Beijings Forbidden City With Special Viewing of Treasure Gallery and the Great Wall Ruins at Badaling

Exploring the enigmatic Forbidden City in Beijing is a captivating journey through China’s imperial past. This VIP tour grants exclusive access to the Treasure Gallery, showcasing the palace’s most prized artifacts, and the intriguing Clock Exhibition Hall. After immersing oneself in the grandeur of the imperial complex, the adventure continues to the iconic Badaling Great Wall ruins, where visitors can appreciate the strategic significance and timeless beauty of this ancient fortification. As the day draws to a close, a traditional Chinese banquet awaits, offering a fitting conclusion to this extraordinary exploration of Beijing’s renowned landmarks. The allure of this comprehensive experience lies in its ability to seamlessly blend history, culture, and luxury.

Key Points

• This VIP tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City, including visits to the Treasure Gallery and the Clock Exhibition Hall.
• Travelers can enjoy panoramic views of Beijing’s cityscape from Jingshan Hill and visit the less-crowded Badaling section of the Great Wall.
• The tour includes a traditional Chinese banquet featuring Beijing Roast Duck, though some reviews mention potential tourist trap concerns.
• The tour requires a minimum of 2 passengers and is not suitable for wheelchair users or infants under 2.
• Traveler reviews provide mixed feedback, praising the intimate visits and knowledgeable guides but criticizing the lunch quality and tourist trap stops.

Tour Overview

This VIP tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Forbidden City and Badaling Great Wall offers visitors a full-day experience exploring Beijing’s renowned historical sites.

With 24 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, the tour includes visits to the Treasure Gallery and Clock Exhibition Hall within the Forbidden City.

Travelers will enjoy a scenic journey from Beijing, with pick-up and drop-off services from hotels within the 4th ring circle highway.

Lunch will feature a traditional Chinese banquet, including the famous Beijing Roast Duck, though some reviews note the meal is served at a jade dealer’s restaurant, which can be a tourist trap.

The tour requires a minimum of 2 passengers and isn’t wheelchair accessible for infants under 2.

Forbidden City Exploration

The Forbidden City tour offers visitors a 2-hour exploration of the 180-acre (74-hectare) imperial palace complex, allowing them to marvel at the world’s largest collection of ancient wooden structures.

Travelers will discover cultural artifacts like the Jade Cabbage and treasures in the Treasure Hall. They’ll also visit the Clock Exhibition Hall, which features over 200 clocks, including an impressive 6-meter (20-foot) water clock.

This UNESCO World Heritage site provides a unique glimpse into China’s imperial past, with knowledgeable guides sharing insights about the palace’s history and significance.

While the crowds can be intense, many find the opportunity to explore this iconic landmark an unforgettable experience.

Treasure Gallery and Clock Exhibition

Within the expansive Forbidden City, visitors can explore the Treasure Gallery and Clock Exhibition Hall, which offer a captivating glimpse into imperial China’s wealth and technological prowess.

The Treasure Gallery houses an impressive collection of cultural artifacts, including the renowned Jade Cabbage. Visitors will be awed by the intricate craftsmanship and historical significance of these treasures.

The Clock Exhibition Hall, meanwhile, showcases over 200 ancient timepieces, including a massive 6-meter (20-foot) water clock. These functional works of art demonstrate the Chinese empire’s expertise in horology and engineering.

Exploring these exhibitions provides a deeper understanding of the Forbidden City’s role as the center of power and prestige during China’s imperial era.

Jingshan Hill Panoramic Views

From the top of Jingshan Hill, visitors can admire panoramic vistas of Beijing’s sprawling cityscape. This 1-hour scenic stop offers a unique vantage point to survey the former imperial capital, with its blend of historic landmarks and modern skyscrapers.

Atop the hill’s lush imperial gardens, travelers delight in the sweeping city views and photogenic backdrops. The hillside’s five pavilions and manmade mounds provide an elevated perspective of the Forbidden City and the winding streets below.

Jingshan Hill is a welcome respite from the bustling crowds, allowing travelers to capture breathtaking panoramas and gain a bird’s eye appreciation of Beijing’s architectural tapestry. This tranquil refuge offers a picturesque finale to the tour’s exploration of the city’s imperial past.

