PRIVATE TOUR: Enjoy a city break with a difference. Explore Tiananmen Square, enter the Forbidden City, climb the Great Wall, sample traditional Peking Duck and test your bartering skills in the Silk Alley Markets. Many nationalities are able to undertake this holiday Visa Free, see our visa info section for more info.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Tiananmen Square
Capital of the People’s Republic, Beijing is China’s political, economic and cultural centre. With an awesome history, Beijing was established in 1045 BC and for 800 years served as the capital of several dynasties. Today, a sightseeing tour takes in Tiananmen Square, a public square that also happens to be the world’s largest. Everything is large in China, including the former imperial residence of the imperial emperors of China. The Forbidden City, once forbidden to all but individuals on imperial business is a 720,000 sq m concoction dominated by vast gates, temples, halls and palaces replete with imperial yellow tiled roofs. Surrounded by a protective moat, it is said the Forbidden City comprises some 9999 rooms!
At Silk Alley, there’s a chance to splash some cash in a retail haven that is a Beijing institution. Some bling jewellery for the lady and perhaps a genuine copy Rolex watch for the gent? Tonight, enjoy a traditional Chinese Peking Duck dinner.
Overnight: Beijing | Breakfast, Dinner
The Great Wall
Some say it can be seen from space, but unless you’re a top gun at NASA, perhaps you’ll never know. Instead, experience the real deal. Today, an excursion beyond Beijing to Badaling takes in an imposing section of the Great Wall. The sometimes steep walk is made all the more breathtaking by the stunning views and the realisation that this 2,200 year-old wall isn’t just a common or garden wall, but a 6700 kilometre wall that at one time served to protect the new China from marauding invaders from the north. Today’s excursion then continues to the imperial Ming tombs, where some 13 emperors were interred in elaborate mausoleums, a couple of which can be seen.
Overnight: Beijing | Breakfast, Lunch
Beijing
A free day to enjoy Beijing your way. Located in an area between Wanfujing and the east wall of the Forbidden City, perhaps head to the hutongs, where the hire of a rickshaw will take you through Beijing’s old back lanes that are lined with courtyard homes and offer a fascinating snapshot of the city’s traditional domesticity. In the Qianmen area, south of Tiananmen Square, you’ll find many shops with original facades, selling Mongolian hot pots, silks and other items, not to mention Chinese apothecaries offering a selection of traditional medicines comprising deer antler, fungus and other unusual ingredients. Also consider visiting Wanfujing Street, one of the busiest retail streets in the city.
Overnight: Beijing | Breakfast
Beijing
Hotel check-out and included onward transfer to airport.
Breakfast
Travel to Beijing Visa Free
Many nationalities are eligible to visit Beijing, without requiring a tourist visa for stays up to 144 hours. Please see below for eligible nationalities.
Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States. NOTE: Visa requirements are subject to change, please check with your embassy before booking this trip.
For further information please read our Visa Free Trips to China section of our China Travel Guide
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
Read MoreHotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Jiangxi Grand Hotel , Beijing
The contemporary Jiangxi Grand Hotel offers spacious, well lit and comfortable rooms. The hotel is located just a 15 minute walk from Liujiayao Subway Station which links you to the rest of Beijing on Line 5 of the Subway. There are 2 restaurants located within the hotel serving local and international cuisine, as well as there being numerous restaurants in the surrounding area. Complimentary WIFI is offered in the hotel along with gym facilities.
At a Glance
Justin was very upbeat, punctual, accommodating and knowledgeable. Helped make the trip stress free. ”