Xian Beijing Tours: 3-Day Beijing Heritage Tour Package by bullet train

Summary

DAY 1 Arrive in Beijing from Xian by train: Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple
DAY 2 Beijing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Houhai Lake, Nanluoguxiang Hutong Area
DAY 3 Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall

DAY 1 Xian-Beijing by Flight

In the morning, our dedicated driver will collect you from your accommodation in Xi'an and ensure a smooth transfer to the airport for your flight to Beijing. Upon your arrival in Beijing, which typically takes about 2 hours, you will be warmly greeted by our knowledgeable local guide at the airport exit. Look for the welcome sign marked "Your Way Holiday." Our guide will assist you with your luggage and escort you to your vehicle, where a comfortable ride awaits. With our driver ensuring a hassle-free transfer and your guide providing insights into the city, your 3-day Beijing adventure will commence seamlessly. Get ready to explore Beijing’s iconic landmarks and immerse yourself in its rich history and culture.

Your first destination is the Temple of Heaven, a remarkable complex of Taoist buildings located in the outer city of Beijing. Renowned as the pinnacle of traditional Chinese architecture, the Temple of Heaven represents a profound symbolic connection between heaven and earth. Its design features a circular layout for the altar, reflecting the ancient Chinese belief in the roundness of heaven, while the surrounding square grounds symbolize the solidity of the earth. This harmonious alignment underscores the role of the Emperor, revered as the Son of Heaven, who was tasked with mediating between the divine and the earthly realms. The temple complex was the site of grand sacrificial rites performed to ensure good harvests, embodying the deep spiritual and agricultural traditions of ancient China. In 1998, the Temple of Heaven was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural brilliance and historical significance, standing as a testament to China's rich cultural heritage.

Continue your tour to the Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe Temple, a renowned lamasery of the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. As the largest and best-preserved Tibetan Buddhist temple in China, the Lama Temple showcases an impressive array of architectural and artistic treasures. The temple complex features sweeping tile roofs, intricate decorative archways, and grand statues that create a majestic atmosphere. Its layout includes five expansive halls, each adorned with a rich collection of Buddhist art. These halls house stunning sculptural representations of deities, demons, and Buddhas, and are complemented by vibrant Tibetan-style murals that depict scenes from Buddhist lore. The serene ambiance and intricate craftsmanship make the Lama Temple a must-visit destination, offering a profound glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist culture and history amidst the vibrant tapestry of Beijing.

After your enriching visits to the Temple of Heaven and the Lama Temple, our driver will escort you to your hotel, ensuring a smooth and comfortable transfer. Upon arrival, your friendly tour guide will assist you with the check-in process, taking care of all the details to ensure a seamless transition to your accommodation. With the remainder of the day at your leisure, you’re free to explore Beijing at your own pace. Whether you choose to relax at the hotel, stroll through nearby neighborhoods, or discover local dining spots and attractions, the choice is yours. Our guide and driver will be on hand to provide any additional assistance or recommendations you might need, ensuring you have the freedom to enjoy your day as you wish.

DAY 2 Beijing

In the early morning, our tour guide will meet you in your hotel lobby to escort you to Tiananmen Square, a vast expanse in the heart of Beijing renowned for its historical and cultural significance. As the largest public square in the world, Tiananmen Square is surrounded by significant landmarks, including the imposing Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Monument to the People's Heroes. Dominating the square is the Tiananmen Rostrum, a striking red gate with a portrait of Chairman Mao Zedong, which serves as a backdrop for national celebrations and ceremonies. The square itself has been the site of numerous historic events, including the founding ceremony of the People's Republic of China. As you wander through this iconic space, you’ll experience the profound scale and deep historical resonance of one of China's most important landmarks.

The Forbidden City, located in the heart of Beijing, is an essential destination for any traveler to China’s capital. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers an unparalleled glimpse into the opulent lives of China’s emperors. Originally constructed during the Ming Dynasty, this vast imperial palace complex spans over 180 acres, featuring nearly 1,000 buildings that showcase the pinnacle of traditional Chinese architecture. Today, the Forbidden City houses the "Palace Museum," where visitors can explore an extensive collection of over 1.8 million cultural and artistic treasures, including ancient ceramics, paintings, and imperial artifacts. Renowned for its grandeur and intricate design, the Forbidden City is often regarded as one of the world’s five greatest palaces, standing alongside the Palace of Versailles in France, Buckingham Palace in Great Britain, the White House in the United States, and the Kremlin in Russia. Its luxurious halls and expansive courtyards continue to captivate visitors, offering a window into the rich history and cultural heritage of China.

