Beijing In-Depth 5-Day Tour

Arrival in Beijing
4+ stars Hotels
Breakfast & Lunch

After arriving in Beijing, you will be transferred to your hotel to settle in and rest. Later, take some time to explore the nearby surroundings at your own pace. You might want to visit the famous Lao She Teahouse, where you can enjoy traditional Chinese tea culture alongside folk performances. Alternatively, stroll through Wangfujing Street to experience the bustling night market and sample local delicacies.
Recommended Activities:
Laoshe Teahouse, Golden Mask Dynasty Show, Chaoyang Acrobatics Show, Calligraphy Experience, Hanfu Dress-up, and other intangible cultural heritage activities. You can also consult Intoexplore’s travel advisors for more recommendations.

Tiananmen--Forbidden City--Summer Palace
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Breakfast & Lunch

In the morning, join Intoexplore to visit Tiananmen Square, located in the heart of Beijing. It is one of the largest city squares in the world and a major political, historical, and cultural landmark of China. Every morning, there is a flag-raising ceremony performed by the PLA honor guard marching from the Tiananmen Gate Tower, across the Golden Water Bridge, along the central axis.
Tips:
If you wish to watch the flag-raising ceremony, please wake up early. Approximate times: Summer: around 4:45–5:15 AM; Winter: around 7:30–7:50 AM.
Note: During the ceremony, hats must be removed, and everyone should stand respectfully. Loud noises, horseplay, or camera flashes are prohibited.
Next, visit the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Located along Beijing’s central axis and adjacent to Tiananmen Square, it is the world’s largest and best-preserved wooden palace complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
Suggested Routes:
Classic Central Axis Route: Meridian Gate (entrance) → Gate of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Supreme Harmony → Hall of Central Harmony → Hall of Preserving Harmony → Palace of Heavenly Purity → Hall of Union → Palace of Earthly Tranquility → Imperial Garden → Gate of Divine Prowess (exit)
In-depth Tour: Same as above, but with more time spent at each site.
If you prefer not to walk, you can take the shuttle service inside the Forbidden City (extra fee). This option is ideal for seniors or children. Feel free to consult Intoexplore for details.
In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. Known as the “Museum of Imperial Gardens,” it combines the elegance of southern Chinese gardens with

Mutianyu Great Wall--Bird's Nest (Exterior)--Water Cube (Exterior)
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Breakfast & Lunch

In the morning, head to the world-famous Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved and most picturesque sections of the Ming Dynasty wall. Less crowded and surrounded by stunning views, it has been praised by CNN as “China’s most beautiful Great Wall” and is a favorite among international travelers. You can ascend the wall by cable car or chairlift and take in the engineering marvel. For more excitement, ride a toboggan down or even take a helicopter ride to enjoy a bird’s-eye view.
In the afternoon, visit two iconic structures from the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Bird’s Nest (National Stadium): Known for its unique steel structure, it is now a city landmark and major tourist attraction.
Water Cube (National Aquatics Center): Famous for its blue bubble design, it hosted swimming and diving events in 2008. During the 2022 Winter Olympics, it transformed into the “Ice Cube” for curling events, becoming the world’s first dual-use Olympic venue for both summer and winter games.

Temple of Heaven - Prince Gong's Mansion - Shichahai - Hutongs

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Breakfast&Lunch

Morning: Visit the Temple of Heaven, Beijing's iconic ancient architectural complex where Ming and Qing emperors performed celestial rituals. Its design reflects cosmic reverence—the Circular Mound Altar's steps and railings all revolve around the number "9", symbolizing imperial divinity.  

Next, explore Prince Gong's Mansion, the lavish residence of Qing Dynasty Prince Gong (Yixin). Originally built by corrupt official Heshen, it features forbidden royal elements like nanmu wood halls and a 1.2-meter-thick treasure wall (legend says window designs coded hidden riches). Tip: Wear flat shoes; flash photography restricted in some areas.  

Afternoon: Stroll through Shichahai, the only open-water area in old Beijing, preserving Yuan Dynasty urban planning. This cultural hub blends hutong alleys, sichuan courtyards, and historic mansions. For an authentic experience, take a rickshaw ride through the hutongs to soak up old Beijing's charm.  

Wangfujing - Departure from Beijing (End of Itinerary)

4+Stars Hotel

Breakfast

After breakfast, explore Wangfujing, Beijing's iconic shopping district with roots in the Yuan Dynasty. Flourishing during Ming-Qing periods and dubbed the "Oriental Champs-Élysées" in Republican China, it blends historic landmarks (Dongtang Catholic Church, Silian Barber Shop) with modern malls (APM, YinTai Center). Discover everything from century-old brands to Michelin-starred restaurants.  

Recommended Experiences:  
- Food: Candied hawthorns (*bingtanghulu*), Peking duck, zhajiang noodles, traditional pastries  
- Shopping: Wangfujing Department Store, APM, YinTai in88, Oriental Plaza, Wangfujing MALL (11% VAT refund for purchases over ¥500)  

We'll arrange your airport/train station transfer according to your schedule, concluding your Beijing journey.