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4 Days Classic Beijing Tour Package

Experience the Best of Beijing

Curious about what makes Beijing so captivating?

This 4-day tour offers an immersive journey through the most iconic and historically rich sites of China's capital, strongly recommended to first-timers. From the ancient grandeur of the Great Wall to the imperial splendor of the Forbidden City, and the serene beauty of the Summer Palace to the spiritual significance of the Temple of Heaven, you will experience the essence of Beijing. Moreover, you'll also get to marvel at the modern architectural wonders of the Olympic Park and visiting a local family in Beijing Hutong.

Our customizable private tour package allows you to explore Beijing at your own pace and in your own style. The itinerary is flexible, accommodating your flight or train schedules, and can be tailored to suit your personal interests and needs.

  • Type : Private Tour
  • Tour Code : CD-BT-04
  • Price : from $599
    1. 1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling in low seasons;
    2. 2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.
  • Trip Length : 4D/3N
  • Theme : Architecture / Culture

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR

  • Be picked up by private car and English-speaking guide upon your arrival, ensuring a seamless and comfortable transfer to your hotel and various attractions;
  • Hike along the awe-inspiring, less-crowded Mutianyu Great Wall, renowned for its Ming Dynasty watchtowers and stunning views, with convenient cable cars for going up and down, giving you more time on the wall;
  • Explore an unmissable collection of imperial architectures of Forbidden City, as well as appreciate a bird's-eye vista of the whole palace from Jingshan Park;
  • Stroll through the intricately designed halls, pavilions, bridges, and corridors of the Summer Palace, an exquisitely preserved royal garden that showcases the elegance of ancient Chinese architecture;
  • Explore modern buildings in Olympics Park, including world-famous Bird's Nest and Water Cube;
  • Experience the traditional Beijing lifestyle by strolling or riding a rickshaw through Hutongs and learn Chinese art by practicing paper-cutting if you want.
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Itinerary Day by Day (Can Be Customized)
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Day 1 Beijing Arrival

Airport or Railway Station Pick Up

Ni Hao, welcome to Beijing, the iconic city as well as the capital of China!

You will be met by your local tour guide at the arrival hall of your arrival airport or train station, then be escorted to check in to your hotel in downtown by a private comfortable vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to relax. If you want to explore nearby, feel free to get some practical suggestions from your tour guide.

Arrival Ideas: At present, there are many international and domestic flights to Beijing. Besides, you can take a high speed train to this capital city from Shanghai (4.5-6 hrs), Xian (4-6 hrs), Guangzhou (7.5-8 hrs), Chengdu (7.5-10 hrs), Chongqing (7-9 hrs), Hong Kong (8 hrs), etc.

  • Tour guide picked up our clients at Beijing airport Tour guide picked up our clients at Beijing airport

Day 2 Forbidden City Exploration (B, L)

Tiananmen Square - Forbidden City - Jingshan Park - Summer Palace

After breakfast, you will start a journey through Beijing's storied past with a brief visit to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public plaza. This iconic site is where Chairman Mao proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China from the imposing Tiananmen Gate.

Step through Tiananmen Gate and into the heart of imperial China - Forbidden City. This vast palace complex of nearly 10,000 rooms, once home to 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties, stands as a marvel of architectural brilliance and historical grandeur. Admire the intricate details, from the dazzling yellow-glazed tile roofs to the refined white marble bases. As you explore the myriad rooms and courtyards, envision the lives of emperors, empresses, and their courtiers.

After leaving the Forbidden City, take a short walk to Jingshan Park, where you can ascend to its summit for a panoramic view. From here, marvel at the sweeping vistas of the Forbidden City to the south and the serene landscapes of Beihai Park, Shichahai Lake, and the iconic Drum Tower to the north. For unforgettable photos, make your way to one of the palace's corner towers, a favorite spot among photography enthusiasts.

Following lunch, drive to the outskirts of Beijing to experience the enchanting Summer Palace. Once the exclusive summer retreat of the imperial family, this site is renowned as China's largest and most well-preserved royal garden. Discover a stunning array of ancient pavilions, grand mansions, serene temples, and elegant bridges. The Long Corridor, stretching along the peaceful shores of Kunming Lake, is adorned with thousands of vibrant paintings that tell captivating stories of history and mythology.

