Beijing Central Axis E-Bike Tour: Forbidden City & Hutongs

Beijing , China

Beijing Central Axis E-Bike Tour: Forbidden City & Hutongs

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(1 reviews)

8h - 10h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Ride the UNESCO-listed Beijing Central Axis by e-bike for an immersive and effortless journey through more than 700 years of imperial history. This carefully designed route follows the sacred line that shaped the city’s layout and philosophy, connecting its most iconic landmarks in one seamless experience. From the Temple of Heaven and Tian’anmen Square to the outer perimeter of the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park’s panoramic viewpoint, and the atmospheric hutongs of Shichahai, you’ll explore both grand monuments and authentic local neighborhoods. With a professional English-speaking guide, small-group pacing, and comfortable e-bikes, you can cover more ground without fatigue while enjoying in-depth stories, cultural insights, and photo stops. This tour uniquely combines history, architecture, daily life, and UNESCO heritage, offering a deeper understanding of Beijing’s past and present in a fun, eco-friendly, and unforgettable way.

Available options

Beijing Central Axis E-Bike

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pick-up

Enjoy a relaxed e-bike ride through Beijing’s historic streets, Tiananmen, and charming hutongs.

Optional Sites: Xiannongtan & Forbidden City

Detailed itinerary

Hotel pickup within Beijing city center. Meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby at the scheduled time and begin your full-day cultural exploration of the imperial capital.

Optional Sites: Xiannongtan & Forbidden City

Depending on ticket availability on the day of your tour, we may adjust the itinerary to include Xiannongtan (Altar of Agriculture) and/or the Forbidden City. Your guide will ensure you experience the most iconic landmarks while accommodating entrance restrictions.

Stop at Yongdingmen, the former southern gate of Beijing’s Ming–Qing city wall and the starting point of the ancient Central Axis. Learn about the city’s traditional urban planning and enjoy photo opportunities of this restored landmark.

Optional Sites:
Visit Xiannongtan, the Altar of Agriculture, where Ming and Qing emperors once performed sacred ploughing ceremonies to honor the god of agriculture and pray for abundant harvests. Explore the tranquil courtyards, ancient ceremonial halls, and the Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum while learning about traditional farming rituals and imperial agricultural culture.

Stop 4

Explore the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Visit the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and walk along the sacred grounds while learning about ancient Chinese cosmology and ritual

Stop 5

Walk across Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world. View key landmarks such as the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and Tiananmen Gate, and hear stories of China’s modern history.

Stop 6

Optional Sites:
Enter the Forbidden City, the world’s largest and best-preserved imperial palace complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover grand halls, royal courtyards, and the living quarters of emperors as your guide explains court life and dynastic traditions.

Stop 7

Climb Jingshan Park, located just north of the Forbidden City, for a panoramic view over the entire palace complex and central Beijing. Learn about feng shui, imperial garden design, and the park’s historical significance.

Stop 8

Stroll around the picturesque Shichahai lake area and traditional hutong neighborhoods. Experience local life, historic courtyards, and old Beijing alleyways while hearing stories of the city’s everyday culture and past.

What's not included

All meals

Tipping to guide and driver

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

We pickup from most of downtown hotels in Beijing. The pickup place is hotel lobby.

Children aged between 3 & 11 or senior should bring along their passports or identity cards and present for entry.

The pickup time is between 18:10 to 18:30. Actual pick-up time will be given at the time of reservation.

If you are late for pickup, our tour guide will not wait, the tour coach will leave without you.

No refund for confirmed booking or no show.

How to join in this tour from airport: The nearest meeting place is Holiday Inn Express Beijing Dongzhimen. Address: No. 1 Chunxiu Road, Dongcheng District, Please take 44 minute airport Express Train. Train departs in every 10 minute from Terminal 2. Then you get off at Dongzhimen Station, walk for 14 minute to Holiday Inn Express Beijing Dongzhimen to meet with your tour guide. Take the same train back to airport. All transfer cost is paid by yourself.

Important notes

Meeting place is the hotel lobby. Your tour guide will find you by eye contact, or read your name from his/her pickup list. Pickup takes place from 60+ hotels in Beijing. If your hotel is not in the pickup list, the local tour operator will send you the nearest meeting place. You will be advised to meet with your tour guide at suggested time.

PICKUP FROM BELOW HOTELS IN BEIJING

1 161 Lama Temple Courtyard Hote

2 Beijing Asia Hotel

3 Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall

4 Beijing Regal Hotel

5 Capital Hotel

6 Chongwenmen Hotel

7 Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town

8 Crowne Plaza Beijing Wangfujing

9 Dongjiao Minxiang Hotel

10 Grand Hotel Beijing

11 Grand Mercure Beijing Dongcheng

12 Hilton Beijing Wangfujing

13 Holiday Inn Express Beijing Dongzhimen

14 Howard Johnson Paragon Hotel

15 JW Marriott Hotel Beijing Central

16 Kuntai Royal Hotel Beijing

17 Legendale Hotel Beijing

18 North Garden Hotel

19 Novotel Peace Hotel Beijing

20 Oriental Garden Hotel

21 Park Hyatt Beijing

22 park plaza beijing wangfujing

23 Poly Plaza Hote

24 Prime Hotel Beijing

25 Raffles Beijing Hotel

26 Regent Hotel

27 Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel

28 Sunworld Dynasty Hotel

29 Sunworld Hotel

30 Swissotel Beijing

31 The Imperial Mansion, Beijing - Marriott Executive Apartments

32 The Opposite House

33 The Peninsula Beijing

34 The St. Regis Beijing

35 Traveler Inn Huaqiao

36 Yuyang Hotel

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