7 Day Beijing Journey Through Hutongs Heritage and Imperial Icons

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing: Welcome to the Capital

1. 1h 30m
   Your driver will greet you at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) ，Check in to your selected four-star hotel in central Beijing. After settling in, the rest of the day is yours to rest and enjoy a welcome dinner featuring Beijing‘s most famous culinary treasure — Peking duck — or traditional local home-style dishes

Day 2: Tian’anmen Square & Forbidden City: The Heart of Imperial Beijing

1. 1h
   Your journey begins at Tian‘anmen Square, the symbolic heart of Beijing and one of the world’s largest public squares. You‘ll have a photo stop at the square, view the Monument to the People’s Heroes, and see the outer facade of the National Museum of China. Your guide will share the history of this iconic landmark, from imperial ceremonies to modern-day events that shaped China‘s story.
2. 3h
   Step into the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties for over 500 years. With your expert guide, walk through the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where emperors once held court, the Palace of Heavenly Purity, and the serene Imperial Garden. Your guide will bring to life the stories of emperors, concubines, and courtiers who once walked these very halls.
3. 1h
   Hop on a traditional rickshaw and weave through the narrow alleyways of Beijing‘s historic hutongs — the city’s ancient neighborhoods that are still home to local families today. Your guide will explain the history of these winding lanes, their courtyard houses, and the everyday life that continues within them.
4. Beijing Hutong culture tour
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Choose between two hands-on cultural experiences. Learn to make traditional Chinese dumplings from scratch — mixing, rolling, and folding — just like a Beijing family does at home. Or try your hand at Peking Opera, learning basic movements, gestures, and the dramatic art of facial expressions from a trained performer. Both options offer a fun and immersive way to connect with Chinese culture.
5. 45m
   Stroll along the scenic waterfront of Shichahai, a beautiful lake area surrounded by traditional courtyard homes and willow trees. Watch the sunset over the water and soak in the old Beijing atmosphere that has inspired poets and artists for centuries.
6. Yandai Xie Street
   30m
   Wander into Yandai Xiejie (Slant Street), one of Beijing‘s oldest and most charming alleys. Lined with traditional shops selling snacks, crafts, and souvenirs, this slanting street offers a perfect glimpse into old Beijing’s bustling commercial life.

Day 3: Mutianyu Great Wall & Olympic Landmarks: A Day of Wonders

1. 3h · Admission ticket included
   Hike the less-crowded Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, surrounded by forested mountains and rugged scenery. Unlike the more crowded Badaling, Mutianyu offers a more peaceful experience with stunning views. You may take the cable car up and down (own expense) to save energy and enjoy a panoramic view of the wall snaking along the mountain ridges. This is a family-friendly destination with great photo opportunities at every turn.
2. 30m
   Visit the Olympic Park and stop for photos at the National Stadium, known as the Bird‘s Nest. This iconic venue hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2022 Winter Olympics, making Beijing the first city to host both Games. Your guide will share stories of its unique design and the historic events that took place here.
3. 20m
   Admire the stunning facade of the Water Cube, now also known as the Ice Cube. Its blue bubble-like LED facade lights up, creating a futuristic and dreamlike atmosphere. This venue hosted swimming events in 2008 and curling events in 2022, showcasing Beijing’s innovative spirit as a dual-Olympic city.

Day 4: Imperial Gardens & Living Heritage: A Day of Culture and Craft

1. 2h 30m
   Explore the Summer Palace, China‘s largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Stroll along Kunming Lake, walk the famous Long Corridor adorned with thousands of paintings, and admire the Tower of Buddhist Incense perched on the hilltop. This retreat served as a summer getaway for Qing Dynasty emperors and offers a serene escape from the bustling city.
2. Beijing Cultural Palace Of The Nationalities
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Visit the China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, also known as the China Arts & Crafts Museum. Explore exquisite exhibits of cloisonné, embroidery, paper-cutting, shadow puppetry, and more. Your guide will introduce the stories behind these living traditions, followed by a mini hands-on experience where you can try a traditional craft yourself.

Day 5: Sacred Sites & Scholarly Streets: Beijing‘s Spiritual and Cultural Heritage

1. 2h · Admission ticket included
   Visit the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture and a symbol of imperial power. Here, emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed annual rituals to pray for good harvests. Explore the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests with its stunning blue-tiled roof, the Echo Wall, and the Circular Mound Altar. Your guide will explain the astronomical and philosophical principles behind this sacred complex.
2. 1h 30m
   Visit Yonghegong Lama Temple, the largest and most well-preserved Tibetan Buddhist imperial temple in Beijing. With its yellow tiles and red walls, this sacred site was once the residence of Prince Yong before becoming a lamasery. Today, it remains an active place of worship, filled with incense smoke and devout pilgrims. Your guide will explain the temple’s history, architecture, and its significance in Tibetan Buddhism.
3. 1h
   Visit the Confucius Temple and Imperial College (Guozijian) Museum, the highest seat of learning in ancient China. This sacred sanctuary, dating back to the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, was where scholars studied the Confucian classics and prepared for imperial examinations. Your guide will share stories of the scholars who walked these halls and the enduring legacy of Confucian philosophy.
4. Wudaoying Hutong
   40m
   Wander through Wudaoying Hutong, a trendy yet traditional alley that perfectly blends old Beijing charm with modern creativity. Lined with stylish cafes, boutique shops, and renovated courtyard homes, this hutong offers a relaxed and authentic glimpse into contemporary local life in Beijing.

Day 6: Museums, Hutongs & Markets: Beijing‘s Modern Pulse

1. 2h
   Visit the Capital Museum, a modern museum showcasing Beijing’s rich history, urban culture, and archaeological treasures. With interactive multimedia exhibits and ancient artifacts, your guide will walk you through the city‘s fascinating past — from its earliest settlements to its role as the capital of China.
2. 45m
   Explore Nanluoguxiang, one of Beijing’s most famous historic hutong streets. Lined with shops, snack stalls, and courtyard homes, this 800-meter-long alley offers a vibrant blend of old and new. Wander through its lively streets and discover why it remains a favorite destination for both locals and visitors.
3. 45m
   Visit Hongqiao Pearl Market, a multi-floor shopping destination famous for its pearls, jewelry, silk, and souvenirs. A favorite among international visitors, this market offers a lively shopping experience where you can browse and bargain for unique treasures to take home.

Day 7: Farewell to Beijing — Departure

1. 3h · Admission ticket included
   Enjoy one last buffet breakfast at your hotel, featuring a mix of Chinese and Western dishes. After check-out, your private driver will escort you to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Your guide will assist with check-in and bid you farewell. You leave Beijing with the stories of its ancient dynasties, the taste of its street food, and the vibrant energy of a city that has stood at the heart of Chinese civilization for over 3,000 years.

Pickup details

Your driver and guide will meet you at the arrival hall of the airport or railway station. The driver will be holding a sign with "Chango " and the lead traveler's name. For hotel pickups, the guide will meet you at the hotel lobby 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels