2008 - Beijing City Stay (Touring Only) - 5 days  

With a history dating back a thousand years, China’s modern capital, Beijing, is a complex and exciting place to explore. Sights such as the Imperial City and the nearby Great Wall make Beijing a must for any visit to the People’s Republic. Get a uniqu insight into local life by taking a stroll down ancient hutong backstreets, revel in a night market famous for tasty local specialities, and dine on the city’s signature dish, Peking Duck. A rickshaw ride, an acrobatic performance, delicious cuisine and friendly locals will make your Beijing experience one to remember.

• Itinerary
• Inclusions

Itinerary

Days 1 - 2 ~ Arrive in Beijing

The following morning walk through Tiananmen Square, a site of several significant political gatherings in the history of the country. From there, continue under the beautiful Gate of Heavenly Peace with its iconic portrait of Chairman Mao to the splendid Forbidden City, where Chinese emperors ruled for 500 years. After exploring the massive Forbidden City at length, exist at the North Gate and head across the road to Jingshan Park to enjoy a simple tea ceremony. Spend the afternoon exploring some of Beijing’s few remaining hutongs and courtyard houses by rickshaw, and enjoy the unique opportunity to meet and have lunch with a local family, who is happy to share the intriguing history of their neighbourhood, as well as tales of their own experiences in ever-changing China with you. Climb the famous Drum Tower to see a short demonstration of how drums were once beaten to mark the passing of time, and still today, for tradition’s sake, are sounded every half-hour. In the evening attend a performance by a world-famous, incredible troupe of Chinese acrobats, and later take a culinary stroll around Wangfujing Night Market – you will be amazed by the extraordinary assortment of exotic Chinese snacks for sale.

Days 3 - 5 ~ Visit the amazing Great Wall of China at Mutianyu

Visit the amazing Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, known for its panoramic views, restored watchtowers, and fewer tourist numbers. This evening you will enjoy a tasty meal of Peking Duck in the city that made it famous! Then experience the lively early-morning atmosphere at the park that surrounds the Temple of Heaven, where locals gather to practise calligraphy, Tai Chi, traditional dance and opera. From here,
travel out to the Summer Palace, with a quick stop en route to see a section of the lesser-known Underground City, a maze of subterranean tunnels built underneath thecity for defense and evacuation purposes during a war against the West – that never happened. At the Summer Palace enjoy an optional cruise on Kunming Lake and stroll through the gardens, stone bridges and pavilions for the rest of the afternoon. On day 5 transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Inclusions

One lunch and one dinner, private touring, all transport, entrance fees, acrobat performance, arrival and departure transfers, local English-speaking guide.