Essential Beijing

Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China, and has been a center of politics, economics and culture since the reign of Kublai Kahn in the 13th century. Our tour begins at the very heart of Beijing in Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, site of the largest imperial palace in the world and its’ “thousands of brilliant rooms.” We shall also tour the surrounding architecture of the Great Hall of the People, the Monument to the Peoples’ Heroes, and Chairmen Mao’s mausoleum. In the afternoon, we will travel to the Badaling section of the Great Wall – one of the “Eight Wonders of the World,” and explore the best preserved section of this more than 2000 year old monumental attraction. Here, you can climb the wall and take in a breathtaking panoramic view at the top.

Lunch will be served in the famous Longdi Jade Factory. Besides enjoying a delicious Chinese meal, we will also gain a jade connoisseurs’ appreciation for these quintessentially Chinese precious stones, as were used for the 2008 Olympic medals.

In addition, we will have a chance to learn about the 2000-year history of Chinese silk culture.

Schedule:

• 07:30-08:30 Pick guests up from hotel in the morning
• 08:30-10:30 visit Tiananmen Square and Forbidden city , From Tian’anmen Square you walk into the Forbidden City. 1.5 hours walking can make you to see the main buildings along the central way.
• 11:00-11:30 Experience Silk culture at Yuanhou Silk Store
• 12:30-14:00 Lunch at Jade Factory, and experience jade culture and see how to make jade carving
• 14:30-16:00 Visit Badaling Great Wall – the best preserved section.
• 17:30 Back to hotel

Departure Time: 7:30

Departure Point: Guests will be picked up from hotel

Duration: Approx. 8 hours