Beijing Imperial & Great Wall Journey
Walk in the footsteps of emperors and experience the grandeur of China's ancient capital
About This Route
Beijing, China's imperial capital for over 800 years, is a city where ancient history meets modern dynamism. From the magnificent Forbidden City to the awe-inspiring Great Wall, from the sacred Temple of Heaven to the vibrant hutongs, this 7-day journey will immerse you in China's rich cultural heritage.
What You'll Experience:
- Explore the Forbidden City, the world's largest imperial palace complex
- Hike the Great Wall at Mutianyu or Jinshanling
- Wander through the historic hutongs of Beijing
- Experience authentic Peking duck and imperial cuisine
- Visit the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace
- Discover Tiananmen Square and the National Museum
7-Day Itinerary
Arrival & Tiananmen Square
Morning: Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport. Transfer to your hotel in Dongcheng or Xicheng district. Afternoon orientation and rest.
Afternoon: Visit Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square.
Evening: Welcome dinner featuring Beijing-style cuisine.
Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven
Morning: Explore the Forbidden City (Palace Museum), home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Afternoon: Visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests.
Evening: Walk through a traditional hutong area and visit a local courtyard home.
Great Wall at Mutianyu
Full Day: Day trip to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Enjoy a scenic hike on one of the best-preserved sections of the Wall.
Summer Palace & Old Summer Palace
Morning: Visit the Summer Palace, a magnificent imperial garden with Kunming Lake.
Afternoon: Explore the ruins of the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan).
Evening: Peking duck dinner at a historic restaurant.
Lama Temple & Hutong Exploration
Morning: Visit the Lama Temple, one of China's most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.
Afternoon: Explore Nanluoguxiang hutong and shop for traditional crafts.
Evening: Dinner in a local hutong restaurant.
National Museum & Modern Beijing
Morning: Visit the National Museum of China, one of the largest museums in the world.
Afternoon: Explore modern Beijing at Wangfujing or Sanlitun.
Evening: Farewell dinner with traditional Beijing entertainment.
Departure
Morning: Final breakfast, last-minute souvenir shopping, or a final walk through your favorite hutong.
Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for your departure, with wonderful memories of Beijing's imperial grandeur.
Gallery
What Travelers Say
Robert Martinez
Austin, TX | May 2026
Walking on the Great Wall was a dream come true. Our guide, Wang, was so knowledgeable about the history of every site we visited. Beijing exceeded all expectations!
Jennifer Liu
Toronto, Canada | May 2026
The Forbidden City was massive and beautiful, and the Peking duck dinner at Quanjude was unforgettable. Exploring the hutongs felt like stepping back in time.
Thomas Anderson
London, UK | April 2026
The Temple of Heaven was absolutely stunning. I loved the balance between ancient sites and modern experiences in this itinerary. Perfect for first-time visitors to China!
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather. Summer can be hot, while winter is cold but dry with occasional snow.
Getting Around
Beijing has an extensive subway system that covers most tourist attractions. Taxis and Didi are readily available. Walking is great in hutong areas.
Local Cuisine
Don't miss Peking duck, jianbing (Chinese crepes), zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste), and hot pot. Beijing cuisine is hearty and flavorful.
Cultural Tips
Learn basic Mandarin phrases - locals appreciate the effort. Dress modestly when visiting temples. Bargaining is common in markets but not in fixed-price stores.