Beijing Tour

Beijing, the capital city of China, has modern avenues intertwined with ancient Hutongs. Youll see magnificent ancient architecture such as the Great Wall and Forbidden City, along with beautiful modern skyscrapers.

The first part of your journey begins with traditional courtyard accommodations. In the morning, youll have the opportunity to practice morning exercises as well as have a typical Chinese breakfast. Afterwards, visit local families in the Hutongs and learn simple Chinese phrases from your host, and even cook a local delicacy with them. Have a taste of the Beijing Opera, Kung Fu and Chinese calligraphy, as well as enjoy a Chinese medical massage after a daylong tour.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Beijing: Attend a welcome party with an introduction of the tour and local culture.

Day 2

Drum Tower, Hutong tour, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Wang Fujing Street: ‘starting from the ancient landmark of Beijingthe Drum Tower, you will have a traditional Beijing breakfast at the famous Yao ‘s Restaurant. The driver of a manpowered tricycle will take you through old Hutongs and tell you stories about each of them. You are welcome to stop and meet local families to experience their daily life. In the afternoon, visit the Forbidden City while being accompanied by a certified Chinese history teacher. The guide will tell you about the life of Chinese emperors, their historical legacies, and their secrets. South of the Forbidden City is Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Not far from Tiananmen ‘square is Wang Fujing Street, the commercial center of Beijing and home to a myriad of shops and restaurants. Take the opportunity to try Quanjude Roast Duck, Dong Laishun Hotpot, stop by China Photo Studio, Hengdeli Watch and Clock Shop. Each of these stores has been a landmark during the rapid development of this city. In the evening, enjoy nightly entertainmentat the Beijing Opera, an acrobatic show and a Kung Fu demonstration.

Day 3

Huailai Great Wall, Summer Palace: Beijing is adjacent to different portions of the Great Wall like Badaling, Juyongguan and Mutianyu, but what you will visit is better preserved than any of those. This portion was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and used to protect China from Mongrel raids. On the way to the Great Wall, there are many villages and towns which have several hundred years of history and have yet to be developed as tourist attractions. Every antiquated house harkens back to a simpler times. You will have excellentviews to take photos of the Great Wall and because this area is more remote, you may examine the wall or sit on the beacon tower before heading backto lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit the most protected royal garden in Beijing the Summer Palace. At sunset, sailing on Kunming Lake followed by a royal feast to complete your day of travel. After dinner, youll be treated to a Chinese medical massage.

Day 4

Temple of Heaven, Liulichang Antique Street, 798 Art Zone If you want to experience local morning exercises, you cannot miss the Temple of Heaven. Badminton, daibolo, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, singing Beijing Opera, flying kites and dancing, are all popular morning exercises in Beijing. You will have the chance to learn from local practitioners who will gladly teach you about each one. After breakfast, you will visit the Liulichang antique street and have a chance to write Chinese characters with the traditional Chinese Four Treasures of the Study. After that, youwill experience the art of fashion in Beijing by visiting the 798 Art Zone and talking with artists.

Day 5

Departure