Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll walk the Wall, explore the emperor's vast palace, wander the grey-brick hutong lanes by rickshaw, watch tai chi at the Temple of Heaven, and feast on crisp Peking duck. Between the icons are tea houses, markets and the buzz of a city racing into the future.
With a central hotel, a private guide and driver and the key sights arranged, all you have to do is soak up the capital.
Trip Highlights
- A walk on a scenic stretch of the Great Wall
- The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
- The Temple of Heaven and its morning tai chi
- A hutong rickshaw ride and courtyard visit
- The Summer Palace and its lake
- A traditional Peking duck dinner
- Four nights in a central Beijing hotel
- A private guide and driver throughout
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 5-day journey.
Arrive in the capital and settle into your central hotel. A welcome dinner introduces the flavours of northern China.
Drive out to a scenic stretch of the Great Wall for a walk along the ramparts, returning for a hutong rickshaw ride and a Peking duck dinner.
Explore Tiananmen Square and the vast Forbidden City, then the Temple of Heaven where locals gather for tai chi and games.
A relaxed morning at the lakeside Summer Palace, the imperial retreat, with a free afternoon for the markets or a tea house.
A final breakfast before your transfer to the airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and a private guide and driver throughout
- 4 nights in a central Beijing hotel
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Peking duck dinner
- A Great Wall excursion with entry
- The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven
- A hutong rickshaw ride and the Summer Palace
- All sightseeing entrance fees per the itinerary
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from China
- China visa fees (we can assist)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities need a China tourist (L) visa arranged in advance, though visa-free transit and regional schemes exist for some passports. We can advise, and your passport should be valid at least six months
- The Great Firewall: Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and many Western sites are blocked in China. Install a reputable VPN and download offline maps before you arrive
- Currency & payments: The currency is the Chinese yuan (RMB). China is largely cashless via WeChat Pay and Alipay; set these up if you can, and carry some cash as a backup
- Language: English is not widely spoken outside hotels, which is exactly why your guide and private driver make all the difference
- Getting around: China's high-speed trains are superb and some legs use domestic flights, all arranged for you with seat reservations
- Altitude: Tibet (Lhasa 3,650m) and Shangri-La sit high; we build in gentle acclimatisation, and anyone with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor
- Best seasons: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal nationwide; summer is hot and can be rainy, and the far north is bitterly cold in winter
- Etiquette: Tipping was not traditional but is now expected for guides and drivers on tours. A little patience and a smile go a long way
- Health: Drink bottled or boiled water only, and carry hand sanitiser. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Connectivity & power: Buy a local SIM or an eSIM for data, and bring a universal adapter (China uses types A, C and I at 220V)
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific lunches and dinners named in the itinerary, such as a Peking duck dinner or a dumpling banquet. Other meals are left free so you can explore China's incredible regional food.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — you travel with your own licensed guide and private driver in each city, so there is nothing to arrange on the ground.
Do I need a visa for China?
Most visitors need a China tourist visa arranged in advance, though some passports qualify for visa-free transit. We guide you through the requirements for your nationality.
Will my phone work in China?
Roaming works but Google, WhatsApp and Instagram are blocked by the Great Firewall, so install a VPN before you travel. A local SIM or eSIM gives you reliable data.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most comfortable weather and clearest skies. Summer is hot and busier; winter is cold in the north but quiet and atmospheric.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, hotels, cities and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add a Yangtze cruise, Tibet or Hong Kong. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between cities?
By China's excellent high-speed trains and, for longer hops, domestic flights — all included and arranged with reservations.
Which part of the Great Wall do we visit?
We use a scenic, well-restored yet less crowded section such as Mutianyu, with a cable car option, for the best walk and views.
Is this good as a stopover?
Perfectly — four nights is ideal for a Beijing stopover, and it pairs easily with Xi'an, Shanghai or a wider China tour.
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