Insider Beijing Experiences with an Expert
This is a tour for travelers who would like to discover aspects of Beijing more deeply for a unique perspective far beyond the ordinary tourist's.
We have selected four must-sees of Beijing and have invited some of China's top experts in history, culture, and the arts to lead your tour or give a lesson. They will offer you the very finest viewpoints on traditional culture and contemporary thought.
Our relationships with partners and institutions will also allow you exclusive access to some of the most exciting sites in Beijing, which will give you enviable once-in-a-life-time experiences.
Please consider these options as thought-starters from which we can create your exclusive Beijing city tour. We are ready to tailor-make your tour according to your interests and requirements.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Morning Option 1: Get a Real Taste of Imperial Life
Guided by a famous expert, you'll get insider knowledge about China's royal architecture and imperial court life. Enjoy special access to areas of the Forbidden City that are normally still "forbidden"to the public. Drink champagne with the departed emperors at the Imperial Ancestral Temple.
Morning Option 2: Experience the Harmony of Nature and Humanity at the Temple of Heaven
Admire the amazing architecture of the Temple of Heaven. Learn about the mysterious Chinese philosophy of fengshui ('ind and water'in Chinese, it refers to Chinese geomancy). Have a tai chi lesson with a Chinese kung fu expert.
Afternoon Option 1: Dial 798 for Contemporary Chinese Art
Delve into the heart of Beijing's contemporary art scene at the 798 Art District, based rather ironically in an abandoned industrial complex — the opposite of modern and artistic — which makes the art stand out. Visit some private galleries and talk with a local artist.
Afternoon Option 2:Discover the Best of Peking Opera — Its Intricacies and Secrets
Enjoy a private Peking opera performed by famous actors. Discover the backstage secrets and talk with the actors. Dress up in their costumes and apply the make-up that has become World Cultural Heritage..
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Albee Ning Surreal China Trip
Albee Ning with China Highlights never fails to create the perfect vacation!!! She listens and understands what interests us and provides a guided tour that is surreal. We will remember and share the marvellous memories of this experience for the rest of our lives!! Thanks for everything Albee!!! (Including our dinner together by the elephant in Guilin!!) more
Oct 2024, Mike and Lucy
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Well organised and interesting
Tom was very helpful and knowledgeable. The walk along the Wall was well planned and really enjoyable. The visit to the Summer Palace and Forbidden City were memorable with excellent guiding more
Oct 2024, Robin
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Tour of Beijing
Tom from China tours guided us for a hike on the Jiansanling section of The Great Wall and then a one day tour of Beijing including Forbidden City Tiananmen Square and the Summer Palace. He was very friendly and accommodating from the begin. He answered all of our questions about Chinese history and culture and gave great explanations of the history of all the monuments we visited. The restaurants he chose and dishes he recommended were very tasty on both days. I would recommend him very highly to anyone looking for an English language tour in Beijing and particularly for people interested in history. more
Oct 2024, Sam M
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests. The time frame is just for your reference. It could be adjusted according to your schedule
Explore the Forbidden City with an expert in both traditional and contemporary Chinese architecture. Visit the emperor's main halls and the palaces of empresses and concubines. And then explore a private area which is normally closed to the public. It could be Shufangzhai (The Lodge of Fresh Fragrance) or Chonghua Palace (The Palace of Double Glories). Both are exclusive areas reserved for state guests when they visit the Forbidden City.
At the end of the tour, you will enjoy champagne with the emperors of old at the Imperial Ancestral Temple which was where the emperors worshipped the ancestors, often with an alcoholic offering.
The other option for the morning is…
Explore the Temple of Heaven with a lesson on fengshui — Chinese geomancy. Experience a Chinese philosophy that integrates the universe, the earth, and human beings.
You will have a tai chi lesson with a Chinese kung fu expert there. Discuss the history and art of tai chi and its lasting influence on today's Beijingers. Then experience natural and human harmony in a place full of auspicious geomantic omens.
Visit 798 Art District — the No. 1 contemporary art community in China. Delve into the heart of Beijing's contemporary art scene. Explore the district with an expert guide and hear the stories behind the many pieces of modern art that stand out in the abandoned factory zone.
You will also have the chance to visit private studios and meet local artists. Gain an insider's perspective into the development of Chinese modern art.
The other option for the afternoon is…
Experience Peking opera with a private Peking opera performance given by famous actors in a small traditional courtyard. Your private guide, who is very knowledgeable about Peking opera, will give you explanations about the history, the characters, the costume, etc.
Step into the backstage zone and talk to the actors face-to-face. Learn how artists prepare for a performance. You can even get into a full costume and makeup and learn some typical movements in an opera.
Price Includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide or expert
- Activities and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: bj-2c