Fifth Timezone Travel
Imperial Charm · Beijing In-depth 5-Day Tour
皇城京韵 · 北京深度 5 日
Experience the Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace all in one trip. End with a rickshaw ride through Shichahai Hutongs, plus a complimentary evening of Peking Opera or Kung Fu performance — five days to see all of imperial Beijing without rushing or early starts.
A relaxed in-depth Beijing tour without rushing or early starts: Day 1 begins with Tiananmen Square and the central axis of the Forbidden City's three main halls, followed by a climb to Wanchun Pavilion at Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. On Day 2, visit Mutianyu Great Wall — less crowded and more scenic than Badaling with higher vegetation coverage, with cable car access and an optional toboggan ride down. Day 3 features the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the Temple of Heaven in the morning, and a stroll along Qianmen Street and Dashilar's time-honored shops in the afternoon. Day 4 includes the Summer Palace's Long Corridor and a boat ride on Kunming Lake, plus a visit to the Yuanmingyuan Ruins Park. The final day involves a rickshaw tour through Shichahai Hutongs and Nanluoguxiang, with a complimentary evening Peking Opera or Kung Fu performance.
Throughout the tour, enjoy 4-star hotels within the 4th Ring Road, private guide and dedicated vehicle, with all first-entry admission fees and pre-arranged reservations included. Perfect for first-time visitors to Beijing who want to see the classics without being swept up in tour group crowds, as well as families traveling with children.
Tour highlights行程亮点
- Forbidden City central axis tour + panoramic view from Jingshan
- Mutianyu Great Wall (less crowded, more scenic) with cable car access
- Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and Echo Wall in Temple of Heaven
- Long Corridor and Kunming Lake boat ride in Summer Palace
- Rickshaw experience through Shichahai Hutongs
- Complimentary evening Peking Opera or Kung Fu performance
Day-by-day itinerary每日行程
D1Tiananmen Square · Forbidden City · Jingshan Sunset
After airport pickup and a brief lunch break, the afternoon begins at Tiananmen Square (passport required for security check, please carry it with you), followed by a visit to the Forbidden City: walk along the central axis to see the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Palace of Heavenly Purity, and Imperial Garden, with approximately 3 hours of headphone-guided tour (closed on Mondays, itinerary will be adjusted accordingly). The Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery are worth visiting if time permits, and your guide will arrange flexibly based on crowd levels. Exiting through the Gate of Divine Purity, you'll face Jingshan Park. Climb Wanchun Pavilion for a panoramic view of the entire golden roofscape stretching to the horizon — sunset offers the city's best vantage point. Dinner features wood-fired roasted duck. Practical tips: Forbidden City tickets require real-name booking 7 days in advance (included in this tour); approximately 4 km of walking within the city, so wear comfortable shoes — water and rest points are available throughout the premises. Accommodation: Beijing.
D2Mutianyu Great Wall · Olympic Park Exterior View
After breakfast, drive approximately 90 minutes to Mutianyu Great Wall — this 5.4 km section of the Ming Dynasty wall features higher vegetation coverage and far fewer tourists than Badaling. Take the cable car to watchtower 14, then stroll along the wall toward watchtower 20 for about 2 hours. The section near Beilou Tower offers the most expansive views. Children can choose to take the toboggan ride down (thrilling yet safe). Lunch features rainbow trout farm cuisine at the foot of the wall. On the return trip, pass by Olympic Park for exterior views of the Bird's Nest and Water Cube at night (best when lights are first on, no entry, approximately 30 minutes for a brief stop and viewing). Practical tips: Please hold handrails on steep sections of the wall; it's 3-5°C colder and windier on the mountain than in the city, so bring a jacket. Accommodation: Beijing.
D3Temple of Heaven · Qianmen Street and Dashilar
Morning visit to the Temple of Heaven: the place where Ming and Qing emperors prayed for good harvests. The triple-gabled Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests with its blue glazed tiles is an iconic Beijing sight. Try the Echo Wall and the resonant stone at the Circular Mound Altar, approximately 2.5 hours — arriving early lets you encounter morning exercisers practicing tai chi and diabolo. Lunch features traditional Beijing zhajiangmian with fried tripe. Afternoon stroll along Qianmen Street and Dashilar, with 500 years of commercial history: Tongrentang pharmacy, Ruifuxiang silks, and Neiliansheng shoes stand side by side. You can ride a section of the tram-like Dangdang car, and Beijing Bookstore and Page One are good spots to rest. Dinner recommends Qianmen lu Zhuo or copper hot pot lamb. Practical tips: Temple of Heaven combined ticket is included; Dashilar is especially charming when illuminated in the evening. Accommodation: Beijing.
D4Summer Palace · Yuanmingyuan Ruins Park
Morning visit to the Summer Palace: enter through the East Palace Gate, walk the 728-meter Long Corridor to see over 14,000 painted rafters and beams, then take a boat ride on Kunming Lake to South Lake Island and cross the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, enjoying the imperial garden's landscape for about 3 hours. Lunch features local Beijing cuisine near the Summer Palace. Afternoon visit to Yuanmingyuan Ruins Park: the Western-style architectural ruins and the残迹 of the Great Fountain serve as historical footnotes. The park features vast waters and sparse visitors, with approximately 2 hours of walking. Dinner is self-selected (guide can recommend Gujie or Sanlitun). Practical tips: The two parks are about 15 minutes apart by car; boat tours operate from April to October, with land routes taken in winter. Accommodation: Beijing.
D5Shichahai Hutongs · Nanluoguxiang · Airport Transfer
Morning visit to Shichahai for a rickshaw tour through the hutongs (approximately 40 minutes): your pedicab driver will share stories about doorstones, screen walls, and the hierarchical history of courtyard houses, with a stop at Yinding Bridge to see «Silver Dish Mountain View». Afterwards, browse the shops and snacks of Nanluoguxiang, trying candied haws and rolling donkey cakes. After lunch, transfer to Capital International Airport or Daxing International Airport based on flight time (approximately 45-60 minutes drive). Practical tips: Flights scheduled after 14:00 are recommended; souvenir gifts include Daoxiangcuan pastry boxes and tea. If interested, the complimentary Peking Opera or Kung Fu performance can be scheduled on the 4th evening (guide will arrange based on performance schedule). Accommodation: None (departing the same evening).
What's included费用包含
- 4 nights in 4-star hotels within the 4th Ring Road
- Breakfast + 4 lunches (including one Peking Duck meal)
- All first-entry admission fees (including pre-booked tickets for Forbidden City/Mutianyu)
- Rickshaw tour through Shichahai Hutongs
- One ticket for Peking Opera or Kung Fu performance
- Private guide and dedicated vehicle
- Airport transfers
Photos from the road实拍照片
