5 Days Beijing Winter Tour with Nanshan Ski, Hutong Family Visit & Hot Spring

Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! This is our No.1 tourist destination, an ancient capital with more than 3,000 years. Asia Odyssey Travel will guide you to explore its imperial culture, the Great Wall, and local hutong life.

Upon your arrival at the airport or train station in Beijing, your local tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit and escort you to your carefully selected hotel in downtown Beijing. We will assist you with the hotel check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace.

Beijing Arrival Tips:

Beijing is well connected by both air and high-speed rail. The city has two major airports - Beijing Daxing International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport - serving numerous domestic and international routes.

You can easily reach Beijing by air from most major Chinese cities such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi’an, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guiyang, Chongqing, and Lanzhou.

Alternatively, travelers can take a high-speed train to Beijing from Xi’an (4-5 hours), Shanghai (4.5-6 hours), Tianjin (30 minutes), or Harbin (5-5.5 hours).

Optional Dinner - Peking Duck Experience:

If you’d like, have classic Peking Duck dinner at a famous local restaurant. You’ll savor crispy duck skin, tender meat, and enjoy fun of wrapping it with scallions, cucumber, and sweet sauce in a thin pancake. Truly delicious!

Today, your family will spend a full day exploring Beijing, the ancient capital of China, and experience its majestic landmarks, timeless imperial architecture, and serene winter beauty.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Tian’anmen Square, the world’s largest public square and a powerful national symbol of China. From there, stroll across the square to the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once home to 24 emperors, this grand palace served as the political and ceremonial heart of China during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

With over 8,700 rooms, the Forbidden City is truly a “city within a city.” In winter, its golden roofs and red walls look especially stunning under a soft blanket of snow - elegant, quiet, and deeply poetic. Admire its magnificent halls and ancient treasures while listening to your guide’s fascinating stories of imperial life. Spot the mythical roof guardians dusted with snow and learn about the symbolic bronze vats placed beside the main halls. Don’t miss a peaceful stroll through the Imperial Garden, where pine trees and snow-covered pavilions create a perfect winter scene.

Later, take a short walk to Jingshan Park, where you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Beijing and the Forbidden City’s golden roofs glistening in the snow - a truly picture-perfect winter moment.

In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace (another UNESCO World Heritage Site), once the royal retreat for escaping the summer heat but now transformed into a serene winter wonderland. Known as the “Museum of Royal Gardens,” it features temples, bridges, and the tranquil Kunming Lake. Take a leisurely stroll along the famous Long Corridor, admire the hilltop views.

Optional Winter Activity:

If the weather permits - join the locals for winter fun on the frozen Kunming Lake, such as riding ice sleds or traditional ice bikes (usually available from early January to mid-February, depending on weather conditions).

Optional Dinner - Traditional Beijing Hot Pot:

After returning to downtown Beijing, warm up with an authentic Old Beijing Copper Pot Hot Pot dinner. Savor hand-sliced fresh lamb simmered in a clear broth inside a traditional brass pot, served with sesame dipping sauce - a heartwarming culinary experience to end your perfect winter day in Beijing.

After breakfast, it’s time to leave downtown Beijing and head out to the Mutianyu Great Wall (about 1.5-2 hours’ drive, 73 km) - one of the most beautiful and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China. Originally built in the 6th century and rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty, Mutianyu is renowned for its 23 watchtowers, stunning mountain scenery, and peaceful atmosphere with fewer crowds.

Take the cable car up to the 14th watchtower, then enjoy a memorable winter hike along the wall toward the 20th watchtower. In this season, the surrounding hills are often draped in snow or mist, creating a spectacular contrast with the wall’s ancient grey stones. Pines and cypresses dusted with frost line the slopes, while the Great Wall winds across the white landscape like a sleeping dragon. Feel the crisp mountain air and capture breathtaking photos at every turn. Reaching the 20th watchtower will be a rewarding moment - a true “Great Wall dream come true.”

After your hike, return to the 14th watchtower and take the cable car down.

