How to Plan Your Beijing Private Tour to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven With Lunch

If you’re planning a trip to Beijing, you don’t want to miss out on visiting some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This full-day private city attractions tour will take you to three of the most important sights: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven. With a professional English/Spanish/French/German speaking guide and air-conditioned car, you’ll be able to enjoy your visit in comfort, without the hassle of navigating your way around the city.

Overview of the Tour

The tour begins with a convenient hotel lobby pick up in the morning, where you’ll meet your guide who will take you to explore Beijing’s most important landmarks. You’ll spend around 40 minutes in Tiananmen Square, visiting the Forbidden City for around 2-3 hours, and exploring Temple of Heaven for around 1-2 hours. Along the way, you’ll enjoy an included local restaurant lunch and have the option to upgrade your experience with a Red Theater Kongfu Show for an additional fee.

What’s Included

The tour includes everything you’ll need to make the most of your visit to Beijing. You’ll have a professional English/Spanish/French/German speaking guide to show you around, and you’ll travel in style in an air-conditioned car. All admission tickets are included in the tour price, including the Treasure Gallery at Forbidden City. You won’t have to worry about carrying cash for entrance fees or dealing with long lines. Included in the tour price is also gratuities for your guide as recommended. Giving a small gratuity at the end of the tour is customary in China, but the amount is entirely up to you.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour operates daily, with pickup times starting at 9 AM. There are various pickup points around the city, and you can select the most convenient one when you book your tour.

What to Expect

Tiananmen Square

Your first stop is Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square. Here is where Chairman Mao announced the establishment of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949. You’ll see the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall.

Forbidden City

Next, visit the Forbidden City, an iconic landmark in Beijing. The Forbidden City was the imperial palace for the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and it took 14 years to complete in the early 15th century. You’ll learn about the history and architecture of the palace, as you stroll through the halls and imperial gardens. Your admission ticket also includes a visit to the Treasure Gallery.

Temple of Heaven

The last stop on the tour is the Temple of Heaven. The temple was built in the 15th century, and it was a place where emperors went to pray for a good harvest. The temple and its surrounding park are now open to the public, and you’ll have a chance to explore the stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.

Book Your Tour Here

To book your private tour, visit the Viator website. Be sure to book in advance to secure your spot and enjoy hassle-free exploration of Beijing’s most popular attractions.

FAQs about Beijing

Beijing, China’s capital, is known for its rich history and heritage, modern architecture, and vibrant culture. Millions of people visit this vibrant city every year to experience its unique blend of ancient traditions and contemporary living. If you’re planning to visit Beijing, you may have some questions about the city, its culture, and its attractions. In this FAQ guide, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Beijing.

1. What is the best time to visit Beijing?

Beijing experiences extreme temperatures, with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit the city is during the spring and fall season, which is from late March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the tourist crowds are thin.

2. What are some must-visit tourist attractions in Beijing?

Beijing is filled with numerous tourist attractions, but here are some of the top ones you should visit:

Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City

Tiananmen Square is one of the largest public squares in the world and is located in the heart of Beijing. It’s surrounded by historical landmarks such as the Forbidden City, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was home to the Ming and Qing dynasties for over 500 years.

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is a must-visit tourist attraction in Beijing. The wall is over 2000 years old and stretches for over 13,000 miles through China’s northern region. You can visit any section of the wall, but the most popular one is the Badaling section.

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a Taoist temple complex that was used by the Ming and Qing emperors for annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests. The architectural design of the temple is based on ancient Chinese cosmology and is regarded as a masterpiece of Chinese architecture.

3. How do I get around Beijing?

Beijing has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, subways, and taxis. The subway system is the most efficient and convenient mode of transportation for tourists, with 23 lines and over 400 metro stations. Taxis are also readily available, but make sure to have the destination written in Chinese characters to avoid communication issues.

4. What should I wear in Beijing?

Beijing experiences extreme temperatures. During the summer, temperatures can soar up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, while in the winter, they can drop to below freezing. It’s essential to pack clothing suitable for the weather conditions. Lightweight, breathable clothing is best for summers, while warm and waterproof clothing is necessary for winters.

5. What are some traditional foods to try in Beijing?

Beijing is famous for its delicious food, and some of the must-try dishes include:

Beijing Roast Duck

Beijing roast duck is a signature dish of the city, and it’s a must-try for anyone visiting the city. The dish consists of slices of roasted duck breast wrapped in a pancake with hoisin sauce, cucumbers, and scallions.

Jianbing

Jianbing is a traditional Chinese breakfast food that’s popular in Beijing. It’s a type of crepe made from mung bean paste, eggs, and a variety of toppings such as cilantro, scallions, and chili paste.

Hotpot

Hotpot is a popular Chinese dish that involves cooking raw meat, vegetables, and noodles in a communal pot of boiling broth. The dish is served with a variety of dipping sauces and is perfect for sharing with friends and family.