Lastly, be escorted back to your hotel.

Optional Night Activities:
1) Watch a wonderful acrobatic performance at the Chaoyang Theater;
2) Or enjoy the classic Chinese art performance of Beijing Opera at Liyuan Theater.

  • Wumen Gate of Forbidden City Wumen Gate of Forbidden City
  • Chona Espinosa from Philippines visited Tiananmen Square Chona Espinosa from Philippines visited Tiananmen Square
  • The Forbidden City Overall View from Jingshan Park - Victoria from South Africa The Forbidden City Overall View from Jingshan Park
  • The Fudol Couple - Summer Palace The Fudol Couple visited Summer Palace with China Discovery

Day 3 Mutianyu Great Wall Exploration (B, L)

Mutianyu Great Wall - Sacred Way - Bird's Nest & Water Cube

This morning, you'll be driven approximately 70 km (about 1.5 hours) to the iconic Mutianyu Great Wall, a less-crowded but beautiful section of this World Wonder. Begin your adventure by ascending the wall via an enclosed cable car, reaching No. 14 Watchtower, your starting point for an incredible experience. Hike westward along the wall, passing through towering watchtowers and capturing breathtaking views. The trail is moderate, suitable for most fitness levels, including families with children. For the more adventurous, challenge yourself by climbing the Great Man Slope to No. 20 Watchtower, the highest point, offering an even more spectacular vista. After exploring the wonderful sightseeing, hike back to No. 14 Watchtower and descend by the enclosed cable car.

Optional Toboggan Experience: For an extra thrill at Mutianyu, consider taking the toboggan ride or the chairlift cable car to descend the Great Wall, both available at No. 6 Watchtower. Note that there might be a queue, especially during peak seasons like Chinese holidays.

Continue your trip to Sacred Way, a 7-kilometer-long passage leading to the Imperial Tombs of the 13 Emperors of the Ming Dynasty. The Emperor, known as the Son of Heaven, would travel from Heaven to his country through the Sacred Way and return to Heaven through this road. Take a walk through the largest archway in China and the Great Palace Gate, and you'll see the magnificent stone guard statues of 12 sets of mythical animals and 12 officials. Then, drive back to Beijing and take a short stop at the Beijing Olympic Village to view its famous Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from the outside.

Lastly, be escorted back to your hotel.

Optional Night Activity: After the day's tour, treat yourself to a great dinner and taste the famous Peking Roasted Duck, a world-renowned dish with crisp skin and juicy meat.

  • Alexia - Mutianyu Great Wall Alexia visited Mutianyu Great Wall with China Discovery
  • Mutianyu Great Wall - Sara's Family from Australia Sara's family from Australia visited Mutianyu Great Wall in December 2023
  • Our customers visited Bird's Nest in 2019 Our customers visited Bird's Nest in 2019
  • Our Guest at the Sacred Way Our Guest at the Sacred Way

Day 4 Beijing Departure (B, L)

Temple of Heaven - Hutong - Beijing Departure

After breakfast, you will visit Temple of Heaven, a historic site once used by emperors for sacrificial ceremonies. As you explore this grand complex of buildings and gardens, you'll discover the rituals and beliefs of the Ming and Qing emperors, who sought divine blessings for good harvests through intricate ceremonies. Beyond its historical importance, you'll observe vibrant local life, with residents practicing Tai Chi, dancing, and engaging in various exercises among the lush pine woods.

Then get back to the central city to hop on a rickshaw to experience the Beijing Hutongs - narrow alleys lined with historic quadrangle dwellings. This journey will immerse you in the traditional Beijing lifestyle, where you can explore charming antique shops, boutique stores, and witness the city's historical evolution. You'll also visit a local family's home in the Hutongs, offering a glimpse into everyday life.

Optional Activity: If time permits, you may join a class on Traditional Chinese Paper Cutting in the Hutong area. Learn to create beautiful designs and motifs with the guidance of a skilled teacher.

Your Beijing tour is now about to end. Your tour guide will escort you to catch your flight/train to next destination.