Adjacent to the Forbidden City, Houhai Lake, also known as Back Lake, is a large and scenic body of water that offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Beijing. Surrounded by graceful willow trees, the lake is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a serene boat ride. As the day turns to night, Houhai Lake takes on a different character, becoming one of the city's most lively and sought-after nightlife destinations. The area is particularly famous for Houhai Bar Street, where an eclectic mix of bars, cafes, and restaurants line the waterfront, offering everything from quiet, intimate settings to lively venues with live music and stunning lake views. This blend of natural beauty and urban excitement makes Houhai Lake a favorite gathering place for both locals and tourists, providing a perfect backdrop for a relaxed evening or an energetic night out in Beijing.

Later, our tour guide will take you to the Nanluoguxiang Hutong Area, a captivating neighborhood where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Nanluoguxiang, one of Beijing’s oldest and most well-preserved hutongs, offers a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle. With a history spanning over 800 years, this charming district is a hidden gem in downtown Beijing. As you wander through its intricate maze-like lanes, you’ll discover a vibrant mix of traditional courtyard homes alongside trendy boutiques, artisanal stationery shops, cozy cafes, and inviting teahouses. The area is also home to lively bars and small eateries, making it a perfect spot to relax and soak in the local atmosphere. However, the true beauty of Nanluoguxiang lies not just in its bustling cafes and shops but in its close-knit community. Residents, particularly the elderly, can often be seen peacefully chatting with neighbors, playing chess surrounded by spectators, or simply strolling and watching the ebb and flow of tourists. This blend of rich heritage and everyday life offers a unique glimpse into Beijing’s cultural fabric, making your visit to Nanluoguxiang a truly immersive experience.

After today's enriching tour concludes, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel, ensuring a seamless and pleasant end to your day. Along the way, feel free to ask any final questions or seek recommendations for your stay. Our attentive driver will handle the transport with care and efficiency, navigating the city with expertise to ensure a smooth journey. Whether reflecting on the day's experiences or planning for the next, you can relax and enjoy the ride back to your accommodations. Your guide and driver are dedicated to providing exceptional service, making sure you arrive at your hotel comfortably and with a lasting impression of your day’s adventures.

DAY 3 Beijing

After breakfast, our tour guide will meet you in your hotel lobby and transfer you to the Mutianyu Great Wall. Known for its scenic beauty and relative tranquility compared to the more crowded Badaling or Juyongguan sections, Mutianyu offers a serene experience of this iconic landmark. Built and restored during the early Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) on the remains of a Wall from the Northern Qi Dynasty (550–577), Mutianyu was reconstructed under the guidance of Xu Da, a founding general of the Ming Dynasty. His efforts extended the Wall from Shanhaiguan to Mutianyu, with this section officially proclaimed a Ming pass in 1404. Serving as a key defensive point against northern nomads, Mutianyu’s well-preserved watchtowers and scenic vistas provide a fascinating insight into the Wall's historical significance and strategic importance.

Other unique features in this section include the 'Tail Wall' which stretches out perpendicular to the Wall along a ridgeline for stronger defensive positioning, and another perpendicular extension on the other side of the Wall. Invading nomads would use the ridgelines as they marched, to avoid being caught unawares in the brambles and trees below, and the positioning of the Great Wall along the ridgeline and these adjoining tail walls are recognition of the importance of this high ground.

After your tour of the Mutianyu Great Wall, you will be transferred back to downtown Beijing. On the way to your hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to see two of Beijing's most iconic landmarks from the outside: the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube. The Bird's Nest, officially known as the Beijing National Stadium, is renowned for its striking, lattice-like structure and was a centerpiece of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Its innovative design and nighttime illumination make it a visual marvel. Nearby, the Water Cube, or the National Aquatics Center, is equally impressive with its distinctive bubble-like facade, which was designed to resemble water bubbles and served as the venue for swimming events during the Olympics. Both structures are remarkable examples of modern architecture and provide a dramatic contrast to the historic Great Wall, showcasing Beijing's blend of ancient heritage and contemporary innovation.

After your exploration of the Mutianyu Great Wall and the brief sightseeing of the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, your guide will ensure a smooth transfer back to your hotel in Beijing or to the Beijing train station. Throughout your journey, the guide has been at your service, providing insightful commentary, answering questions, and ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. With their expert knowledge and attentive care, they will make sure you are comfortably settled before concluding your 3-day Beijing heritage tour package. Whether you are heading back to your hotel or catching a train, you can rest assured that every detail of your departure will be handled with the same professionalism and dedication that marked your entire tour.

Price Per Person in US Dollars