Exploring the rich cultural heritage of China’s capital, the Private Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Great Wall Day Tour offers travelers a comprehensive glimpse into the country’s past. Visiting iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, this 9-hour journey promises an immersive experience, complete with an English-speaking guide and local cuisine. While the tour’s itinerary covers a wealth of historical and architectural wonders, the true allure lies in the opportunity to capture stunning vistas and create unforgettable memories. With the convenience of hotel pickup and included entrance tickets, this tour presents a seamless way to delve deeper into Beijing’s captivating story.
Key Points
- This private day tour covers the highlights of Beijing, including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.
- The tour includes an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transportation, and entrance tickets, with lunch and activity fees at the Great Wall extra.
- The Forbidden City tour explores key sites like the Meridian Gate, Gate of Supreme Harmony, and the Harem, showcasing the imperial grandeur.
- Visitors can choose from cable car, chairlift, or toboggan slide options to access the well-preserved Great Wall at Mutianyu.
- The tour can be booked with a reserve now, pay later option, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview
This private Forbidden City day tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of some of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks.
Priced from £143.09 per person, the tour lasts 9 hours and includes pickup from hotels within Beijing’s 4th Ring Road.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.
The itinerary highlights key sites such as Tiananmen Square, the political and historical heart of the Forbidden City, and the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, where hiking options range from cable cars to toboggan rides.
An English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transportation, and entrance tickets are all included, while lunch and activity fees are at the traveler’s own expense.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins at the iconic Tiananmen Square, where guests can walk through this historic landmark.
Next, they’ll explore the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace that housed 24 emperors from 1420 to 1924. The tour includes the Meridian Gate entrance and the political center, featuring the Gate of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Middle Harmony, and Hall of Preserving Harmony.
Guests will also visit the Harem, including the Palace of Heavenly Purity, Hall of Union, and Palace of Earthly Tranquility, as well as the Imperial Garden.
After lunch, the tour heads to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, where guests can choose from various hiking options, such as cable car, chairlift, or slide.
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square stands as an iconic landmark in the heart of Beijing, drawing visitors from around the world to witness its grand scale and historical significance.
As the tour begins, guests will explore this expansive public square, which covers an area of 440,000 square meters. It’s here that visitors can stroll along the pavement, marveling at the iconic portrait of Mao Zedong that hangs above the entrance to the Forbidden City.
The square’s symbolic importance is palpable, as it has been the site of numerous momentous events in Chinese history, from political rallies to pro-democracy demonstrations.
With its imposing architecture and rich historical legacy, Tiananmen Square sets the stage for the tour’s deeper exploration of Beijing’s cultural treasures.
Forbidden City
After exploring the expansive Tiananmen Square, the tour continues its immersion into Beijing’s storied past by venturing into the Forbidden City.
This iconic palace complex was the exclusive domain of China’s emperors for over 500 years, from 1420 to 1924.
The guided tour includes key highlights:
- Meridian Gate entrance
- Political center: Gate of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Middle Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony
- Harem: Palace of Heavenly Purity, Hall of Union, Palace of Earthly Tranquility
Visitors can wander through these meticulously preserved imperial quarters, imagining the grandeur and intrigue that once filled these halls.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyLunch
Following the tour of the magnificent Forbidden City, visitors are treated to a local lunch near the iconic Great Wall.
The lunch is served at a restaurant conveniently located close to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Theres some good authentic Chinese cuisine, sampling a variety of traditional dishes.
The menu typically includes steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and several meat-based options, providing a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
The cost of the lunch isn’t included in the tour package, allowing guests to choose their own dining preferences and pay separately.
This lunch break offers a chance to rest, refuel, and prepare for the final leg of the day’s adventure – exploring the breathtaking Great Wall of China.
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Great Wall of China
Departing from the Forbidden City, the tour proceeds on to the iconic Great Wall of China, specifically the Mutianyu section.
Visitors can choose from various hiking options, including:
- Cable car ride to reach the Wall’s higher elevations.
- Chairlift for a scenic ascent.
- Thrilling toboggan slide for the descent.
The Mutianyu section is renowned for its well-preserved watchtowers and magnificent views overlooking the surrounding mountains.
Travelers can explore the Wall’s historic grandeur and snap unforgettable photos before heading back to Beijing, completing an immersive day of cultural exploration.
Inclusions
The tour package includes a professional English-speaking guide who accompanies travelers throughout the day. The guide’s expertise enhances the experience, providing valuable insights into the historical significance of the sites visited. Plus, the tour includes air-conditioned transportation with a dedicated driver for the full 9-hour duration, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey. Entrance tickets to the Forbidden City and Great Wall are also provided, allowing seamless access to these iconic landmarks. The tour also covers shuttle bus rides, with optional add-ons such as cable car or chairlift rides available at the Great Wall.
Inclusions | Yes | No |
---|---|---|
Professional English-speaking guide | ✓ | |
Air-conditioned transportation | ✓ | |
Entrance tickets | ✓ | |
Shuttle bus rides | ✓ | |
Optional activities (e.g., cable car) | ✓ | |
Lunch | ✓ |
Booking Information
Travelers must provide their full names, passport numbers, nationalities, and birth dates for Forbidden City admission at least 8 days prior to the tour date. This is essential information required for the guide to secure access to the historical site.
If the tour exceeds 9 hours, there’s an additional fee of 100 CNY per hour per person for the guide and driver. This covers the extended time and services provided.
The tour offers:
- A reserve now and pay later option.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Pickup from hotels within the 4th Ring Road of Beijing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Request a Vegetarian or Halal Lunch Option?
Yes, the tour provider offers vegetarian and halal lunch options upon request. Guests can simply notify the tour guide ahead of time, and accommodations will be made to ensure a suitable meal is provided during the tour.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Water and Snacks?
The tour doesn’t include water or snacks, so it’s recommended to bring your own. However, there may be opportunities to purchase refreshments along the way. Always check with the tour operator for any specific provisions they provide.
What if I Need to Use the Restroom During the Tour?
During the tour, there will be opportunities to use the restroom at various sites, such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. The tour guide will inform the group of these restroom breaks throughout the day.
Can I Take Photographs Inside the Forbidden City?
Visitors are generally allowed to take photographs inside the Forbidden City, except in certain restricted areas. The tour guide will provide instructions on where photography is permitted to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.
Is Tipping the Guide and Driver Expected?
Tipping the guide and driver is not strictly expected, but it’s customary to tip them for good service. Most travelers choose to tip around 10-15% of the total tour cost as a gratuity.
The Sum Up
This comprehensive tour provides an exceptional opportunity to experience the rich history and cultural significance of Beijing. From the iconic Tiananmen Square and the magnificent Forbidden City to the awe-inspiring Great Wall, this guided journey offers a seamless and immersive exploration of the city’s most renowned landmarks. With hotel pickup, entrance tickets, and a delicious local lunch, this tour ensures a hassle-free and unforgettable day in the heart of China’s capital.
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