Beijing Layover Tour with Hutong, Temple of Heaven and Airport Transfer

Beijing , China

Beijing Layover Tour with Hutong, Temple of Heaven and Airport Transfer

Active

7h - 8h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Take a Beijing layover tour to pack in the city’s top sights in a convenient way. Save hours spent researching what to see and where by taking this tour which visits some of the city's many well-known attractions. Visit Prince Gong’s Mansion is the best preserved mansion in China; stroll around Houhai Lake, Hutong, Wangfujing Street and taste local snacks. Visit a China's ancient sacrificial building - Temple of Heaven.
1.Lunch and snacks are included, with vegetarian options available
2.Your guide can answer all your questions about the city on this small group tour
3.Explore Wanfujing, Houhai, and other buzzing, locals-frequented areas
4.Round-trip airport or hotel transport by private vehicle is included on this layover tour.

Available options

Beijing Layover Tour with Hutong, Temple of Heaven and Airport Transfer

Pickup included

What's included

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Your tour guide will meet you at exit of the airport with the welcoming board on which your name will be written at 08:00 a.m.. Then, we will transfer to the Prince Gong's Mansion and start the highlight day tour.
Prince Gong’s Mansion is the best preserved mansion in China, including the mansion and the park.
The main layout of Prince Gong’s Mansion includes three parts: middle buildings, east and west buildings. All those three parts are built along the central axis and composed of traditional courtyards. Those mansions are built widely with the highest level of construction regulations at that time. Besides, there are three courtyards in each of three main buildings and each of them is a popular tourism spot.

Silver Ingot Bridge lies on a narrow channel joining Qianhai Lake and Houhai Lake. The bridge is 200 meters from Yandaixiejie Hutong and it is at the center of the Shichahai area, surrounded by hundreds of Hutongs.

Stop 3

Houhai, which literally means "Back Sea", is a large artificial lake in northern downtown Beijing. Together with Qianhai (Front Sea) and Xihai (West Sea), it comprises Shichahai. It was exclusively for royal family in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), and the surrounding area has been a prosperous commercial area since then. There were many wine shops, workshops, and opera stages in ancient times. Nowadays, it is open to all. People can go boating on the lake in summer; while in winter it is possible to ski on the frozen lake. 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.

Stop 4

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.

Stop 5

It Is the Largest Existing Architecture Group For Heaven Worship in the World. Originally, the Temple of Heaven was the place where emperors of the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty held the Heaven Worship Ceremony.
Residents living near the this place enjoy many activities here, such as running, cycling, singing, dancing, playing chess, flying kites, etc. You can become involved personally in these activities and experience the leisure pursuits of local people.

Stop 6

Wangfujing is one of the most famous shopping streets, not only in Beijing but in all of China. It is the most well-known and prosperous shopping street with modern and fashion trends.
Wangfujing Shopping Street houses a wide variety of shops and boutiques, some of which are of world-famous brands as well as restaurants serving everything from McDonald's cuisine to Peking Duck. Apart from that, there are also many time honored stores with traditional commodities standing in the street for hundreds of years. Nowadays Beijing Wangfujing Street is a modern commercial street which can be paralleled with Champs Elysees in Paris.
Another Wangfujing landmark: the Foreign Languages Bookstore.
The store sells books, art supplies, videos and CDs on several floors, but the street level is the place to buy coffee table books about China in a variety of languages as well as cookbooks and books to help you learn the Chinese language.

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We can also pick you up from any central location in Beijing.

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