  • Carsha's Group from USA - Beijing Hutong Rickshaw Carsha's group from USA experience Hutong Richshaw in Beijing in September 2019
  • Fantastic View of Temple of Heaven Shared by Our Guest Daniel Fantastic View of Temple of Heaven Shared by Our Guest Daniel

The quotation for this trip is from $599 Per Person

1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons. It will drop greatly if your group has 4 or more members.
2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, month and date. There may be huge price increasing during public Chinese holidays, school summer vacations, tourism peak seasons or some special dates. (China Public Holiday 2025 Schedule Released)
3. Other factors that may change the final tour price include group size, hotel class, tour activities, fluctuation of currency exchange rate, etc.
4. This price is based on exchange rate USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final price will be based on the exchange rate in effect at the time of agreement with our quotation.
5. This price is only valid to March 31, 2026.
6. This price is not the final price until the Confirmation Letter is sent.
7. The items included and excluded in this price are for reference only. The final services included, please refer to the confirmation letter sent to you by the travel consultant.

What's included?

  • Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
  • Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;
  • Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4-star standard);
  • Necessary vehicle transfers as listed in the itinerary;
  • Airport (and train station) pick up and drop off;
  • Luggage Transfers: between airports (railway station) and hotels;
  • All meals as listed( “B” for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; “L” for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; “D” for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.);
  • Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

What's excluded?

  • China visa;
  • Personal expenses;
  • Accommodation not listed in the itinerary;
  • Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary;
  • Recommended optional activities;
  • Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary;
  • Excess Baggage Charges;
  • Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.

Check What our delighted customers are saying about our services

Hi Tracy,

We really enjoyed the cruise with our family. It’s the right length, not too long and not too short. It’s good price, well planned. I think the included excursions are well worth it. We had tour guides who speak English well so that’s really convenient for my son. I think it’s great trip at low season. It might not be very pleasant if crowded so I may not recommend to my friends to go at high season.

Service on cruise is very good, they all work very hard.

I have not used travel agency in China before but you helped a lot this time. I will tell my friends about your company. Thanks and happy holidays!

Eileen

Eileen‚ USA, December 31, 2024

Reya, Discovery Team

Thank you for all the arrangements and professional approach. We returned home last night and loved every day of our trip:-)

I have just submitted my review at TripAdvisor.

regards

Langer

Langer‚ Britain, December 31, 2024

Hi Evelyn,

It was good. Dali is a very charming city. We did not regret changing our itinerary at the last minute. We are glad that we went there. Thank you for arranging everything according to our requests. The non-smoking rooms, english-speaking guide, very clean bus. Hotel location was exceptional. We just wished we could stay longer and had the chance to enjoy the city more. Maybe next time.

Debbie

Debbie‚ Philippines, December 30, 2024

Hi Elk,

We had a great trip. While the boat is old and certainly needs some work, the excursions were good and the service was fantastic. The food was mostly Chinese but enough variety that we didn't go hungry at all. We would recommend it.

Thank you for organizing.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth‚ New zealand, December 30, 2024

Hi Wonder,

Thanks for support. We are boarded train going back to HK. We had amazing trip. You had done fantastic travel arrangements. Most important tour guide were really good, had good knowledge, really caring, even not part of trip taken best places for dinner, ensure we reach hotel safety as can't read local language maps , must try local food like oil tea, pumpkin cake, chicken cooked in bamboo refer photos.

Madhuri

Madhuri‚ India, December 29, 2024
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umoveudie
"China Discovery has been really great partner for our trip to China. With an amazing and very professional help of Reya we had planned our private schedule. We found a balance between the guided tours..." read more »
Reviewed on January 2, 2025
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umoveudie
"China Discovery has been really great partner for our trip to China. With an amazing and very professional help of Reya we had planned our private schedule. We found a balance between the guided tours..." read more »
Reviewed on January 2, 2025
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How Our Teams Serve you at China Discovery

"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.

Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.

1-on-1 Travel Consultant

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Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!

After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.

Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.

We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.

Local Tour Guides

China Tour

Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.

Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.

Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!

Local Drivers & Vehicle

Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!

Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.

Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!

Comfortable & Homelike Hotels

China Tour

In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!

The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.

If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.

Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.

Meals & Dining

China Tour

We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.

The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.

There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.

All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!

