Explore Beijing with an Emperor's Tour
What do you expect from your first Beijing tour? What do you imagine imperial life in ancient China was like?
Explore the emperors' Forbidden City and visit the iconic Temple of Heaven. Walk along the Great Wall and relax at the emperors' summer residence, the Summer Palace. Take a rickshaw ride through the hutongs and savor the flavor of Beijing roast duck.
This 4-day Beijing itinerary includes all the must-see attractions for a first-time visitor but doesn't just show you the surface of them.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Unveil the Lives of China's Royal Family in their Hidden Halls
Get off the ordinary sightseeing route in the Forbidden City. Listen to the interesting stories of eight famous personalities that are not told by typical tour guides.


Climb up upon the Greatest Project of Ancient China
Explore the most beautiful section of the Great Wall, where there are fewer tourists.


Join the Local People for a Morning Excercise in the Temple of Heaven
Admire the incredible architectures of the Temple of Heaven where the emperors prayed for good harvests. But also feel the relaxing lifestyle of the local senior people here.


Learn Chinese Calligraphy with a Senior Hutong Resident
Walk among the traditional residential houses of old Beijing. Enjoy a Chinese cultural experience in a hutong courtyard and immerse yourself in the age-old lifestyle.


Understand Beijing by Tasting Its Traditional Food
Enjoy an authentic Beijing roast duck dinner in a time-honored brand restaurant.


Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

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Great trip in Beijing
![]() We were in Beijing for a few days and our experience was excellent. We visited Forbidden city, summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, Hutong walking tour , temple of heaven and Mutianyu wall. Our guide Jason and driver Mr. Chang made our visit very stress free, we really appreciated his guidance to all tours, made sure we’re on time for everything and gave us a special attention after the tours, helping us with our personal needs, special thanks to Jason for escorting us to the train station, making sure we made to our seats and given us instructions for meeting our next guide in our next adventure. more
Apr 2025, Dora K
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China Highlights Trip
![]() Amazing and beautifully planned.. We enjoyed our 3 days trip in Beijing. Explored temples and ofcourse the highlights of our tour The Great Wall of China was exceptional. Also thanks to this company for carefully curated my birthday escapade. Celebrated my birthday with Great Wall as my backdrop. Indeed once in a lifetime experience. Highly recommended this tour company, everything was exceptional from the moment we arrived in the airport down to making sure we have the best experience. Shout out to our tour guide Linda / Ling. Highly recommended... She goes above and beyond just to make sure we are comfortable, satisfied and happy. Thanks Linda your one the best tour guide we had... Very knowledgeable and helpful in every ways. more
Apr 2025, Craig
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Our Beijing trip with Mark
![]() The places of interest are very interesting, very rich in culture. Our tour guide, Mark is very patience and obliging. He is also very knowledgeable and took effort to share with us about China history. Our trip has been pleasant and won’t hesitate to recommend. more
Apr 2025, lee yean peng
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Your private guide will meet and greet you at the arrival hall of the airport or at the train station's exit. A comfortable private car (non-smoking) with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel, where your guide will help you to check-in.
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and drive to the historic Tian'anmen Square. After going through the middle gate of the Tian'anmen Rostrum, start to enjoy the highlight of the day, the Forbidden City.
Besides admiring the splendid palaces on the central axis, your guide will take you off the touristy route to explore some spots that are related to some famous figures from the two dynasties. The stories about them will make the Forbidden City come alive for you.
After lunch, go to the old hutong area with your guide. A visit to a local family offers a local perspective on the area's history and is a highlight for most visitors.
Enjoy an authentic Beijing roast duck dinner in a time-honored brand restaurant
Visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning. The Circular Mound Altar, Echo Wall, and the spectacular Imperial Vault of Heaven are the highlights. Additionally, your private guide will show you an area in the park where the local people do their morning exercises, such as tai chi or dancing.
In the afternoon, you'll hike the Great Wall at Mutianyu. This section is ranked top among all parts of the Great Wall on TripAdvisor due to its picturesque scenery and beautifully restored architecture.
On the wall, you can hike along "the most beautiful and interesting part of the Great Wall", which is between the 14th and 23rd watchtowers.
Drive to the famous imperial garden in China, the Summer Palace. It is where the emperors used to retreat when fleeing the summer heat.
You will have a chance to view all of the beautiful palaces at the lakeside during a boat ride on Kunming Lake.
Your guide will handle your luggage and transfer and will accompany you to the train/bus station or the correct check-in desk at the airport for your departure.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.


Price Includes: