How to Plan Your Private Beijing Tour to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Badaling Great Wall

Visiting Beijing, the capital city of China, is on the bucket list of many travelers around. The city is famous not only for its modern architecture and technology but also for its rich cultural heritage depicted in its landmarks, museums, and streets. Visiting Beijing as a tourist can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. If you’re looking for a hassle-free experience that covers the top highlights of the city, then the Private Beijing Tour to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Badaling Great Wall is a great option for you. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of how to plan your private Beijing tour, the highlights of the tour, and everything else you need to know.

1. Book Your Tour

The first step to planning your private Beijing tour to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Badaling Great Wall is to book your tour. You can book your tour online through the viator.com website by clicking on the following link: book the tour here. The tour costs $176 per person and includes pick up and drop off to anywhere within the 3rd ring road of Beijing, an air-conditioned minivan with a chauffeur, complimentary bottled water with unlimited supplies, admission tickets to all attractions, and Cable car fee at the Great Wall.

2. Plan Your Itinerary

The Private Beijing Tour to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Badaling Great Wall is a full-day tour that starts at 7:30 AM and ends at 5:30 PM. The tour covers three of the most popular tourist attractions in Beijing, namely Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Badaling Great Wall.

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is the largest public square in the world, located in the heart of Beijing. It has great political significance as it has been the site of many political and historical events throughout China’s history. On this tour, you will visit Tiananmen Square, learn about its history and significance, and take great photos in front of the iconic landmarks such as the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China.

Forbidden City

After visiting Tiananmen Square, your next stop will be the Forbidden City, which served as the imperial palace for almost 500 years during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Forbidden City is a UNESCO world heritage site and has been open to the public since 1949. The palace consists of 980 buildings and covers an area of 180 acres, making it the largest palace complex in the world. On this tour, you will visit the Forbidden City with an experienced and knowledgeable guide who will explain its history, architecture, and culture. You will also have the opportunity to walk on the marble bridges, admire the intricately painted ceilings, and see the famous throne of the Dragon Emperor.

Badaling Great Wall

The last stop on this tour is the Badaling Great Wall, the most popular and best-preserved part of the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall is one of the seven wonders of the world and a UNESCO world heritage site, stretching over 13,000 miles through China’s history. On this tour, you will take a cable car to the top of the wall and walk on it for around 2 hours, admiring the stunning views and taking memorable photos.

3. Know What’s Included and Not Included in the Tour

It’s essential to know what’s included and what’s not included in the Private Beijing Tour to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Badaling Great Wall to avoid any confusion or extra expenses during the tour. Included in the tour: – Pick up and drop off to anywhere within the 3rd ring road of Beijing – Air-conditioned minivan with a chauffeur – Complimentary bottled water with unlimited supplies – Admission tickets to all attractions – Cable car fee at the Great Wall Not included in the tour: – Meals (You can bring your food or buy food at the attractions) – Gratuities (You can tip the guide and the driver if you’re satisfied with their services)

4. Plan What to Wear and Bring

Planning what to wear and bring is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable tour experience. Here are some tips on what to wear and bring: – Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes suitable for the weather – Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun – Bring a small backpack to store your personal belongings, such as a camera, phone, wallet, and passport – Bring some snacks and drinks if you don’t plan to buy food at the attractions

5. Know the Meeting and Pickup Points

You can head directly to your preferred meeting point or request pickup. The tour offers the following meeting points: – Your hotel located within the 3rd ring road of Beijing – Subway station (Dongsi) Exit C It’s essential to arrive at the meeting point on time to avoid any delays or inconvenience.

Book Your Tour Now

The Private Beijing Tour to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Badaling Great Wall is an excellent option for travelers who want to explore the top highlights of Beijing in a hassle-free and personal way. Planning your tour in advance and knowing what to expect will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Don’t forget to book your tour online through the provided link, plan your itinerary, wear and bring appropriate items, know the meeting and pickup points, and enjoy your tour.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beijing

Beijing is a captivating city in Northern China that is steeped in over 3000 years of history. It is the capital of China and is one of China’s biggest and most populous cities in the world. Beijing offers visitors with enchanting temples, historic landmarks, diverse cultures, world-class museums, lively street markets, delicious cuisines, and incredible nightlife. In this article, we will answer some of the frequently asked questions about Beijing.

1. What is the best time to visit Beijing?

The best time to visit Beijing is spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is mild, and the skies clear, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Summers (June to August) tend to be hot and humid, while winters (November to March) can be cold, dry, and accompanied by strong winds.

2. What is the best way to get around Beijing?

The best way to get around Beijing is by using the city’s public transportation. The city has a well-developed metro system, buses, and taxis, making it easy to navigate. The metro system is affordable, fast, and reliable, and it connects most of the city’s major tourist attractions. However, during peak hours, the metro can be very crowded. Taxis are also a good option, but they tend to be more expensive than public transportation.

