Essence of Hong Kong and Beijing Tour

Once you arrive in Hong Kong, you will be promptly transferred to your hotel. After resting, you will then be free to explore the city.

Half-day Hong Kong Island tour: Your guide will pick you up from the hotel for this 5 hour tour. Hong Kong is known for its distinctive and unique culture and showcases the culmination of the West and East. This half day tour will start with Victoria Peak, the top tourist destination of Hong Kong with its Peak Tram that is 112 years old as well as The Peak Tower, the most unique building of the city. Visit Aberdeen Harbor where you can see the unique lifestyle of the people living on the fishing junks and enjoy a sampan ride for USD 10-12. The last stop is Repulse Bay, an exclusive and elite residential area of Hong Kong. (Meals not included)

Today you will enjoy some free time before the flight to Beijing. Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be taken to hotel for check-in. Free time exploring this ancient yet vibrant capital.

-Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall (with round-way cable car ride) (2 hours): Located 2.5 hours away from downtown Beijing is a relatively quiet area of the Great Wall. Take a cable ride to reach a section of the Wall where you can walk along, explore numerovus towers and enjoy the world renowned views of the wall. Good walking shoes and appropriate clothing are recommended.

Temple of Heaven (1.5 hours): Located in the Chongwen District in central Beijing is the Temple of Heaven which literally means Altar of Heaven. The temple is a complex of interesting Taoist buildings which was once visited by Qing and Ming dynasties’ Emperors for various annual ceremonies during which they prayed for good harvest.

Shahe Cloisonné Factory : This factory is renowned for manufacturing Cloisonné ware. This high quality material is also known as copper wire and body inlaid Enamel which involves a complicated and elaborate manufacturing process that includes filigree welding, hammering, surface polishing, enamel filling and gliding. The factory is a great place for finding unique souvenirs as well as observe the manufacturing process.

Lunch at local restaurant.

The Forbidden City (2 hours): One of the best known attractions in China, The Imperial Palace had once housed 24 Emperors from 1420 to 1911. The palace has magnificent halls, gates and squares which contrast with the amazing and intricate networks of quarters, courtyards, gardens and side halls. This is a city within city which includes temporary and permanent exhibitions.

Tiananmen Square (50 minutes): Named after Tiananmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace) located at its north is the Tiananmen Square, Beijing’s largest square. The square is renowned for its cultural significance and has been the site of many important events in the history of China. It is an enduring symbol of the national pride of China and the largest city square in the world. Surrounding the square are many historic buildings like Chairman Mao Mausoleum, government buildings, museums and the Heavenly Gate.

Hutong Tour in Xicheng District (1 hour): Explore the maze of alleyways in the historic Hutong which is known for its traditional single storey courtyard houses. This tour will give you the chance to ride a rickshaw through the district’s narrow alleys, visit a local family as well as walk on the Yinding Bridge or Silver Ingot Bridge.

Summer Palace with boat Cruise and the Garden of Virtue and Harmony (2 hours): Known as Yiheyuan or Garden of the Nurtured Harmony, the Summer Palace stands equal to the Forbidden City in popularity. This is the largest and the best preserved gardens in the country and one of the main attractions in Beijing. Visitors can also take a 10 minute ferry to cruise the lake.

Lunch at local restaurant.

Your guide will transfer you to the airport for departure. Thanks for taking this China tour with China Travel, hope to see you again soon!