Beijing: Private Guide Tour to Tiananmen and Forbidden City

Exploring the rich history and cultural heritage of Beijing can be a captivating experience. With a private guide tour to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, visitors can explore the heart of China’s capital city. This 6-hour journey offers insights into the world’s largest city center square and the former imperial palace, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Priced at $180 per person, the tour provides personalized service and the flexibility to tailor the experience to individual interests.

Key Points

• A private guide-led tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, priced at $180.00 per person, with a duration of 6 hours and available in English and Chinese.
• The tour includes admission tickets, an optional museum visit, and the flexibility to choose from multiple meeting points, including hotels.
• Tiananmen Square is the largest city center square in the world, with a capacity of one million people and historical significance as the site of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
• The Forbidden City is a UNESCO World Heritage site, serving as the former imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties, covering an area of 72 hectares with 980 buildings.
• The tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with a rating of 4.8/5 based on 4 reviews, praised for the guides’ flexibility, knowledge, and planning assistance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The private guide tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of these iconic landmarks. Priced from $180.00 per person, the 6-hour tour is available in English and Chinese.

Guests can conveniently reserve the tour now and pay later. Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Multiple meeting points, including hotels, provide flexibility.

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, admission tickets, and an optional museum visit. While food, drinks, and tips aren’t included, the tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring accessibility for all.

Tiananmen Square: The Largest City Center Square

As the largest city center square in the world, Tiananmen Square boasts a staggering capacity of one million people.

This iconic landmark has witnessed significant historical events, including the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

Measuring 440 meters (1,440 feet) from north to south and 500 meters (1,640 feet) from east to west, the square covers an area of 440,000 square meters (4.7 million square feet).

It serves as the symbolic heart of China, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to admire its grandeur and soak in the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

Forbidden City: Former Imperial Palace

Situated north of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City served as the former imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest and best-preserved ancient imperial palace in the world.

Some key facts about the Forbidden City:

• Covers an area of 72 hectares and has 980 buildings

• Construction began in 1406 and took nearly 15 years to complete

• Housed 24 emperors over the course of 500 years

• Closed to the public until 1925, now a popular tourist attraction

UNESCO World Heritage and Preservation

Since the Forbidden City was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, efforts have been made to preserve this historical treasure.

The Palace Museum, which manages the site, collaborates with international heritage organizations to maintain and restore the ancient structures. Conservation techniques, including environmental monitoring and anti-fungal treatments, are used to protect the Forbidden City’s precious architecture and artifacts.

The Palace Museum collaborates with heritage organizations to maintain and restore the Forbidden City’s ancient structures using conservation techniques.

Guided tours provide visitors access to the well-preserved imperial complex while generating funds for ongoing preservation work.

With its UNESCO status, the Forbidden City remains a protected piece of China’s cultural legacy for generations to explore.

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Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The private guide tour to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City includes admission tickets to both historical sites as well as the services of an English-speaking tour guide.

Other inclusions are:

• Optional entrance to the Clock and Jewelry Museum

• Transportation to and from the meeting points, with additional fees for hotels outside the 4th ring road

• The tour is wheelchair accessible

Food, drinks, and tips aren’t included in the tour price.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a "reserve now, pay later" option is available.

Meeting Points and Accessibility

The tour offers multiple meeting point options for visitors. You can meet your guide at the Beijing Grand Hotel, though transportation costs are at your own expense.

Alternatively, you can opt to be picked up directly from your Beijing hotel, though an extra fee may apply if your hotel is located outside the 4th ring road.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it a convenient option for travelers with mobility needs.

With flexible meeting points and accessibility, the tour caters to the diverse needs of its guests, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Customer Feedback and Reviews

Travelers who’ve experienced the private guide tour to Tiananmen and the Forbidden City have overwhelmingly praised the service and expertise of the tour guides.

With an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 4 reviews, the tour has received glowing feedback from customers:

• Reviewers commend the guides’ flexibility, knowledge, and assistance with planning other activities during the trip.

• Customers from the USA, UK, and Mexico highlight the guides’ exceptional service and expertise.

• Highlights include the guides’ ability to provide historical context and navigate the crowds with ease.

• Travelers appreciate the guides’ willingness to customize the tour to meet their specific needs and interests.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

As part of the booking process, customers can easily reserve their spot on the private guide tour to Tiananmen and the Forbidden City. A "Reserve now & pay later" option is available, allowing flexibility. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides peace of mind for travelers.

| Booking Options | Cancellation Policy | Payment Methods |

| ————— | ——————- | ————— |

| Online Booking | Free up to 24 hours | Credit Card |

| Over the Phone | No Refund after 24h | WeChat Pay |

| In-Person | Partial Refund | Alipay |

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not have a specific dress code. Visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. Formal attire is not required, but visitors should dress respectfully when visiting historical sites.

Are Photography Restrictions in Place at the Sites?

There are photography restrictions in place at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Visitors can take pictures, but the use of tripods, selfie sticks, and flash photography may be prohibited or limited in certain areas.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Attractions?

The tour can be customized to include additional attractions. Travelers can discuss their interests with the tour guide, who can adjust the itinerary accordingly, subject to availability and additional fees.

Are There Any Age Requirements or Discounts for Children?

There are no age requirements for this tour, and children under 12 receive a 10% discount. The tour price is flexible based on the number of participants, allowing for customization to suit your family’s needs.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended for an additional fee. Customers can discuss options with their guide to customize the tour length based on their interests and schedule. Longer tours are subject to additional costs.

The Sum Up

The private guide tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City in Beijing offers an immersive experience into China’s rich cultural heritage. Priced at $180 per person, the 6-hour tour provides personalized service, flexibility, and the opportunity to explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Travelers can expect an informative and memorable adventure in the heart of the capital city.

You can check availability for your dates here: