Beijing Layover Tour: Lama Temple, Guozijian Museum, Jingshan and Houhai Hutong

1. Lama Temple (Yonghegong)
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Your tour guide will be welcoming you at exit of the airport with the welcoming board on which your name will be written at 08:30 a.m..
   Then, we will transfer to Lama Temple by private transportation and start the interesting layover tour.
   The Lama Temple (Yonghegong), one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist temples outside Tibet, began as a palace for Emperor Yongzheng before he became the third emperor of the Qing Dynasty. Today, the resplendent temple, with its halls, courtyards, ponds, and bronze mandala, is a lamasery for some two dozen Tibetan monks. Inside you'll find five large halls, ornately decorated with Buddha statues in various incarnations, murals, and carvings.
   
   Then, we will visit Temple of Confucius and Guozijian Museum to seek the footprints and to feel the wisdom of Confucius.
2. Temple of Confucius and Guozijian Museum
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Guozijian Museum
   Guozijian was the Imperial Academy during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties, and it was the highest institute of learning in China's traditional education system. Emperors in imperial China would frequently visit to read Confucian classics to thousands of students.
   The Temple of Confucius (北京孔庙)
   The Temple of Confucius is right next to Guozijian. It is the second largest Confucian Temple in China, after the one in Confucius' hometown Qufu. There are many carvings inside the temple, and there is a large collection of ancient Chinese musical instruments in the Hall of Great Perfection. Nowadays the temple houses part of the art collection of Beijing Capital Museum.
   To seek the footprints and to feel the wisdom of Confucius - the great master of oriental philosophy, visitors should visit the Temple of Confucius as well as Cemetery of Confucius and Kong Family Mansion.
3. Bell and Drum Towers
   45m
   The Drum Tower was equipped with bronze clepsydras and drums that were beaten to mark the hours. The drum was beaten quickly for 18 times and then slowly for 18 times to mark the hour. You have the opportunity to climb to the top of Drum tower for an excellent view of drumming performance which lasts for 20 minutes.
   
   At noon, we will taste traditional Beijing cuisine - Noodles with Soybean Paste(Zhajiang Mian).
4. Back Lakes (Hou Hai)
   1h 30m
   Houhai, which literally means "Back Sea", is a large artificial lake in northern downtown Beijing. There were many wine shops, workshops, and opera stages in ancient times. Nowadays, it is open to all.
   We will stroll along Lotus Lane in the Back Lakes (Houhai) area, see its night-time bars and lake waters, taste some local traditional snacks and take in the historical Yandaixiejie Hutong and Nanluoguxiang Hutong.
   Yandai Xie Street (烟袋斜街胡同)
   Know as Yandai Xiejie in Chinese, the Yandaixie Street is one of the oldest hutongs in Beijing. Located in the Xicheng District, it is close to the Shichahai which are famous attractions in Beijing.
   Since the olden days, Yandaixiejie Street has been one of the most flourishing commercial areas in Beijing. The stores are closely packed along the street and a wide variety of souvenirs with Beijing characteristics can be found there.
   Nanluoguxiang Hutong (南锣鼓巷)
   Nanluoguxiang Hutong is known for its authentic Beijing atmosphere. The age-old siheyuans, archways, wall carvings, and former residences of socialites can be found there. Today there has been an unprecedented fusion of East and West in Nanluoguxiang Hutong, where new pubs and restaurants have given it an urban appearance.
5. Jingshan Park
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Jingshan Park is superbly landscaped with hills to ascend by steps, clear lakes and dignified ancient buildings. It used to be one of the ancient imperial gardens in Beijing, and now has developed as a peaceful public park.
   Because of close to north of the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park is the best place for a bird's eye view of the Forbidden City and central Beijing. This park is open after dark, until 9pm in summer and 8pm in winter.
   At dusk, the Forbidden City is particularly beautiful, palace eaves decorated with golden rays of the setting sun.
   
   Afterwards, enjoy comfortable transfer back to Beijing Capital International Airport to catch your flight or your hotel. Wrap your memories and say good-bye.

Pickup details

We pick up from Beijing Capital International Airport or nearby hotel.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels