Beijing 1-day Classic Tour

The Summer Palace - Temple of Heaven - Hutongs

Morning: Imperial Elegance at Summer Palace
Begin at the Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Qing Dynasty garden design. Glide across Kunming Lake on a traditional dragon-shaped paddleboat, passing marble bridges and lotus-filled coves. Wander the Long Corridor, a 728-meter gallery adorned with 14,000 vibrant paintings depicting folk tales and historical events—keep an eye out for the “Three Warriors Battling a Tiger” mural near the eastern end. Ascend Longevity Hill via the Pavilion of Buddhist Incense, stopping at the Seventeen-Arch Bridge to photograph its 544 stone lions. For a serene moment, sip pu’er tea at the lakeside Shifang Pavilion, once a retreat for Empress Cixi.

Midday: Spiritual Architecture at Temple of Heaven
Post-lunch, explore the Temple of Heaven, a Taoist marvel where emperors sought cosmic harmony. Marvel at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a 38-meter timber structure with triple-gabled roofs and 28 wooden pillars symbolizing the lunar calendar. Test the acoustic wonder of the Echo Wall: whisper against its circular stone barrier, and your voice will carry flawlessly to the opposite side. Join locals in a game of Chinese chess under ancient cypresses or watch kite-flying enthusiasts maneuver intricate dragon-shaped designs. Don’t miss the Nine-Dragon Cypress, a 500-year-old tree said to embody imperial energy.

Afternoon: Hutong Life & Artisan Traditions
Dive into Beijing’s Hutongs with a rickshaw tour through Nanluoguxiang, a labyrinth of Ming-era alleyways lined with courtyard homes (siheyuan). Pause at a 200-year-old courtyard to participate in a tea ceremony, learning to brew jasmine and pu’er blends while hearing stories of merchant families who once lived there. End your day with a home-cooked meal in a Hutong family’s dining room, sampling zhajiangmian (noodle dish) and baozi (steamed buns).