How to Plan Your 2-Days Essential Beijing Tour: See the Great Wall and Forbidden City with a Private Guide

Are you planning to visit Beijing, but don’t know where to start? This private two-day tour is the perfect way to see the best of Beijing’s fascinating historic sites. With a licensed English-speaking guide and comfortable private vehicle, you’ll visit some of Beijing’s most popular tourist attractions, including the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Mutianyu Great Wall, Summer Palace and Tiananmen Square.

Day 1: Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City

Your tour will start at 8:30 am with pickup from your centrally located hotel in Beijing. Take a scenic drive through the heart of Beijing to Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares, and the site of many important historic events. After enjoying the views of the square with your private guide, you will enter the Forbidden City, which used to be the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Once a place of seclusion and mystery, it’s now open to the public, so you can see firsthand how the emperors lived and learn about their ruling styles. With the help of your private guide, you will learn about the complex’s impressive architecture, history, and significance. After marveling at the past structures of the Forbidden City, your guide will take you to a nearby restaurant where you can enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch. You can rest, enjoy the meal, and take it all in before heading to the next piece of Beijing’s must-see list.

Day 2: Mutianyu Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace

On your second day, your driver will head outside the bustling city to Mutianyu, a well-known and relatively quiet section of the Great Wall of China. It will take around two hours to arrive from downtown Beijing, but the scenic drive through the rolling countryside will prove worthy once you’re up there. No experience in Beijing would be complete without visiting one of the most stunning examples of ancient Chinese engineering: the Great Wall. You’ll spend a few hours exploring the area, seeing the impressive fortifications and learning about the history of the wall from your knowledgeable guide. After getting your fill of the Great Wall, you’ll return to downtown Beijing where you’ll stop at the Temple of Heaven, another world-renowned UNESCO-listed site that’s known both for its impressive architecture and religious significance. The temple complex was where emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties would offer sacrifices and pray for good harvests. Finally, you’ll finish off the day at Summer Palace, an imperial garden built by the Qing Dynasty. The beautiful palace and its gardens are an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Beijing before the guide drops you off back at your hotel.

Why Choose a Private Tour?

With a private tour guide by your side, your trip to Beijing will be fully personalized to your interests and preferred pace. This tour can accommodate groups of up to six, so you can bring your family or friends along. Additionally, private tours allow you to skip the sometimes-confusing lines and crowds that you get with larger tours, meaning that you’ll have more time to appreciate the attractions and ask questions of your expert guide. Furthermore, this tour includes hotel pickup, drop-off, and all transportation, so you can sit back and relax while everything is taken care of. At the end of the day, you’ll return to your hotel feeling satisfied that you’ve seen and experienced so much of what Beijing has to offer.

The Bottom Line

To sum up, if you want to make the most of your trip to Beijing, booking a Mandarin-speaking private tour makes good sense. The two-day essential Beijing tour with a private guide is a perfect choice for those looking for a comprehensive sightseeing experience. From the iconic Great Wall of China to the complex history of the Forbidden City, you’ll see some of the best that the city has to offer. Book your tour here and enjoy a stress-free adventure into Beijing’s past and present.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beijing

Beijing, the capital city of China, is one of the most visited cities in the world. The city is known for its rich history, ancient culture, delicious cuisine, and modern developments. Here are some frequently asked questions about Beijing:

1. What are the must-visit places in Beijing?

Beijing has many iconic and must-visit places. Some of them are:

• The Great Wall of China: One of the seven wonders of the world.
• The Forbidden City: The imperial palace of China’s Ming and Qing dynasties.
• Tiananmen Square: The largest public square in the world.
• Summer Palace: A beautiful palace complex in northwest Beijing.
• The Temple of Heaven: A complex of religious buildings.
• Hutongs: Narrow alleys and traditional courtyard residences.
• The National Museum of China: One of the largest museums in the world.

2. What is the best time to visit Beijing?

The best time to visit Beijing is in the spring and autumn seasons. The months of March to May and September to October are ideal for tourists. The weather is mild, and the crowds are less. However, be aware that Beijing can get quite cold in the wintertime, and summers can be hot and humid.

3. What is the currency used in Beijing?

The currency used in Beijing, and all of China, is the Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY).

4. What is the best way to travel around Beijing?

The best way to travel around Beijing is by using public transit. The city has an extensive subway system that covers most of the major tourist attractions. There are also buses, taxis, and bike rentals available. However, be aware that traffic in Beijing can be very heavy, especially during peak hours.

5. What are the popular local dishes in Beijing?

Beijing is known for its rich and delicious cuisine, some of the most popular local dishes are:

• Peking Roast Duck: A famous roasted duck dish.
• Mongolian hotpot: A popular stew made with meat and vegetables.
• Zhajiangmian: A noodle dish made with soybean paste and vegetables.
• Jiaozi: Dumplings filled with meat or vegetables.
• Baodu: Spicy tripe hotpot.

