Beijing Heritage and Architecture

Arrive in Beijing
Place & Transport: Arrive in Beijing; Flight not included Today's Activities: Airport to Hotel Transfer (Beijing)

Beijing Place & Transport: Beijing
The Tian'anmen Square: The world's largest city square and enduring symbol of China's national pride, surrounded by many imposing buildings including the Heavenly Gate (entry to the Forbidden City), Museums, government buildings and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum. The Forbidden City: The Imperial Palace, home to 24 Emperors between 1420 and 1911. Great squares, halls and gates contrast with the intricate networks of side halls, gardens, courtyards and quarters for those who lived in this 'city within a city'. The exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, are also absolutely fascinating. Expect to spend at least 2-3 hours, wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather. Treasure Houses: Treasure house has undergone 4 time renovations, the present one takes up almost 220 square metres, more than 440 treasures on display belonged to Qing dynasty royalty, half of which have not never been on display in the old one. It's worthy of visiting.

Beijing Place & Transport: Beijing
Today's Activities: Hiking from Jinshanling Great Wall to Simatai Great Wall Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at Si Ma Tai Restaurant Hiking from Jinshanling Great Wall to Simatai Great Wall: Jinshanling Great Wall section is an ideal place for hiking enthusiasts to test themselves against its steep gradients and to enjoy the landscape. Jinshanling to Simatai section is a distance of about 10 km. Only partly restored, it's less crowded, and provides a unique view of the Wall, watchtowers and magnificent scenery. A flying fox operates at the end of the hike to take hikers to the bottom. This provides a spectacular view of the scenery around and the reservoir under the cable car. Comfortable walking shoes and protection from the weather are a necessity.

Beijing Place & Transport: Beijing
Today's Activities: Chuandixia Village Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at Flower Restaurant Chuandixia Village: A picturesque mountain village, 3 hours' drive from Beijing through winding mountain valleys.The ancient walled courtyard houses and alleys clamber up the hillside, and have remained largely unchanged for centuries.Many of the families (all descended from the original founder) open their homes to provide meals for visitors.

Beijing Place & Transport: Beijing
Today's Activities: Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Xiushui Street (Silk Market) Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch Temple of Heaven: Situated in the southern part of the city, the temple of heaven covers the total area of 2,700,000 square meters. The temple was built in 1420A.D. It is the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would offer sacrifice to heaven and pray for good harvests. The main buildings of the temple including the Circular Mound Altar, Imperial Vault of Heaven and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest.The surrounding gardens are full of interesting activities, particularly weekend mornings. Summer Palace: Much-loved summer retreat of the Imperial families, the lovely landscaped gardens, halls, pavilions and corridors are set around the lake and rivers in natural harmony. You can expect to spend 2-3 hours here, including a 10 minute boat ride. Renovations (complete in 2010) mean that an individual section or building may be closed at any one time, but this is a huge site.

Depart Beijing
Place & Transport: Depart Beijing, Flight not included Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Beijing) Meals: Breakfast