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Beijing is the cultural and historic heart of China, a mix of Imperial, Communist and modern day influences.

Beijing is the natural starting point for our first-time visitors to the People's Republic. It is here that you will explore centuries of extraordinary history and observe modern life in a thriving 21st century China. In the sprawling 15th century Forbidden City, on the sacred steps of the Temple of Heaven and in the landscaped gardens of the Summer Palace, you can relive the might and power of the Dynastic years, when all-powerful emperors ruled over China. Better yet, we'll arrive before the crowds to observe the elderly locals who rise early to take communal exercises in the park and gather to sing their red songs.

In the vast Tiananmen Square, the uncompromising communism of the Chairman Mao era is embodied in the brutal Soviet style buildings which line this immense public space. Venture into the ancient hutong alleyways to find pockets of life largely untouched by the explosive capitalism of recent years. The younger generation might be moving to the outskirts, but these streets are still home to many Mao-era Beijingers.

But Beijing is not all about the past; micro-breweries, contemporary hotels and the flourishing 798 Art District lend the city a young, creative and dynamic edge. Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism thrive and coexist harmoniously, celebrated and worshipped in magnificent temples.

Beijing is also the place to access the mythical Great Wall of China, both reconstructed and easily-accessed areas around an hour from the city, to our favourite wilder and atmospheric sections slightly further afield.

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Hugh Clayson

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5903 Special In Depth Beijing Tour

Beijing & Great Wall

Special in-depth Beijing tour

Gain an in-depth perspective on Beijing's past and present with our specially designed tour of the capital.

9290 Forbidden City

Beijing & Great Wall

Forbidden City

Explore the ancient complex, home to 24 Chinese emperors to immerse yourself in China’s Dynastic past.

5900 Summer Palace & Old Palace

Beijing & Great Wall

Summer Palace & Old Palace

Tour the magnificent lakeside summer residence of emperors, cross the lake by boat and see the Old Palace ruins.

6339 Temple Of Heaven Park

Beijing & Great Wall

Temple of Heaven Park

Climb the sacred steps to one of China’s finest temples and observe locals taking their morning exercises.

5899 Hike The Great Wall Of China

Beijing & Great Wall

Hike the Great Wall of China

A range of options to hike along a wild and atmospheric part of the Great Wall of China, just north of Beijing.

5898 Mutianyu Great Wall & Ming Tombs

Beijing & Great Wall

Mutianyu Great Wall & Ming tombs

Ride the cable cars to a picturesque restored section of the Great Wall and visit the impressive Ming tombs.

5902 Hutongs: Behind The Scenes

Beijing & Great Wall

Hutongs: Behind the Scenes

Traverse the alleyways of a traditional hutong to gain an insight into life here and partake in cultural activities.

6338 Beijing Off The Beaten Track

Beijing & Great Wall

Beijing off the beaten track

Delve into Beijing's lesser visited places to gain a different perspective on life here, away from the crowds.

5904 Three Temples Tour

Beijing & Great Wall

Three temples tour

Visit three beautiful temples to learn how Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism remain relevant today.

6336 798 Art Zone

Beijing & Great Wall

798 Art Zone

Wander the bohemian streets of Beijing’s art district to see the creative side of the city, full of surprises.

5897 Opera, Kung Fu & Acrobatics

Beijing & Great Wall

Opera, Kung Fu & Acrobatics

Enjoy the world famous Peking Opera, a breathtaking acrobatics performance or some high flying Kung Fu.

6337 Museums Of Beijing

Beijing & Great Wall

Museums of Beijing

Discover more about Beijing’s captivating history, culture and art at some of the city’s specialist museums.

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9507 Conrad Hotel

Conrad Hotel

Beijing & Great Wall

Deluxe Hotel

11923 Courtyard Ruyuan

Courtyard Ruyuan

Beijing & Great Wall

Deluxe Boutique

9183 Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U Town

Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town

Beijing & Great Wall

Deluxe Hotel

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Double Happiness Courtyard Hotel

Beijing & Great Wall

First Hotel

11924 Hotel Cote Cour

Hotel Cote Cour

Beijing & Great Wall

First Boutique

5888 Penta Hotel

Penta Hotel

Beijing & Great Wall

First Hotel

5889 Regent Hotel

Regent Hotel

Beijing & Great Wall

Deluxe Hotel

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READY - 18 March 2024

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