On the way back to Beijing, unwind with a soothing hot spring experience at Chunhuiyuan Hot Spring Resort. Nestled in a tranquil setting, the resort features multiple themed outdoor pools surrounded by winter scenery. Soak in the naturally warm mineral waters and let the day’s fatigue melt away - the perfect way to relax after your Great Wall adventure.

After your rejuvenating soak, return to your hotel in Beijing for a comfortable overnight stay.

Today, it’s time for some winter fun to the fullest. You will enjoy exciting ski experience at Nanshan Ski Resort, one of the most popular and well-equipped ski resorts near Beijing.

A driver (no guide today) will take you to this ski resort. Located about 76 km northeast of downtown Beijing (about 1-1.5 hours by car), Nanshan is famous for its excellent snow conditions and diverse slopes suitable for all levels.

The resort offers the widest range of ski trails in North China, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced skiers. For snowboard lovers, Nanshan features China’s first snowboard park - Nanshan Mellow Park, complete with jumps, rails, and boxes. Families and children will love the Kids’ Snow Park, snow tubing area, and snowmobiles, providing safe and fun activities for everyone.

Depending on your skill level, you can choose from:

• Beginner Slopes: Wide, gentle runs with conveyor lifts (magic carpets), perfect for first-timers and kids.
• Intermediate Slopes: Moderately steep and longer trails (like L1, L2, M3) for those with some experience looking to improve technique.
• Advanced Slopes: Challenging trails such as S1 and S2, including the famous Mogul Slope, designed for expert skiers seeking adrenaline.

Ski Tips from Asia Odyssey Travel:

1. Let us know your ski level in advance so we can arrange the most suitable package (4-hour or 6-hour option). Each package includes ski boots, poles, and skis or a snowboard. You can choose between skis (two boards) or a snowboard (one board).
2. English-speaking instructors are available for beginners who would like private lessons -perfect for international families and first-time skiers.
3. Non-skiers can still enjoy the winter fun with snow tubing, snowmobiles, and the family snow park.
4. Dress warmly and wear layers for maximum comfort and safety.

After your fun-filled day on the slopes, your driver will take you back to your hotel in downtown Beijing.

This morning, begin your day at the magnificent Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks. Larger than the Forbidden City yet smaller than the Summer Palace, this grand Taoist complex is celebrated for its symmetrical layout, elegant architecture, and deep symbolism. For over five centuries, 22 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties came here to hold sacred ceremonies, praying for good harvests and prosperity.

As you stroll through the surrounding park, you’ll witness the rhythm of daily Beijing life - locals practicing Tai Chi, playing traditional instruments, or writing calligraphy on the ground with water brushes. Step inside the complex to admire the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with its triple-eaved blue roofs, and experience the unique acoustics of the Echo Wall and Triple Sound Stones.

Next, continue to the Hutongs, the maze-like alleyways that form the heart and soul of old Beijing. Hop on a traditional rickshaw for a leisurely ride through the charming Shichahai area, one of the city’s largest and best-preserved historical neighborhoods. Along the way, enjoy views of tranquil lakes, the graceful Yinding Bridge, lively bar streets, and centuries-old courtyard homes that once belonged to noble families and scholars.

Your journey continues with a warm visit to a local Hutong family, where you’ll sit down for a friendly chat and learn how traditions, festivals, and community life are cherished and preserved through generations.

Wrap up your winter day with hands-on cultural workshop, choosing from activities such as Chinese calligraphy, Peking Opera mask painting, or traditional paper-cutting. These timeless arts are especially meaningful in winter, as Beijing prepares to celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival, adding a festive and cultural touch to your winter experience.

After the tour, your Beijing winter tour comes to an end. Your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport or train station for your onward journey.

Extend Your China Adventure:

If you’d like to explore more of China, consider adding destinations such as Xi’an (Terracotta Warriors), Shanghai (The Bund), Zhangjiajie (Avatar Mountains), Chengdu (Giant Pandas), Guilin (Karst Landscapes), or Tibet (Mount Everest). Each offers its own unique charm and unforgettable experiences.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Beijing journey. We look forward to welcoming you again for your next adventure across China!