Beijing , China

Flexible Private Beijing Layover Tour

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(1 reviews)

6h - 9h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Don’t spend your Beijing stopover inside the airport; maximize your time in China and opt for a private and customizable sightseeing tour instead. This personalized layover tour is tailored to your needs and allows you to tick off Beijing city attractions, such as Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Beihai Park, etc. in limited time. English speaking tour guide, private vehicle, and airport or hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Available options

Tour Start From City hotel

Tour Starts from your Beijing city hotel, please advise your desired tour pick up time upon booking<br/>Pickup included

Tour Start from PEK Airport

Tour Starts from Beijing International Airport PEK<br/>Pickup included

Tour Start from Daxing Airport

Tour Start from Beijing Daxing Airport <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Entrance fee to 2-3 attractions in downtown Beijing

Transport by air-conditioned vehicle

Professional guide

Hotel pickup and drop-off (If Needed)

Bottle of water

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your professional tour guide will greet you at the airport arrival hall by holding your name sign. You will travel to the Beijing city (about 40-60 minutes) by private car. Since this midway trip can be adjusted flexibly according to your interests, you can freely discuss it with the tour guide on your way to downtown.

Typically, you will first visit the world’s largest public areas—Tiananmen Square, home to the National Museum of China, the mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the great Monument to the Peoples’ Heroes.

Stop 2

From there you will pass through the South gate to the magnificent Forbidden City - a 250-acre complex of courtyards, palaces, pavilions and gardens, which served as the imperial palace for emperors and their households for more than 500 years. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987.

Stop 3

Then, you will visit the Temple of Heaven which was visited by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven. The Temple of Heaven is one of several worship sites in the capital where the emperors offered sacrifices. It was constructed between 1406 and 1420 during the reign of Ming Emperor YongLe, who also oversaw the creation of the Forbidden City during the same period. You will get a change to enjoy the local's exercise in the temple and are welcome to join them in the park.
(Please note Temple of Heaven and Forbidden city is not open on Monday)

Stop 4 Pass by

After that, you will stroll along the Hutong allay to discover the life style of the locals.

Stop 5

If you like, walk along the Wangfujing Pedestrian Road to check out the food street and shoppings malls.

Stop 6 Pass by

Turn towards east direction, you will be amazed by the skyscrapers, like Beijing World Trade Center, CCTV Building and Beijing CBD Area.

Stop 7 Pass by

You can also choose to enjoy a night show such as Chinese acrobatic show, Kungfu Show or Peking Opera.

Stop 8 Pass by

If you have been all above places before and want to try something different this time, you can also visit following places based on your interests:

The Summer Palace

The Coal Hill Park

The Beihai Park

Nanluoguxiang Allay

Qianmen Street

Pearl or Silk Market

798 Art Distirct

Panjiayuan Flea Market

Chinese Food Massage

Stop 9 Pass by

In addition, you can choose to enjoy a local lunch or dinner meal, even a SPA (at your own cost).

Your private layover tour ends with return transport to the airport(PEK or Daxing airport) or drop-off at your Beijing city hotel.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

ZH-TW CMN EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please advise if you have big luggage or more than 2 luggage.

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

The tour starts 1 hour after flight landing.

Please contact your local operator if you have to take a long time in custom, and your driver will wait for you in the arrival hall.

This layover tour requires at least 8 to 10 hours between two connecting flights.

Detailed flight information is required upon booking

If you are not able to go through customs for any reasons, please take your own responsibility. There is no refund for the same day cancellation

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Dress code is smart casual
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel(If you want to visit the Forbidden city)

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

About Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, is a city of immense historical significance and modern dynamism. It's home to iconic landmarks, ancient palaces, and a vibrant contemporary culture that blends tradition with modernity. The city offers a unique mix of ancient history, cultural treasures, and modern advancements.

Top Attractions

The Great Wall of China

One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Great Wall of China stretches over 21,000 kilometers. The most accessible sections near Beijing are Badaling and Mutianyu.

Historical Half day to full day ¥40-80 (depending on the section)

Forbidden City

The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts and offers a glimpse into China's imperial past.

Historical 2-3 hours ¥60 (March-October), ¥40 (November-February)

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed annual ceremonies of prayer to heaven for good harvests.

Historical 1-2 hours ¥15 (Temple area), ¥35 (Temple and park)

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It served as a retreat for emperors to escape the summer heat and is known for its beautiful landscapes and architecture.

Historical 3-4 hours ¥30 (Park and palace area), ¥60 (Boat ride included)

Hutongs

Hutongs are traditional narrow alleys and residential neighborhoods that offer a glimpse into old Beijing's way of life. Exploring hutongs provides an authentic experience of local culture and history.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, but consider paying for guided tours or Rickshaw rides

798 Art Zone

The 798 Art Zone is a contemporary art district located in a former military factory. It's home to numerous art galleries, studios, and cultural events, making it a hub for Beijing's art scene.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore, but some galleries may charge admission

Must-Try Local Dishes

Peking Duck

A iconic dish of Beijing, Peking Duck is roasted to perfection and served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions. The crispy skin and tender meat make it a must-try for any visitor.

Main Course Contains meat (duck), gluten (pancakes and sauce)

Zhajiangmian (Fried Sauce Noodles)

A popular Beijing street food, Zhajiangmian consists of hand-pulled noodles topped with a rich, savory sauce made from fermented soybean paste and minced pork. It's often served with cucumber and bean sprouts.

Main Course Contains meat (pork), gluten (noodles and sauce)

Jianbing (Savory Crepes)

A popular Beijing street food, Jianbing is a savory crepe made with a batter of wheat and mung bean flour, filled with egg, scallions, and hoisin sauce. It's crispy, delicious, and perfect for a quick breakfast on the go.

Breakfast Contains eggs, gluten (batter and sauce)

Baozi (Steamed Buns)

Baozi are steamed buns filled with various ingredients, such as pork, beef, or vegetables. They are a popular street food and can be found in many markets and food stalls throughout Beijing.

Snack Can be vegetarian or contain meat, depending on the filling; contains gluten (bun)

Popular Activities

Hiking the Great Wall Rock climbing in the Huairou District Mountain biking in the outskirts of Beijing Boat rides on Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace Tea ceremonies at traditional teahouses Gardens and parks at the Temple of Heaven and Beihai Park Exploring the Forbidden City and other imperial palaces Visiting temples and religious sites

Best Time to Visit

September to October, April to May

These months offer the most pleasant weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing. The city is vibrant with cultural festivals and outdoor activities.

15-25°C (59-77°F) 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Mandarin Chinese
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas and by younger generations)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8 (China Standard Time)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and tourist spots

Beijing is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night and in less touristy areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when using taxis, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting the journey
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas and tourist spots
• Be wary of strangers offering services or attractions at inflated prices, and only use licensed and reputable tour guides and operators

Getting there

By air

Beijing Capital International Airport • 32 km (20 miles) northeast of city center
Beijing Daxing International Airport • 46 km (29 miles) south of city center

By train

Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station

By bus

Beijing Sihui Bus Station, Beijing Liuliqiao Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Beijing Subway is efficient, affordable, and widely used. It's the best way to navigate the city, especially during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing, Tencent Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Dongcheng Xicheng Chaoyang Haidian Shijingshan

Day trips

The Great Wall at Mutianyu

70 km (43 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day

The Great Wall at Mutianyu is a less crowded and more scenic section of the Great Wall, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's a popular day trip from Beijing for those looking to experience the Great Wall without the large crowds.

The Great Wall at Jinshanling

130 km (81 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day

The Great Wall at Jinshanling is a remote and less restored section of the Great Wall, offering a more authentic and adventurous experience. It's a popular day trip for those looking to explore the Great Wall's wild and rugged beauty.

The Great Wall at Simatai

120 km (75 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day

The Great Wall at Simatai is a unique and well-preserved section of the Great Wall, known for its dramatic and picturesque landscape. It's a popular day trip for those looking to experience the Great Wall's beauty and history in a more intimate setting.

Festivals

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) • January or February (varies by lunar calendar) Lantern Festival • 15th day of the first lunar month (varies by year) Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) • April 4th or 5th (varies by solar calendar)

Pro tips

Use the official Beijing Subway app for route planning and real-time updates
Carry a VPN to access restricted apps and websites, such as Google, Facebook, and Instagram
Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the city's many attractions and neighborhoods
Try local snacks and street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience