2-Day Beijing Highlights Tour: UNESCO Sites, History&Culture

Exploring the cultural and historical riches of Beijing has never been easier. The 2-Day Beijing Highlights Tour offers travelers an immersive experience, showcasing the city’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites and delving into its vibrant heritage. From the grandeur of the Forbidden City to the serene beauty of the Great Wall, this tour promises to unveil the essence of China’s captivating capital. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this comprehensive itinerary guarantees an unforgettable journey through Beijing’s timeless wonders.

Key Points

• Explore iconic Beijing landmarks like Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven, learning about China’s rich history and cultural heritage.
• Indulge in a delectable Peking duck lunch, a quintessential Chinese culinary experience.
• Discover the UNESCO-listed Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, with options to access it via cable car or ski lift.
• Visit the serene Summer Palace gardens after the Great Wall adventure.
• Enjoy a hassle-free tour with hotel pickup, wheelchair accessibility, and a flexible cancellation policy.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Booking Details

This 2-day Beijing Highlights Tour provides travelers with an opportunity to explore the city’s UNESCO-listed sites, rich history, and captivating culture.

Priced from $338.30 per person, the tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Priced from $338.30 per person with free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option.

Covering the city’s top attractions, the tour offers hassle-free hotel pickup, wheelchair accessibility, and a private group option.

Travelers can expect a Peking duck lunch, expert guide commentary, and round-trip cable car tickets to the Mutianyu Great Wall section.

With an overall rating of 4.9/5, this tour offers an immersive Beijing experience at an exceptional value.

Day 1: Exploring Beijing City Highlights

After hotel pickup, the tour begins with a visit to Tian’anmen Square, where travelers can bypass the lines with fast-track entry.

The group then explores the Forbidden City, home to 24 emperors for over 500 years. A Peking duck lunch follows at a local restaurant.

The itinerary continues with:

• Touring the Temple of Heaven, learning about the Ming and Qing Dynasties

• Walking through the Beijing Drum and Bell Towers and Hutong Alleys

• Ending the day with a hotel drop-off

This immersive first day allows travelers to dive into Beijing’s rich history and culture.

Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City

With fast-track entry, the tour first takes visitors to Tian’anmen Square, the iconic public plaza known for its grand monuments and political significance.

Guests will marvel at the vast expanse of the square and its centerpiece, the Tian’anmen Gate.

Next, the group explores the Forbidden City, home to 24 emperors over 500 years.

Winding through the complex’s ornate halls and courtyards, they’ll learn about the Ming and Qing dynasties that left an indelible mark on Chinese history and culture.

Expert guides provide rich historical context, bringing the Forbidden City’s past to life.

Peking Duck Lunch and the Temple of Heaven

Guests then enjoy a delectable Peking duck lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the crispy skin and succulent meat of this iconic Chinese dish.

After, they visit the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture.

Visitors explore the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture.

This UNESCO World Heritage site features:

• Circular design symbolizing the celestial dome and square base representing the earth

• Impressive Circular Mound Altar where emperors conducted annual rituals

• The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a massive wooden structure with a triple-gabled roof

• Serene gardens and pathways for visitors to explore at leisure

• Insights into the spiritual practices and beliefs of imperial China.

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Beijing Drum and Bell Towers and Hutong Alleys

After visiting the Temple of Heaven, the tour then takes guests to explore the historic Beijing Drum and Bell Towers.

These iconic structures date back to the 13th century and provide a glimpse into Beijing’s rich cultural heritage.

Guests can walk through the Hutong alleys, the narrow streets and alleyways that were once the heart of old Beijing.

Here, they’ll discover traditional courtyard homes, local shops, and a glimpse of everyday life.

The tour allows visitors to enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere and gain a deeper understanding of its long history.

Day 2: Adventure at the Great Wall of China

On the second day, the tour picks up guests from their hotels and takes them to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a less crowded area that offers stunning views.

Guests can access the wall by cable car or ski lift, allowing them to explore the watch towers and beacon towers at their own pace.

The tour includes a delicious Chinese lunch, followed by a visit to the beautiful Summer Palace gardens.

A delicious Chinese lunch is followed by a visit to the breathtaking Summer Palace gardens.

After the Great Wall adventure, the group is transferred back to their hotels, concluding the immersive 2-day experience.

• Cable car or ski lift access to the Great Wall

• Free time to explore watch towers and beacon towers

• Lunch at a local restaurant

• Visit to the Summer Palace gardens

• Comfortable transportation to and from hotels

Mutianyu Great Wall and the Summer Palace

Although the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is less crowded than some of the more popular access points, it nonetheless offers stunning views and a chance to explore the wall’s historic watch towers and beacon towers at one’s own pace.

Guests will access the Great Wall via cable car or ski lift, then enjoy free time to walk along the ancient fortifications.

After the Great Wall visit, the tour continues to the Summer Palace, known for its beautiful landscaped gardens, lakefront palace buildings, and the iconic Marble Boat.

Lunch is provided before the transfer back to the hotel.

Included Services, Amenities, and Important Information

The Beijing Highlights Tour includes a variety of services and amenities to enhance the experience.

Travelers will enjoy a Peking duck lunch on the first day and a regular Chinese lunch on the second day. A professional guide with detailed knowledge of history and culture is provided throughout the tour.

Hotel pickup is included for locations within the 4th ring road of Beijing, and entrance fees to all sites are covered. Bottled water is provided, and a cable car round trip is included for the Great Wall visit.

Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.

• Peking duck and Chinese lunches

• Professional guide with historical knowledge

• Hotel pickup and entrance fees

• Bottled water and cable car access

• Alcoholic drinks available for purchase

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes one Peking duck lunch and one regular Chinese lunch, as well as bottled water. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.

What Should I Wear for the Walking Portions of the Tour?

For the walking portions, it’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes. Casual, lightweight clothing that allows easy movement is also advised. Dressing in layers can be helpful, as weather conditions may vary throughout the tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

Yes, the tour operator offers a 15% discount for seniors and students. The discounted rate is $338.30 per person, down from the regular price of $398.00. Customers must provide valid ID to receive the reduced rate.

Can I Request a Specific Dietary Preference for the Meals?

Yes, the tour allows you to request specific dietary preferences for the included meals. Simply let the tour provider know your needs, and they’ll accommodate you to ensure an enjoyable dining experience during the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour for an Additional Day?

Yes, the tour can be extended for an additional day. Customers can contact the tour operator to inquire about adding an extra day to explore more of Beijing’s attractions and cultural experiences.

The Sum Up

This 2-day Beijing highlights tour provides an immersive experience, showcasing the city’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, rich history, and vibrant culture. Travelers will explore iconic landmarks, indulge in local cuisine, and marvel at the breathtaking views of the Great Wall. With expert guidance, this tour is perfect for those seeking to discover the essence of Beijing’s heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: