How to Make the Most of Your Beijing 2 Hour Small Private Walking Tour to Coal Hill Park and Beihai Park

If you’re looking to escape from Beijing’s bustling city center, look no further than the Coal Hill Park and Beihai Park! This 2-hour private walking tour takes you through these imperial gardens, which are home to some of China’s most beautiful landmarks, such as the Five Dragon Pavilion, Jade Island, and Nine Dragon Screen. In this guide, we’ll show you how to plan and make the most of your small private walking tour in Beijing.

Overview of the Tour

The tour begins with pickup from a centrally located meeting point in Beijing. Your informative, friendly, and professional guide will take you through the local area on a walking tour, exploring two of Beijing’s imperial gardens – the Coal Hill Park and Beihai Park. You’ll enjoy a range of activities during the tour, including a visit to the Five Dragon Pavilion, where you’ll catch a panoramic view of Beijing. You’ll also explore the Nine Dragon Screen, a Chinese cultural relic consisting of nine painted dragons with a history dating back to the Ming Dynasty.

What’s Included

The tour includes the following benefits:

• A private walking tour with a professional guide
• Pickup and hotel drop-off at centrally located meeting points within the 4th Ring Road
• Transportation to and from attractions
• All entrance fees
• Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup Points

You can arrange to be picked up from a hotel within Beijing’s 4th ring road for free. However, if your hotel is outside the city, there may be an extra cost for transportation. Don’t worry if your hotel is far away – you can always travel into the city to meet your tour guide.

What to Expect

In Coal Hill Park, you’ll get to climb to the top of Jingshan Mountain, where you’ll witness a panoramic view of Beijing. The pavilion on the mountain’s summit was built in Ming Dynasty and reconstructed in 1750 by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. It is said that Qianlong made a careful study of the previous buildings before giving instructions for the renovation. Next, you’ll visit the Nine Dragon Screen, which is situated north of the Five Dragon Pavilion. The screen is a wall constructed with glazed tiles depicting nine dragons playing in the clouds. The screen was built in 1756, and its surface is six meters high, 27.8 meters wide and over 2 meters thick. It is considered one of the three most famous dragon screens in China. Finally, you’ll visit Beihai Park, which is located north of the Forbidden City. You’ll take a stroll around the lake and explore the White Pagoda on Jade Islet. You’ll witness the beautiful White Dagoba, situated on the highest point of the park, which is a landmark of Beihai Park.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Beijing 2 Hour Small Private Walking Tour to Coal Hill Park and Beihai Park is an excellent opportunity to escape from the bustling city center and explore the beautiful imperial gardens. With a professional guide leading the way, your tour will be informative, friendly, and professional. So why wait? Book your tour through Viator and don’t miss out on the opportunity to make memories to last a lifetime. Book here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Beijing

If you’re planning a trip to China’s capital city, Beijing, you might have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common questions people ask about visiting this fascinating destination:

1. What is the best time of year to visit Beijing?

Beijing has four distinct seasons, each with its own attractions and challenges. The best time to visit will depend on your personal preferences:

Spring (March to May)

The weather in spring is generally pleasant, with temperatures warming up after the cold winter months. Spring is a good time to visit if you want to see cherry blossoms in bloom.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is hot and humid, with frequent thunderstorms. However, summer is also the peak tourist season, with many festivals and events taking place.

Fall (September to November)

Fall is considered by many to be the best time to visit Beijing. The weather is mild and comfortable, with clear skies and colorful foliage.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Beijing can be bitterly cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. However, if you’re a fan of winter sports, this is the best time to visit for skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.

2. What are the must-see attractions in Beijing?

Beijing has a wealth of cultural and historical attractions. Here are some of the most popular:

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. This ancient fortress stretches for over 13,000 miles, with sections easily reached from Beijing.

The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is a vast complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens that was once the home of China’s emperors. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Beijing’s top tourist attractions.

The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a beautiful imperial garden that was used as a summer retreat by the Qing emperors. It features an ornate palace, a serene lake, and a sprawling park.

The Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is an ancient temple complex where Chinese emperors would go to pray for a good harvest. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for architecture lovers.

3. What’s the best way to get around Beijing?

Beijing is a sprawling city, so getting around can be a bit challenging. Here are some options:

Public transportation

Beijing has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, subway trains, and trams. This is the most affordable and often the fastest way to get around. However, it can be crowded during peak times.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available in Beijing, but they can be expensive during rush hour. Make sure to have your destination written down in Chinese characters to avoid any communication issues.

Bicycle

Bicycles are a popular way to get around Beijing, and there are many bike rental services available throughout the city.

4. What should I know about Chinese culture before visiting Beijing?

China has a rich and complex culture, so it can be helpful to do some research before your trip. Here are some tips:

Etiquette

Chinese etiquette places a strong emphasis on respect and politeness. Make sure to avoid loud or boisterous behavior and address people formally until invited to use their first name.

Cuisine

Chinese cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with a focus on fresh ingredients and varied seasonings. Don’t be afraid to try new dishes, but be aware that some Chinese dishes can be quite spicy.

Language

Although many people in Beijing speak English, it can be helpful to learn some basic Mandarin phrases before your trip. This will help you communicate with locals and make your stay more enjoyable.

5. What are some lesser-known attractions in Beijing?

While the Great Wall and other famous attractions are certainly worth visiting, Beijing has many hidden gems that are less well-known. Here are some top picks:

The Beijing hutongs

The hutongs are a network of narrow alleyways that wind through traditional residential neighborhoods. They’re a great place to experience local life and culture.

The 798 Art District

The 798 Art District is a thriving art community housed in a complex of decommissioned factories. It’s a great place to see cutting-edge art and architecture.

The Beijing Bell and Drum Towers

The Bell and Drum Towers are ancient structures that were used to keep time in imperial China. They offer stunning views of the city and are a great place to learn about the city’s history.

The Fragrant Hills

The Fragrant Hills are a set of hills located on the western outskirts of Beijing. They’re a popular destination for hiking and sightseeing, particularly in the fall when the foliage changes color.

Book Your Tour Now

Beijing is a fascinating city with a rich history, culture, and cuisine. Whether you’re interested in exploring famous landmarks, immersing yourself in local life, or discovering hidden gems, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant metropolis. By following these tips and doing a bit of research, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your trip to Beijing.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, is a city rich in history, culture, and diversity. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming for tourists to plan their itinerary. This guide aims to provide you with recommendations on how to spend your time in Beijing, including top tourist attractions and hidden gems.

1. Visit the Great Wall of China

A trip to Beijing is not complete without a visit to the Great Wall of China, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Great Wall stretches over 13,000 miles across China, and some of the most popular sections are close to Beijing. One of the best sections to visit is the Mutianyu section, which is less crowded than other sections like Badaling. Mutianyu offers breathtaking views and a cable car ride to the top of the wall.

2. Explore the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit attraction while in Beijing. The palace complex was home to Chinese emperors for almost 500 years and has over 9,000 rooms. The Forbidden City also houses numerous museums, including the Palace Museum, which displays ancient Chinese artifacts and art.

3. Experience the Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a religious site and a masterpiece of Chinese architecture. It was built during the Ming Dynasty and has been an important location for emperors to perform ceremonies to the gods. Visitors can explore the park and witness locals practicing tai chi, as well as admire the intricate details of the temple buildings.

4. Visit Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is one of the largest public squares in the world and is an important location in Chinese history. It is home to the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the Great Hall of the People. Visitors can also see the daily flag-raising ceremony and visit the Tiananmen Tower.

5. Discover the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a beautiful palace complex and a stunning example of Chinese garden design. It was once the summer residence of Chinese emperors and has numerous pavilions, gardens, and a man-made lake. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake, stroll through the gardens, and visit the Longevity Hill and the Marble Boat.

6. Try traditional Beijing cuisine

Beijing is famous for its cuisine, including roasted duck (Peking duck), jiaozi (dumplings), and hot pot. There are numerous restaurants throughout the city that serve these dishes, from local street vendors to high-end restaurants. One of the best places to try traditional Beijing cuisine is the Wangfujing Night Market, where vendors sell all sorts of delicious snacks and street food.

7. Wander through the hutongs

The hutongs are narrow alleyways and streets that are lined with traditional courtyard homes. These are some of the oldest neighborhoods in Beijing and offer a glimpse into the city’s history and daily life. Visitors can wander through the hutongs on foot or by rickshaw, and visit local shops and cafes. The most popular hutongs are Nanluogu Xiang and Dashilar.

8. Visit the 798 Art District

The 798 Art District is a contemporary art hub in Beijing that is home to numerous galleries, studios, shops, and cafes. The art district is located in a former industrial area and has been converted into a creative space. Visitors can see works by Chinese and international artists, and attend art shows and events.

9. See the Lama Temple

The Lama Temple is a Tibetan Buddhist temple and one of the most important religious sites in Beijing. It was built during the Qing Dynasty and has over 10,000 statues of Buddha, as well as beautiful Tibetan-inspired architecture. Visitors can see monks chanting and offering prayers, and learn about Tibetan Buddhism.

10. Watch a traditional Chinese performance

Beijing is known for its cultural performances, including Peking Opera, acrobatics, and kung fu shows. There are numerous theaters throughout the city that offer these shows, including the Red Theater and the Chaoyang Theater. Visitors can experience Chinese culture and learn about traditional performing arts.

Book Your Tour Now

Beijing is a city full of wonders that offers something for everyone. By visiting these top tourist attractions and hidden gems, you can experience the rich history and culture of China. Don’t forget to try the local cuisine, wander through the hutongs, and watch a traditional Chinese performance. With this guide, you can plan your itinerary and make the most of your time as a tourist in Beijing.