Photo gallery of this trip

  • Tour guide picked up our clients at Beijing airport Tour guide picked up our clients at Beijing airport
  • Wumen Gate of Forbidden City Wumen Gate of Forbidden City
  • Chona Espinosa from Philippines visited Tiananmen Square Chona Espinosa from Philippines visited Tiananmen Square
  • The Forbidden City Overall View from Jingshan Park - Victoria from South Africa The Forbidden City Overall View from Jingshan Park - Victoria from South Africa
  • The Fudol Couple - Summer Palace The Fudol Couple - Summer Palace
  • Alexia - Mutianyu Great Wall Alexia - Mutianyu Great Wall
  • Mutianyu Great Wall - Sara's Family from Australia Mutianyu Great Wall - Sara's Family from Australia
  • Our customers visited Bird's Nest in 2019 Our customers visited Bird's Nest in 2019
  • Our Guest at the Sacred Way Our Guest at the Sacred Way
  • Carsha's Group from USA - Beijing Hutong Rickshaw Carsha's Group from USA - Beijing Hutong Rickshaw
  • Fantastic View of Temple of Heaven Shared by Our Guest Daniel Fantastic View of Temple of Heaven Shared by Our Guest Daniel

Most Important Beijing Travel Notes

1. Take advantage of Beijing 144-Hour Transit Visa Free

Beijing, altogether with Tianjin and Hebei has implemented 144-Hour Visa-free Transit to visitors from 54 countries with valid travel documents & connecting (flight, ship, trains) tickets to a third country/region. These countries include 25 European Schengen Visa Agreement countries (Austria, Germany, Italy…), 14 Other European countries (Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland…), 6 America countries (United States, Canada, Brazil…), 2 Oceania countries (Australia and New Zealand) and 6 Asian countries (South Korea, Japan, Singapore…).

2. Itinerary can be tailor-made according to your own interest and budget

The itinerary in this tour can be customized according to your own interests and needs. Usually, Mutianyu Great Wall is the top recommended among several sections of Great Wall in and around Beijing, because it's less crowded, fully-restored and quite family-friendly. If you want to explore the primitive appearance of Great Wall and want a memorable hiking experience in lesser known sections, consider hiking less-traveled sections like Jinshanling, Simatai, Huanghuacheng, etc. It is also available to choose some other attractions based on your interest. Besides, you can visit a local family in Beijing Hutongs, or take part in some other interested activities. If you have any personal travel ideas, feel free to tell us.

3. Flexible choices of hotels and meals

As China's capital and a top tourist destination, Beijing is equipped with numerous hotels and restaurants for your choice. Undoubtedly, every traveler can stay in Beijing with great comfort. There are enough luxury hotels with good location and best value. It is also easy to find many comfortable 4-star hotels and economical hotels. You can choose one hotel according to your tour itinerary and budget. Beijing also offers a large number of choices of food – from multi-course cuisine to various street food to satisfy your taste bud.

4. How to Get to Beijing

Beijing boasts a well-developed transportation network, making it accessible from both international and domestic cities. There are many daily flights from Europe (London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Amsterdam, etc.), America (Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Washington, etc.), Asia (Singapore, Tokyo, Taipei, Macao, etc.) and Oceania to Beijing. Additionally, domestic flights from over 120 cities in mainland China, including major hubs like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming, Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Chengdu, make reaching Beijing convenient.

5. When is the best time to visit Beijing

With a temperature monsoon climate, Beijing enjoys four distinctive seasons. It has warm spring (March ~ May), hot summer (June ~ August), cool autumn (September ~ November) and cold winter (December ~ February). Visiting Beijing in different seasons allows you to see different featured scenery, but the best time to visit Beijing is spring and autumn because you can enjoy the most comfortable weather. It is also important to avoid visiting Beijing in China's big festivals, including May Day, Tomb Sweeping Day, Dragon's Boat Day and National Day when most of the scenic areas will be crowded and it will be common to meet traffic jam.

6. Extend your Beijing tour to other destinations in China

If you have more days in China, you are strongly suggested to extend your tour to another two top tourist destinations - ancient Xi’an and modern Shanghai. This combination provides a comprehensive view of China's historical and contemporary highlights. A tour combining these three cities will help you get a first panoramic view of China. For a more enriching experience, you can visit Guilin for its stunning karst landscapes or take a Yangtze River cruise for a relaxing holiday.

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