3. What are some of the top tourist attractions in Beijing?

Beijing has hundreds of tourist attractions. Some of the must-visit ones include:

• The Great Wall of China
• The Forbidden City
• The Temple of Heaven
• The Summer Palace
• Tiananmen Square
• The National Museum of China

4. What is the food like in Beijing?

The food in Beijing is diverse and delicious. Beijing is famous for its roast duck, which is often served with pancakes, cucumber, and scallion. Other popular Beijing dishes include jianbing (Chinese crepes), dumplings, hotpot, and baozi (steamed buns). There are also many street food stalls, offering a wide variety of local snacks and delicacies.

5. What is the nightlife like in Beijing?

Beijing has a vibrant and lively nightlife. There are plenty of bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that cater to different tastes and preferences. The most popular nightlife areas in Beijing include Sanlitun, Houhai, and Gulou. Sanlitun is known for its trendy bars and clubs, while Houhai is famous for its lakefront bars and restaurants. Gulou, on the other hand, is a historic neighborhood that has a bohemian vibe, with many live music venues and street performers.

6. What are the customs and traditions in Beijing?

Beijing has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many customs and traditions that visitors should be aware of. Some of these include:

• Respect elders and authority figures
• Remove shoes when entering someone’s home
• Avoid giving gifts that are too expensive
• Do not raise your voice in public
• Do not discuss sensitive political topics
• Be mindful of your body language and gestures

7. Are there any local festivals or events in Beijing?

Beijing has many festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the most popular ones include:

• Chinese New Year (January or February)
• Dragon Boat Festival (June)
• Mid-Autumn Festival (September)
• National Day (October 1st)
• The Beijing International Film Festival (April)
• The Beijing International Music Festival (October)

8. What are some of the best shopping areas in Beijing?

Beijing is a shopper’s paradise, with many street markets, shopping malls, and department stores. Some of the best shopping areas in Beijing include:

• Wangfujing Street
• Silk Market
• Panjiayuan Antique Market
• Qianmen Street
• Xidan Commercial Street

9. What is the currency used in Beijing?

The currency used in Beijing (and in China in general) is the Chinese yuan (CNY). The yuan is also known as the renminbi (RMB). Most shops, restaurants, and hotels in Beijing accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash for street markets and small shops.

10. What is the language spoken in Beijing?

The official language of Beijing (and China) is Mandarin Chinese. However, many locals also speak and understand English, especially in tourist areas. It’s always a good idea to carry a Mandarin phrase book or to have a translation app on your phone in case you need to communicate with someone who doesn’t speak English.

Book Your Tour Now

Beijing is a fascinating city with a lot to offer visitors. With its rich culture, ancient history, and modern attractions, there is something for everyone in Beijing. We hope that this FAQ has helped answer some of your questions about the city and has inspired you to visit this beautiful and enchanting destination.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Beijing

Beijing is the capital of China and is one of the most populous cities in the world, with a rich cultural heritage and numerous tourist attractions. If you are planning a trip to Beijing and wondering how to spend your time, this guide is for you. Here are some of the top things to do and see in Beijing:

1. Visit the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Beijing. There are several sections of the wall that you can visit, but the most popular and well-preserved section is the Badaling Great Wall. It is advisable to visit the Great Wall early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat.

2. Explore the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is a palace complex located in the heart of Beijing and is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved palaces in China. It was the Imperial Palace for 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can easily spend a whole day exploring the many halls, pavilions, and galleries of the Forbidden City.

3. Take a Tour of the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a serene and peaceful retreat located on the outskirts of Beijing. It was once the summer residence of the emperors of the Qing dynasty and is now a popular tourist attraction. The palace complex consists of several beautiful pavilions, halls, and gardens, including the famous Long Corridor and Kunming Lake. You can take a boat ride on the lake or climb the hill for a breathtaking view of the palace and surrounding area.

4. Visit the Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is another UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Beijing. It was once used by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to offer sacrifices to the gods and pray for a good harvest. The temple complex consists of several beautiful halls, altars, and gardens and is a popular spot for tai chi, kite flying, and other outdoor activities.

5. See the Tiananmen Square and Mao Zedong Memorial Hall

Tiananmen Square is the largest public square in the world and is located in the center of Beijing. It is named after the Tiananmen Gate, which is located on the northern side of the square and was once the main entrance to the Forbidden City. The square is also home to the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, which houses the embalmed body of the former Chinese leader.

6. Explore the Hutongs of Beijing

The Hutongs are narrow alleyways that criss-cross through the old neighborhoods of Beijing. They are lined with traditional courtyard houses, teahouses, and small shops and are a great place to experience the old way of life in Beijing. You can take a rickshaw tour of the Hutongs or rent a bike and explore them on your own.

7. Enjoy Traditional Chinese Cuisine

No trip to Beijing is complete without trying the local cuisine. Some of the most famous dishes in Beijing include Peking duck, beef noodles, dumplings, and hotpot. You can find many restaurants and street vendors offering these dishes all over the city.

Book Your Tour Now

Beijing is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage and many tourist attractions. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or food, there is something for everyone in Beijing. By following this guide, you can make the most of your time in Beijing and create unforgettable memories.