6. Is it safe to visit Beijing?

Beijing is a safe city to visit, with a low crime rate. However, it’s always essential to practice general safety precautions such as keeping your valuables close and being aware of your surroundings. Also, avoid street vendors and tourist traps, which may charge high prices or sell counterfeit goods.

7. What are some cultural customs to keep in mind while in Beijing?

When visiting Beijing, it’s essential to be aware of the local customs to show respect to the locals. Some cultural customs to keep in mind include:

Bowing and Greeting

When greeting someone, it’s customary to bow slightly and address them using their formal title or surname. Handshakes are also accepted, especially in business settings.

Table Manners

When eating with locals, it’s best to wait for them to begin eating before you start. It’s also polite to use chopsticks correctly and avoid pointing them directly at someone. Lastly, it’s best to avoid finishing all the food on your plate, as it may suggest that the host did not provide enough food.

Gift Giving

Gift-giving is a common custom in Chinese culture. It’s customary to bring a small gift when invited to someone’s home, such as a fruit basket or a small souvenir from your home country.

Book Your Tour Now

Beijing is a fascinating city filled with rich history, culture, and modern architecture. We hope this FAQ guide has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the city and will help you plan your visit. Remember to follow local customs, pack appropriate clothing, and visit the must-see tourist attractions. Enjoy your trip to Beijing!

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Beijing

Beijing, the capital city of China, is a place that overflows with historical and cultural significance. With so many sights to see and activities to do, you may be wondering where to start your journey. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Beijing, with every detail to make your trip unforgettable!

1. Visit the Great Wall of China

Starting your Beijing trip with a visit to the Great Wall of China is a must-do. The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most iconic attractions and is visible from space. The wall stretches over 13,000 miles across China, and some sections are restored and open to tourists. The most popular sections that are easily accessible from Beijing are Mutianyu, Jiankou, and Badaling.

How to Get There

The easiest way to visit the Great Wall of China is to book a tour that includes transportation. You can also take a public bus, but this may take longer and can be more difficult if you do not speak Mandarin Chinese. You can book a tour in advance online or through your hotel concierge.

How to Avoid Crowds

The Great Wall of China can be crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. To avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting during the early morning or late afternoon. You can also choose to visit one of the less popular sections, like Jiankou, to have a more private and unique experience.

2. Explore the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the home and palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Forbidden City consists of 980 buildings, and covers an area of 180 acres. The architecture, history, and art collection within the Forbidden City are a must-see.

How to Get There

The Forbidden City is located in the center of Beijing, and can be easily accessed by public transportation, taxi, or by walking. The closest subway station is Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West Station on Subway Line 1.

How to Avoid Lines

The Forbidden City can be crowded, especially during peak seasons. To avoid waiting in long lines, we recommend purchasing tickets online in advance. Also, avoid visiting during public holidays, such as the Chinese New Year, to ensure fewer crowds.

3. Visit the Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a must-visit attraction and is located in the southeastern part of central Beijing. It was built in 1420 and served as a place of worship for emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its unique architecture and beautiful gardens.

How to Get There

The easiest way to get to the Temple of Heaven is to take public transportation, such as a bus or subway. The closest subway station is Tiantan East Gate Station on the Subway Line 5.

How to Avoid Crowds

To avoid crowds, we recommend visiting in the early morning or late afternoon. Also, visit during the off-season, which is from November to March, to have more space and fewer tourists around.

4. Walk along the Long Corridor at the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a vast imperial garden that was built during the Qing Dynasty. This UNESCO Heritage Site is a popular tourist destination and is best known for its beautiful gardens, pavilions, and large lake. One of the most famous attractions within the Summer Palace is the Long Corridor, which is 728 meters long and is decorated with over 14,000 paintings.

How to Get There

The Summer Palace is located in the northwest part of Beijing and is easily accessible by public transportation. You can take Subway Line 4 or a public bus to the Summer Palace.

How to Avoid Crowds

To avoid the crowds at the Summer Palace, we recommend visiting during the off-season or during weekdays. Also, arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when fewer tourists are in the park.

5. Enjoy the Peking Opera

Peking Opera, also known as Beijing Opera, is a type of traditional Chinese theater that has been around for hundreds of years. This style of opera is known for its colorful costumes, intricate makeup, and storytelling. Watching a Peking Opera performance is a must-do activity while in Beijing.

How to Get There

Peking Opera performances can be found at various theaters in Beijing, including the Liyuan Theatre, the Huguang Guild Hall, and the Beijing Opera Theater. These theaters are easily accessible by taxi, public transportation, or by walking.

How to Get the Best Seats

To ensure the best seats and view for a Peking Opera performance, we recommend booking tickets in advance. You can book online, through your hotel concierge, or at the theater box office.

Book Your Tour Now

Beijing is a place with a rich history and culture that is perfect for tourists. With so many things to do and see, it can be overwhelming to plan your trip. However, with this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to explore the top attractions while avoiding the crowds. Follow these tips to make your Beijing tour unforgettable!