Beijing Trip Overview
Visit several top attractions in the north of Beijing’s old city center during this layover tour. Explore a largest and best-preserved of the surviving imperial garden; visit two modern landmark buildings at Beijing Olympic Park; enjoy a drumming performance at Drum Tower and experience the original Beijing atmosphere in Houhai Hutong. Then, we will climb the Jingshan and gaze over the beautifully lit-up Forbidden City and other landmarks.
1. Have a bird’s eye view of the Forbidden City from Jingshan
2. Stroll around Kunming Lake and Long Corridor at the Summer Palace
3. Visit the Central Section of Beijing Olympic Park – Niaochao National StadiumB and Water Cube
4. Learn about local insights, history and geography from your guide
5. Make the most of limited time with convenient airport pickup and drop-off
Additional Info
Duration: 8 to 9 hours
Starts: Beijing, China
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Beijing Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Beijing, China, China
Visit several top attractions in the north of Beijing’s old city center during this layover tour. Explore a largest and best-preserved of the surviving imperial garden; visit two modern landmark buildings at Beijing Olympic Park; enjoy a drumming performance at Drum Tower and experience the original Beijing atmosphere in Houhai Hutong. Then, we will climb the Jingshan and gaze over the beautifully lit-up Forbidden City and other landmarks.
1. Have a bird’s eye view of the Forbidden City from Jingshan
2. Stroll around Kunming Lake and Long Corridor at the Summer Palace
3. Visit the Central Section of Beijing Olympic Park – Niaochao National StadiumB and Water Cube
4. Learn about local insights, history and geography from your guide
5. Make the most of limited time with convenient airport pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), No.19 Xinjian Gongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100080 China
Your tour guide will meet you at exit of the airport at 08:30 a.m. or your arrival time. Then, we will transfer to Summer Palace and start Beijing private layover tour.
The Summer Palace is the largest and best-preserved of the surviving imperial garden, rich in history and culture. Once a summer retreat for emperors, this 716-acre park is still a retreat for tourist, who can relax here or stroll around ancient pavilions, mansions, temples, bridges and huge lake, stopping occasionally at a shop or tea-house. Much-loved summer retreat of the Imperial families, the lovely landscaped gardens, halls, pavilions and corridors are set around the lake and rivers in natural harmony.
Long Corridor at the Summer Palace
The paths beside the lake lead you under shady trees, or along the roofed colonnade known as the Long Corridor, with its magnificently painted ceilings. Bridges, boats, willows, lotus flowers, and other attractive landscaping make this a pleasant place to soak up the atmosphere and in the views.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Olympic Park, North of Beisihuanzhong road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101 China
Beijing Olympic Park, also known as the Olympic Green. Beijing Olympic Park is where the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympics took place. It also will be where the 2022 Winter Olympics takes place. Afterward, it was transformed into a comprehensive multifunctional activity center for the public.
It contains the main venues used during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, such as the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube. You will be overwhelmed by the architecture of these two magnificent buildings.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Niaochao National Stadium, No.1 Guojia Tiyuchang South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing China
The Beijing National Stadium, more commonly referred to as the Bird’s Nest, was built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games at a cost of $423 million. Since the Olympics and all its fanfare, the stadium has become a major landmark and tourist attraction, as well as a venue for both international and domestic sporting competitions.
Though relatively new to the Beijing landscape, the National Stadium has become a must-see attraction.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Water Cube, No.11 Tianchen East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing China
Not far from the Bird’s Nest, there is the National Aquatics Center, also known as Water Cube. Its creative design concept is originated from the arrangement pattern of cells and natural structure of soap bubbles. The huge square box was produced by combining modern technologies with traditional Chinese culture. In the past, Chinese ancestors believed that the sky is round while the earth is square, and that is the way nature keeps harmonious. The square Water Cube together with the round Bird’s Nest, embody and interpret this idea very well.
At noon, you will enjoy a traditional local lunch. Vegetarian, Western and Local Speciality options are available.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a drumming performance at Drum Tower and stroll along Lotus Lane in the Back Lakes (Houhai) area and take in the historical Yandaixiejie Hutong and Nanluoguxiang Hutong.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Bell and Drum Towers, Di’anmen Wai Main Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100006 China
The Drum Tower was equipped with bronze clepsydras and drums that were beaten to mark the hours. The drum was beaten quickly for 18 times and then slowly for 18 times to mark the hour. You have the opportunity to climb to the top of Drum tower for an excellent view of drumming performance which lasts for 20 minutes.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Back Lakes (Hou Hai), Shicha Lake Scenic Resort, Xicheng District, Beijing 100009 China
Houhai, which literally means “Back Sea”, is a large artificial lake in northern downtown Beijing. There were many wine shops, workshops, and opera stages in ancient times. Nowadays, it is open to all.
Yandai Xie Street (烟袋斜街胡同)
Know as Yandai Xiejie in Chinese, the Yandaixie Street is one of the oldest hutongs in Beijing. Located in the Xicheng District, it is close to the Shichahai which are famous attractions in Beijing.
Since the olden days, Yandaixiejie Street has been one of the most flourishing commercial areas in Beijing. The stores are closely packed along the street and a wide variety of souvenirs with Beijing characteristics can be found there.
Nanluoguxiang Hutong (南锣鼓巷)
Nanluoguxiang Hutong is known for its authentic Beijing atmosphere. The age-old siheyuans, archways, wall carvings, and former residences of socialites can be found there. Today there has been an unprecedented fusion of East and West in Nanluoguxiang Hutong, where new pubs and restaurants have given it an urban appearance.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Jingshan Park (Jingshan Gongyuan), No.44 Jingshanxi Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100009 China
Jingshan Park is superbly landscaped with hills to ascend by steps, clear lakes and dignified ancient buildings. It used to be one of the ancient imperial gardens in Beijing and now has developed as a peaceful public park.
Because of close to north of the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park is the best place for a bird’s eye view of the Forbidden City and central Beijing.
Afterwards, enjoy comfortable transfer back to Beijing Capital International Airport to catch your flight. Wrap your memories and say good-bye.
Duration: 50 minutes