Badaling Great Wall Ruins

After exploring the elevated vistas of Jingshan Hill, the tour moves on to the lesser-known Badaling section of the iconic Great Wall of China. This 2-hour visit provides an insightful look into the Wall’s rich history and offers scenic photography opportunities.

The key highlights include:

1. Wandering along the rugged, well-preserved remnants of the ancient fortification.

2. Marveling at the stunning natural landscape that the Great Wall winds through.

3. Learning about the Wall’s strategic importance and the engineering feats that went into its construction.

4. Capturing breathtaking photos of the Wall’s imposing towers and the sweeping mountain views.

This off-the-beaten-path experience offers a more intimate and authentic Great Wall encounter than the crowded, commercialized sections.

Traditional Chinese Banquet

To conclude the tour, visitors enjoy a traditional Chinese banquet featuring the renowned Beijing Roast Duck.

This culinary experience is served at a jade dealer’s restaurant, which some reviews have noted as a potential tourist trap.

The banquet offers an authentic taste of Chinese cuisine, showcasing a variety of dishes beyond the famous Peking duck. From savory stir-fries to fragrant rice dishes, the meal provides a well-rounded dining experience.

However, some travelers have expressed disappointment with the quality of the food and the overall touristy atmosphere of the restaurant.

Despite these mixed reviews, the traditional Chinese banquet remains an integral part of the tour, allowing visitors to enjoy the local culinary culture.

Transportation and Accessibility

The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle or mini-van, providing a comfortable journey from Beijing.

While the tour requires a minimum of 2 passengers, there’s a possibility of cancellation if this minimum isn’t met.

Plus, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infants aged 2 and under can join for free without occupying a seat.

The tour’s accessibility and transportation considerations include:

1. Air-conditioned vehicle or mini-van for a comfortable ride to and from the sites.

2. Minimum of 2 passengers required to confirm the tour, with a possibility of cancellation if this isn’t met.

3. Not suitable for wheelchair users.

4. Infants aged 2 and under can join the tour for free without occupying a seat.

Traveler Feedback

Reviews of the tour experience have been mixed, with some travelers praising the intimate visits and knowledgeable guides, while others criticizing the quality of the lunch and tourist trap stops.

Many enjoyed the unique views and less crowded sections of the Great Wall, recommending private tours to avoid the crowds and enhance the experience.

Some noted the tour requires a minimum of 2 passengers, with the possibility of cancellation if the minimum isn’t met.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Children Participate in This Tour?

Yes, children can participate in this tour. While infants under 2 can join for free, the tour is not wheelchair accessible. Minimum of 2 passengers is required, so the tour may be canceled if that criteria isn’t met.

What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Forbidden City?

There’s no strict dress code for visiting the Forbidden City, but visitors should dress comfortably and modestly. Avoid wearing ripped clothing, beachwear, or excessively revealing attire. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the palace complex covers a large area.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Forbidden City?

Photography is generally allowed inside the Forbidden City, though visitors should avoid using flash to preserve the historical artifacts. Certain restricted areas may have additional rules, so it’s best to check with tour guides or on-site staff.

Can I Extend My Stay at the Great Wall Ruins?

Guests can typically extend their time at the Great Wall Ruins at Badaling, but this would need to be arranged with the tour operator. Additional fees may apply, and the extended stay may impact the rest of the day’s schedule.

What Currency Is Accepted on the Tour?

The tour accepts Chinese yuan. Major credit cards may also be accepted at some locations, but cash in yuan is the recommended payment method for the duration of the tour.

Recap

This VIP tour of Beijing’s Forbidden City and Badaling Great Wall Ruins offers a unique opportunity to explore China’s captivating history.

Guests will enjoy exclusive access to the Treasure Gallery and Clock Exhibition Hall, as well as panoramic views from Jingshan Hill.

The experience concludes with a traditional Chinese banquet, providing a well-rounded culture.

This tour is an exceptional way to discover the rich heritage and stunning landmarks that make Beijing a truly remarkable destination.