1-Day Emperor’s Tour in Bejing: Forbidden City, Beihai Park, Jingshan and Hutong

Your tour guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel at 08:30 a.m.. Then, we will transfer to the Tiananmen Square by public transportation and start emperor’s tour of Beijing. The solemn and respectful Tiananmen Square is the largest central city square in the world, which serves not only the city's symbol but also the whole of China. This immense courtyard is surrounded by a variety of significant edifices such as the Tiananmen Tower, Great Hall of the People, Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao, Monument to the People's Heroes and National Museum. It is the must place to visit in Beijing City.

The magnificent Forbidden City is the largest and the best-preserved imperial palace complex in the world. It has 9,999 rooms in flourishing period with just a single room short of the number that ancient Chinese belief represents 'Divine Perfection' and surrounded by a moat six meters deep and ten-meter high wall. For five centuries, this palace functioned as the administrative center of the country. Today this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Follow your tour guide to visit several palaces, including the lavish Antiquarian of the Palace Museum (Treasures Museum). Learn about the ancient history, culture, and traditions that helped shape the Forbidden City through your guide's engaging commentary. At noon, we will taste traditional Beijing cuisine - Noodles with Soybean Paste(Zhajiang Mian). Zhajiang mian is very popular when it comes to traditional Beijing cuisine, and is sometimes referred to as simply Beijing noodles. Then, we will enjoy local traditional food for lunch(Vegetarian diet, Beijing Duck and Sichuan Cuisine are available). In the afternoon, we will stroll through Beihai Park and climb the man-made hill in Jingshan Park. Learn how and why the hill was built, and gaze over the beautifully lit-up Forbidden City and other landmarks.

Located to the west of the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park, Beihai Park is one of the best-preserved imperial parks in the center of Beijing. More than half of the area is taken up by a large lake, where lots of travelers go boating in the summer and skating in the winter. The White Pagoda on the mountain beside the lake is the symbol of this park, which offers a vantage point with a beautiful view of the whole park. Other ancient buildings, such as Hao Pu Creek Garden, Quiet Heart Studio, Nine-dragon Screen, Five Dragon Pavilions and Circular City, show different effects of mountain-water combinations in ancient Chinese architectures.

Jingshan Park is superbly landscaped with hills to ascend by steps, clear lakes and dignified ancient buildings. It used to be one of the ancient imperial gardens in Beijing, and now has developed as a peaceful public park. Vigorous cypresses are planted widely in the park, creating a quiet and solemn atmosphere with the golden-glazed ancient pavilions. Because of close to north of the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park is the best place for a bird's eye view of the Forbidden City and central Beijing. At dusk, the Forbidden City is particularly beautiful, palace eaves decorated with golden rays of the setting sun.

Houhai, which literally means "Back Sea", is a large artificial lake in northern downtown Beijing. There were many wine shops, workshops, and opera stages in ancient times. Nowadays, it is open to all. The area is dotted with bars, cafes, tea houses and restaurants, and is quite popular among foreign visitors and local young people. In addition, the neighboring Hutongs and courtyards of former court officials and celebrities are worth a visit. We will stroll along Lotus Lane in the Back Lakes (Houhai) area, see its night-time bars and lake waters, and take in the historical Yandaixiejie Hutong and Nanluoguxiang Hutong. Yandai Xie Street (烟袋斜街胡同) Know as Yandai Xiejie in Chinese, the Yandaixie Street is one of the oldest hutongs in Beijing. Located in the Xicheng District, it is close to the Shichahai which are famous attractions in Beijing. Since the olden days, Yandaixiejie Street has been one of the most flourishing commercial areas in Beijing. The stores are closely packed along the street and a wide variety of souvenirs with Beijing characteristics can be found there.

Nanluoguxiang Hutong is known for its authentic Beijing atmosphere. The age-old siheyuans, archways, wall carvings, and former residences of socialites can be found there. Today there has been an unprecedented fusion of East and West in Nanluoguxiang Hutong, where new pubs and restaurants have given it an urban appearance. Afterwards, we will back to your hotel by public transportation, Wrap your memories and say good-bye in your hotel.