Epic Beijing: A Journey Through the Empire

Hello and welcome to Beijing — a city with over 3,000 years of history and the heart of modern China. We’ll meet at the hotel at 1:00 pm for a short welcome meeting before setting off on our exploration of the capital. Our first stop is Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and a powerful symbol of modern China. From here, we’ll pass through Tiananmen Gate and enter the true highlight of our visit — Palace Museum, better known as the Forbidden City. This extraordinary imperial palace complex, with a history spanning more than 600 years, was home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. From the imposing grandeur of the Hall of Supreme Harmony to the tranquil pathways of the Imperial Garden, every step here traces the threads of China’s dynastic past, and every view reveals another chapter of its rich civilisation. The rest of the time is yours to explore the city at your own pace. We recommend trying one of Beijing’s most iconic dishes — Peking duck.

Today, our first stop is Summer Palace, a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design. We’ll stroll along the shores of Kunming Lake, climb to the Tower of Buddhist Incense for panoramic views, and I’ll share the stories hidden in the vibrant murals of the Long Corridor. Every bridge and pavilion reflects the ancient Chinese philosophy of harmony between humans and nature, blending the elegance of the south with the grandeur of the north. In the afternoon, we’ll slow the pace with a cycling tour of Tsinghua University, one of China’s top universities. Known not just for cultivating top talent but also as a beautiful “garden within a garden,” this is a place to soak in the tranquility where knowledge and scenery intertwine. Just outside Tsinghua’s East Gate lies Wudaokou, Beijing’s most lively and international student district. Streets are lined with global eateries, coffee shops, and casual bars — perfect for grabbing a meal and feeling the city’s youthful, energetic pulse. In the evening, enjoy some free time. Take a leisurely stroll through Olympic Park, and admire the magical night views of the Bird’s Nest National Stadium and the Water Cube National Aquatics Center. When the lights come on, these iconic structures sparkle against the night sky.

Today, we’ll leave the city behind for a full day exploring the Great Wall. As the towering, dragon-like stretch of grey-yellow stone gradually comes into view atop the mountains, you’ll feel a thrill that words simply can’t capture. We’ll hike the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, widely regarded as the most scenic part, with vegetation covering up to 96% and distinct beauty in every season. We’ll take the cable car up, saving our energy for walking along the Wall’s most iconic sections. When you finally touch the centuries-old bricks weathered by over 600 years, and gaze out from a watchtower at the Wall winding endlessly over the mountains and disappearing into the mist, you’ll understand the meaning of the saying: “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man.”

After a few days of exploring Beijing’s royal side, it’s time to dive into the city’s local life. Today, we’ll wander around Shichahai with no guide and no set route — completely at your own pace. Turn down any alley and you might spot elderly locals chatting outside their homes. Hop on a traditional tricycle with an old Beijing rickshaw driver and let him show you the heart of the hutongs. You may stumble upon Prince Gong’s Mansion, catching a glimpse of imperial grandeur. In nearby parks, listen to Peking opera enthusiasts warming up, driven purely by passion. Taste a local favourite, bao du (beef tripe), sip tea and snack on sunflower seeds in a traditional teahouse, or watch neighbours playing chess — this is the essence of authentic Beijing life. Today, you’re not a tourist — you’re a relaxed local, wandering the streets of Shichahai. In the evening, we’ll visit a local Beijing home to learn how to make dumplings, then sit down to enjoy the fruits of our labour. Sharing food, laughter and everyday conversation, this is a chance to experience the city at its warmest and most authentic.

On the final day of our journey, we’ll visit the Temple of Heaven to close out our trip. Pause in front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a three-tiered, blue-tiled, gilded hall standing for centuries without a single nail. Every detail — from columns to eaves — reflects ancient Chinese mastery of seasons, calendars, and agriculture. More than architecture, it’s a three-dimensional poem to the heavens. Step into the center of the Circular Mound Altar and try speaking softly — you’ll hear a unique echo, created by ancient craftsmen using acoustic principles to embody the harmony between heaven and humans. After this dialogue with history, we recommend a visit to Guomao CBD, Beijing’s commercial heart. Here, you’ll witness the city’s modern pulse and prosperity. Towering skyscrapers define Beijing’s sharpest skyline, a place where global capital, leading companies, and cutting-edge fashion converge — a striking contrast to the ancient world we’ve explored.