduce you to the city’s most famous, picturesque and inspiring historical sites. From the ancient residential alleys and slow-paced day-to-day life to the riches of the imperial palace, you’ll see it all!

At 8:30am the guide will meet you at the Beijing Hotel lobby.

From here you will walk to visit the Tiananmen Square, one of the largest squares in the world. It is a lively place home to attractions like the Museums of Chinese History and Chinese Revolution, the Great Hall of the People, and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.

Then walk to the Forbidden City and learn about the history of this sprawling World Heritage–listed complex, where Ming and Qing emperors once lived and ruled in opulence. Take in some of the 1,000 rooms and 800 buildings, and marvel at the exquisite luxury of imperial life.

From the northern gate of the Forbidden City, we will cross the street to Jingshan Park, a man-made hill created using soil excavated from the construction of the moat that surrounds the Forbidden City. It offers the best views of Beijing and it is also a favorite local hangout, where Beijingers practice Tai Chi, dance and enjoy the open space.

Then, by rickshaw, you can relax as your driver weaves through the ancient narrow lanes, also known as Beijing’s Hutongs. The Hutongs have captured traditional Beijing’s essence, and spending time here is a real look into authentic Beijing city life. After this, you will have the opportunity to see life inside a Chinese family’s houses and talk with the beijingers.

To quench your thirst afterwards, we will taste traditional Chinese tea at a teahouse inside the Bell Tower. If you thought tea tasting was easy, just watch the intricate processes involved in boiling Chinese tea – a process that differs for each type of tea. Lunch will be recommended at a local dumpling restaurant at your own expense

Lastly we will bring you to the Lama Temple, the most celebrated Buddhist temple in Beijing and a temple of the Geluk School of Tibetan Buddhism. It is one of the largest and most influential in China, and was the only temple to have been said to have survived the Cultural Revolution. Take in the architecture and the oasis of calm amidst one of the most buzzing historic districts in the city.

Review by:   GP Tours,    May 2018
This was a great tour with Sharon who met with me promptly at my hotel. Since it was a private tour I was able to take iOS in each location without hindrances, except for the crowds of course. Caution: Tiananmen Square/ Forbidden city gets very inundated with locals and tourists making it difficult at times to take photos. I most enjoyed the hike up to Behai park to look down over the Fobidden City. Although it was very hazy, the view was captivating. _br/_ The Lama temple was a great part of this tour for me and although photos inside were profited, it is simply beautiful, not to mention peaceful. The bamboo walkway leading in was simply beautiful. _br/_ On the visit to the hunting, I took a rickshaw ride no choice really which was an addition 30 CNY. It was great experience. Alvin all the tour covered a lot of grounds. I think it should have included a lunch stop because otherwise its a rush in the end to finish up which was my experience. I finished almost two hours early even with a visit to the tea house a. Silk factory so lunch would have still allowed us to cover everything on the agenda.

Review by:   js839,    August 2016
Good time with our private guide. She spoke English well and did a good job. Our personal driver was good at getting around the traffic. You do a lot of walking so take comfortable shoes. The view looking down to the Forbidden City is the best. Lunch was at a restaurant. Plenty of food.