2-Day Small-Group Tour of Beijing Highlights, No Shopping

This 2-day small-group tour of Beijing’s iconic landmarks promises an immersive and efficient exploration of China’s illustrious capital. Visitors will uncover the grand Forbidden City, witness the solemn ceremonies at the Temple of Heaven, hike the magnificent Mutianyu Great Wall, and stroll through the serene Summer Palace. The tailored schedule and comfortable transportation arrangements ensure a seamless journey, allowing travelers to fully appreciate Beijing’s diverse cultural heritage without the distraction of shopping stops. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this tour offers a compelling glimpse into China’s imperial past and revolutionary history. What awaits beyond the carefully curated itinerary, however, may surprise even the most seasoned traveler.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Beijing.

Key Points

• Explore the iconic Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Temple of Heaven to gain insights into China’s imperial and revolutionary history.
• Traverse the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a less crowded yet scenic part of this engineering marvel.
• Discover the serene Summer Palace and its exquisite classical gardens, including the renowned Long Corridor.
• Enjoy a flexible sightseeing schedule with adjustments made by the guide to accommodate traffic and unexpected situations.
• Benefit from convenient pick-up and drop-off service, as well as comfortable transportation, to maximize the tour experience.

Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square

The tour begins with a visit to the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of China’s emperors, and continues on to the iconic Tiananmen Square, a significant political and historical site.

At the Forbidden City, your guide will bring the complex’s rich history to life, sharing insights into the ceremonies and rituals that once took place within its grand halls and courtyards.

In Tiananmen Square, you’ll see monuments dedicated to Chairman Mao and other important figures, providing a glimpse into China’s revolutionary past.

The contrast between the two sites offers a compelling introduction to Beijing’s diverse heritage and the interplay of imperial and modern influences that have shaped the city.

Temple of Heaven Ceremonies

At the Temple of Heaven, visitors gain insight into the elaborate ceremonies once performed by China’s emperors. The guide explains how the emperors would hold annual rituals and ceremonies within this UNESCO World Heritage site, seeking divine blessings and guidance for the nation.

Participants learn about the architectural symmetry and symbolism of the various temples, paviljons and altars that make up the expansive complex. They’ll see the Circular Mound Altar, where the emperor would perform the sacrificial rites, and the Echo Wall, which allowed the emperor’s voice to be heard throughout the sacred grounds.

This fascinating glimpse into China’s imperial past leaves a lasting impression on all who visit the Temple of Heaven.

Mutianyu Great Wall Exploration

Leaving behind the historic grandeur of the Temple of Heaven, the tour now explores the mighty Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. Visitors marvel at the stunning vistas as they ascend this well-preserved and less crowded part of the iconic fortification. The guide provides insights into the strategic importance and engineering feats behind this remarkable feat of ancient architecture.

Features	Details
Length	5.4 miles (8.6 km)
Construction	Begun in the 6th century, rebuilt in the 14th century
Elevation	2,296 feet (700 m) above sea level
Access	Cable car or toboggan ride available
Highlights	Watchtowers, scenic views, less crowded than other sections

Exploring the Mutianyu Great Wall offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the engineering marvel that protected ancient China while taking in the breathtaking natural surroundings.

Summer Palace and Classical Gardens

Next, the tour explores the exquisite Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its fine classical gardens.

Visitors wander through the meticulously landscaped grounds, marveling at the intricate architecture, serene lakes, and lush foliage that showcase traditional Chinese garden design.

The highlights include:

• Wandering along the 2,400-foot Long Corridor, its ceiling adorned with 14,000 individual paintings
• Admiring the breathtaking Marble Boat and the majestic Seventeen Arch Bridge
• Exploring the Qianlong Garden, a private retreat of the Qing dynasty emperor
• Ascending to the top of the Longevity Hill for panoramic views of the palace and its surroundings

Sightseeing Tour Schedule Adjustments

The tour’s schedule flexibly adapts to traffic conditions and real-time situations, ensuring an efficient and enjoyable experience for participants.

The tour guide closely monitors the itinerary and makes adjustments as needed to accommodate any unexpected delays or changes. If the traffic is heavier than expected, the guide may modify the order of sites visited or extend the time at a particular location to maximize the group’s time.

This adaptability allows the tour to maintain its pace without compromising the overall experience. Participants can trust that the guide will seamlessly navigate any challenges, allowing them to focus on seeing the fascinating history and culture of Beijing.

Pickup and Transportation Arrangements

The tour includes convenient pick-up and drop-off service within the fifth ring road of Beijing city, ensuring a seamless start and end to the sightseeing experience.

Participants are transported in an air-conditioned minivan driven by a professional chauffeur, and complimentary bottled water is provided throughout the journey.

The tour’s transportation arrangements offer several benefits:

• Hassle-free hotel pick-up and drop-off, eliminating the need for participants to arrange their own transportation.
• Comfortable and climate-controlled minivan, providing a pleasant travel experience.
• Knowledgeable chauffeur, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey.
• Complimentary bottled water, keeping participants hydrated during the tour.

Packing and Preparation Essentials

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable tour, participants ought to pack a few essential items.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the itinerary involves extensive exploration of historical sites.

Similarly, sun protection such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen can prove invaluable, given Beijing’s sunny climate.

Plus, bringing a small backpack or day bag can help carry personal items and any purchases made throughout the tour.

It’s also a good idea to bring a portable charger for your electronic devices, as the long days may require frequent use.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

This 2-day small-group Beijing sightseeing tour includes a professional English-speaking guide, pick-up and drop-off to hotels within the fifth ring road, and an air-conditioned minivan with a chauffeur. Complimentary bottled water with unlimited supplies is also provided.

However, the tour doesn’t include:

• Meals
• Overnight accommodation
• Gratuities
• Cable car fee at the Great Wall

Visitors will need to cover these additional expenses separately.

The tour also notes that it isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for this comprehensive sightseeing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants for the Tour?

The tour has a guaranteed departure with even two persons, ensuring that it runs regardless of the group size. There is no minimum number of participants required for the tour to operate.

Can the Tour Guide Accommodate Specific Dietary Requirements?

The tour guide can accommodate specific dietary requirements with advance notice. Guests should inform the guide of any dietary needs, and the guide will make the necessary arrangements to cater to those needs during the tour.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

The tour company does not currently offer any discounts or special offers. However, group sizes are small, so travelers may be able to negotiate a better rate for larger parties. It’s best to inquire directly with the company about any promotions or deals.

Can the Pickup Location Be Changed From the Listed Hotels?

The tour provider offers free pickup within the 4th ring road of Beijing, but the pickup location cannot be changed from the listed hotels. Requests for alternate pickup sites may not be accommodated.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?

The tour offers flexible cancellation and refund policies. Customers can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour start time. Within 24 hours, a partial refund may be available depending on the circumstances.

Recap

This two-day small-group tour of Beijing’s iconic landmarks offers an efficient and immersive experience.

Visitors can discover the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Mutianyu Great Wall, and Summer Palace, gaining insights into China’s rich history and culture.

The tailored schedule and transportation arrangements ensure a comfortable and flexible journey, allowing travelers to fully appreciate Beijing’s diverse heritage within a compact timeframe.