HOW THIS DAY FEELS
Connection · Wonder
This route gives shape to several sides of historic Beijing in one day: imperial ritual, neighbourhood life, and the palace at the centre of dynastic rule.
Travelers Said
Melissa Werneck (Brasil)
“CGT takes good care of all of us during the trip. I liked everything, and Shanghai was the most impressive. I didn’t know China is like this before I really came!”
James Rosenfield (America)
Our Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative tour was fantastic. The CGT team is highly professional, organized and dedicated. Very knowledgeable and showed great passion, attention to detail, and enthusiasm throughout an intense and enjoyable tour of almost two weeks!
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Temple of Heaven and Hutong Rickshaw Ride
Heading to the Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing’s most important imperial religious sites. Emperors once came here to perform rituals asking for a good harvest, and the symmetry of the buildings still reflects how seriously that ceremony was treated.
Walk through the grounds with your guide, who will explain the layout, the meaning behind the round and square structures, and why the site remained central to imperial rule for centuries.
Afterward, continue into a nearby hutong area for a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s traditional hutong. Narrow lanes, courtyard homes and small shopfronts offer a different pace, with daily neighborhood life visible along the way.
Pick up point: Hotel
Day 2: Flexible Beijing Lunch
Stop for lunch at a local restaurant recommended by your guide. You can choose your own dishes based on what interests you, whether that means simple noodles, a shared meal, or something closer to home.
Note: Lunch is not included in the tour price, so you pay the restaurant directly and order at your own pace.
Day 3: The Forbidden City
In the afternoon, continue to the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties and the largest surviving palace complex in China. Walk through its gates, halls and courtyards as your guide explains how the space was used, who lived here, and how the layout reflected imperial authority.
Move at your own pace through the site, pausing at the main halls or in the quieter side courtyards, before your guide brings the day’s sightseeing to a close.
Day 4:
| Pax(travelers) | 2-3 | 4-5 | 6 or more |
| Price in USD PP | $245 | $190 | $160 |
The price per person may vary based on group size. For group rates and booking details, contact us at our trip planning form.
Day 5:
What is included
- 1. Transportation: taxi for group of 2-5 people, private vehicle for group of 6 people or more
- 2. Entrance: entrance and admission fee to the Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City and 30-mins rickshaw ride
- 3. Guide: Experienced English-speaking guide
- 4. Service fee
What is not included
- 1. Accommodation, meals
- 2. Personal expenses (telephone, souvenir, etc.)
- 3. Anything not mentioned in the "Price includes" section