6. What is the language spoken in Beijing?

The official language of Beijing, and all of China, is Mandarin Chinese. However, English is also commonly spoken in tourist areas and hotels.

7. What is the dress code in Beijing?

There is no specific dress code in Beijing. However, visitors should dress modestly when visiting religious or cultural sites. It is also recommended to wear comfortable shoes, especially when visiting the Great Wall.

8. Is it safe to travel to Beijing?

Yes, Beijing is a safe city to travel to. However, like any other major city, visitors should take precautions and be aware of pickpocketing and scams. Also, be aware of the traffic when crossing the street, as drivers may not always follow traffic rules.

9. What is the nightlife in Beijing like?

Beijing has a vibrant nightlife scene that caters to all tastes. From trendy bars and nightclubs to traditional tea houses and theaters, there is something for everyone. Some popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun, Houhai, and Gulou.

10. What cultural festivals are celebrated in Beijing?

Beijing celebrates many cultural festivals, some of the most popular ones are:

• Chinese New Year: Celebrated in late January or early February.
• Mid-Autumn Festival: Celebrated in September or October.
• Dragon Boat Festival: Celebrated in June or July.
• Spring Festival: Celebrated in March or April.

Book Your Tour Now

Beijing is a fascinating and vibrant city with a rich cultural and historical heritage. There is an endless supply of things to see and do, and the city is always evolving. By following the tips and recommendations in this FAQ, visitors can have a safe and enjoyable time in Beijing.

How to Make the Most of Your Tourist Visit to Beijing

Beijing is an incredible city rich in history, culture, and natural wonders. It’s the capital of the People’s Republic of China and has been the political and cultural center of the country for centuries. The city boasts numerous historical sites that capture the essence of ancient China’s imperial history, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and the Great Wall of China. If you’re planning a trip to Beijing, we’ve compiled a list of things to do and see to help you make the most of your visit.

1. Visit the Great Wall of China, an architectural wonder

The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most impressive architectural wonders and is a must-see on any Beijing tour. The wall stretches for over 13,000 miles and is over 2,000 years old, with some parts dating back to the 7th century. Visitors can hike on the wall and take in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding countryside. If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting the Mutianyu section of the wall, which is less crowded than other sections.

2. Explore the Forbidden City, the Imperial Palace of China

The Forbidden City in Beijing was the imperial palace of China for over 500 years, and it’s now a museum that houses over a million historical artifacts. The palace is an enormous complex that covers 72 hectares and has 980 buildings, making it the largest ancient palace in the world. Visitors can admire the intricate architecture, beautiful artworks, and learn about the lives of previous emperors as they stroll through the palace.

3. Marvel at the Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven in Beijing is a masterpiece of architecture and a UNESCO world heritage site. It was built during the Ming Dynasty and is where the emperors of the time would come to pray for a good harvest. Visitors can explore the beautiful structure, including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Circular Mound Altar, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and more.

4. Learn about China’s history at the National Museum of China

The National Museum of China is the largest museum in China and houses a vast collection of historical artifacts, art pieces, and relics that tell the story of China’s history. The museum has more than 1 million items in its collection and is divided into two sections: one dedicated to China’s ancient history and another for modern China. Some popular exhibits include ancient bronze vessels, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings.

5. Experience traditional Chinese culture at the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a beautiful imperial garden that dates back to the 12th century. It’s one of the most serene places in Beijing and is perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake, wander through the gardens, and admire the intricate architecture of the palace buildings. During the warmer months, there are often music and dance performances that take place at the palace.

6. Get a taste of Beijing’s cuisine

Beijing is famous for its cuisine, and there are plenty of incredible food options to try during your visit. Some of the must-try dishes include Peking duck, Beijing noodles, dumplings, and baozi. There are also plenty of street food options, including fried tofu, roujiamo (Chinese burgers), and spicy skewers. For the adventurous foodies, there are also markets that sell scorpions, crickets, and other interesting snacks.

7. Visit the Lama Temple, a Buddhist monastery in Beijing

The Lama Temple is one of the largest and most well-known Buddhist monasteries in Beijing. It’s also a temple of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism and was originally built as a palace for the emperor in the 17th century. Inside, visitors can see the stunning golden Buddha statue that is over 26 meters tall, as well as many other intricate art pieces and relics.

8. Check out the Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube

The Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube were two iconic structures built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The Bird’s Nest is a massive stadium that can seat up to 91,000 people, while the Water Cube is a stunning aquatics center that hosted the swimming and diving events during the Olympics. Visitors can take a tour of both structures and learn about their history and significance.

Book Your Tour Now

Beijing is a city that is steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in ancient history, religion, or modern architecture, there’s something for everyone in this incredible city. These are just a few of the many things to see and do in Beijing, but no matter what you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.