If you're short on time with just one day to spend in Beijing, we highly recommend combining a visit to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China into one trip.
The Beijing Forbidden City served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties and boasts a rich history spanning over 600 years. With 12 palaces and 9,999 rooms, it holds the distinction of being the largest palace in the world. Walking through the palace complex is like taking a step back in time to the height of China's imperial era. You'll be awestruck by the traditional architecture with its distinctive red and gold color scheme, elaborate roof decorations, and intricate carvings. At each palace, you'll hear different legendary stories about the emperors and their imperial concubines, making your visit feel like a journey through a lively history book.
Make the most of your limited time and visit another engineering marvel: the Great Wall of China. The Mutianyu Great Wall is the least crowded and most beautiful section of the wall. Enjoy a light hike on the most scenic section from watchtower 14 to 20, where you'll gain a deeper appreciation for why the Great Wall was built. Along the way, you'll be able to take in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and marvel at the incredible engineering feat that allowed the wall to be built across such a vast distance.
Beijing (1 Day)
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall
Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! Toady, your tour guide and driver will meet you at your hotel in downtown Beijing. Then, you will spend the whole day exploring the ancient citadel Beijing through China’s famous landmarks, epic imperial grandeur and great wall.
You will head to Tian’anmen Square first, which is the world’s largest public square and also the symbol of China. It has witnessed many big events in China over the past decades and from here you can take good pictures of Tiananmen Gate showing on CCTV News every day. Walk across the square and you will visit the might and splendor of the awe-inspiring Forbidden City (World Heritage), the world’s largest palace complex and one-time home to 24 emperors of China. With about 500 years’ history, Forbidden City served as the political and ritual center of China during the Ming (1368-1644) and the Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. With 9999 rooms, the Forbidden City is not only China’s largest and best-preserved collection of ancient buildings, but also a city within the city, like the Vatican in Rome. Enter through Meridian Gate and visit along the central axis to ensure you won’t miss any highlighted palaces. You can admire its brilliant architecture and numerous ancient art treasures while listening to your guide and learning more about the emperors’ stories hidden inside the Imperial Palace.
Later, you will head to the Mutianyu Great Wall (World Heritage), about 1.5-2 hours’ drive, 73km. The Great Wall boasts a history over 2,000 years and stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, making it one of the most impressive ancient masterpieces on the planet. The Great Wall at Mutianyu is connected with the Jiankou Great Wall in the west and the Gubeikou Great Wall in the east. Mutianyu is the longest and best fully-restored Great Wall with fewer tourists and is also famed for its 23 Ming-era watchtowers and stunning views. Take the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and then enjoy the memorable hiking time on the wall while visiting its western route. With the green pines and cypresses covering the surrounding area, and the winding wall standing majestically on the vast land, you will capture the most stunning natural scenery in this section. Challenge yourselves while climbing up to the 20th watchtower where you could fulfill your Great Wall dream. Cherish the chance and take photos as many as you like!
After that, it is time to end your 1 day Beijing tour. Your guide will escorts you to your hotel or airport/train station. Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia!
What’s Included?
What’s Excluded?
Esta
Britain
Destination(s): Beijing
Date of Experience: Jun 01, 2024
Tour Customized by: Shirley
You May be Interested in This Tour: Customized Tour
christine l
Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guilin/Yangshuo, YangtzeRiver
Date of Experience: Apr 26, 2024
Tour Customized by: Vincent
You May be Interested in This Tour: Customized Tour
Nomad25527374540
Destination(s): Beijing
Date of Experience: May 28, 2024
Tour Customized by: Vicky
You May be Interested in This Tour: Customized Tour
Price: Request
(Based on a private tour for two people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people.)
Free Enquiry! You don’t need to pay for the reservation.