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.
![the Gate of the Forbidden City](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif)
![the Imperial Ancestral Temple](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif)
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.
![the red wall and the building in Temple of Heaven](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif)
![a man with white dress playing Tai Chi](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif)
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.
![the facility of an old factory](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif)
![the buildings in 798 art district](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif)
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..
![Peking Opera](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif)
![making up for Peking opera](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif)
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
![Trip Advisor certificate of 2024](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif)
![Tour Review](https://data.chinahighlights.com/grey.gif)
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4 day tour of Beijing
![]() We just completed our four-day tour of Beijing. We want to share our experience with you with Ethan Liu (our tour guide). Wow, we had a great experience from the moment we arrived in Beijing, where he greeted us at the airport. We already knew that the next four days would be a wonderful experience. These are some of the reasons why: 1. He connected with my family, including my wife and two boys. They felt comfortable around him, and we enjoyed learning about Beijing and Chinese history; he kept us engaged and informed. 2. He went the extra mile to ensure we had a great time; he even spent extra time after the tour helping me find an ATM. 3. He is a professional guide who is meticulous about details and will make your tour smoothly with low stress. 4. In all, much love and appreciation to Ethan Liu, Carol Wang, who is our travel coordinator & helped us plan our trip, and our driver, who drove us around without making us car sick. We highly recommend our tour guide and China Highlights without any reservations. They are a 5/5 stars company. Sincerely, The Nguyen Family more
May 2024, Azurite
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Great tour for 1 day
![]() The tailor-made package was great and arranged according to my liking. Lucy, my tour guide was very knowledgeable, well-versed in English and ensured we were taken care of throughout our tour. Lucy was able to answer all questions beyond our toured places. She has very positive energy, kind and is full of confidence. more
May 2024, Lis R.V
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Amazing time in Beijing with Ethan
![]() During our recent two-week tour in China, we spent three days in Beijing with Ethan as our guide, who left a lasting impression on us. Ethan navigated us through the historical and monumental city of Beijing and its surroundings, shared fascinating historical and cultural stories with us and left none of our questions unanswered. What truly set Ethan apart was his ability to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. His infectious good vibes made our time in Beijing exceptionally pleasant. He truly listened to our interests and preferences, accommodated our requests and made personalized recommendations. All that added an extra layer of enjoyment to our trip. more
May 2024, Marijana Petrovic
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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