Your private driver will greet you at your Shanghai hotel lobby and transfer you to the railway station. Board a comfortable morning bullet train to Beijing, enjoying a relaxed 4.5-hour journey. Upon arriving at Beijing South Railway Station, your English-speaking tour guide will be waiting at the arrival hall exit with a personalized name sign.

Start with a delicious authentic Chinese lunch at a local restaurant. Then head to Tiananmen Square—one of the world’s largest public squares.

One-sentence history recap: A symbol of Beijing’s political and cultural heart, Tiananmen Square is home to iconic landmarks like the National Museum of China and Monument to the People’s Heroes, witnessing key moments in modern Chinese history.

Stroll through the grand square with your guide, soaking in the solemn atmosphere and learning about the stories behind each landmark.

Cross through the south gate from Tiananmen Square to enter the magnificent Forbidden City.

One-sentence history recap: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, this 250-acre imperial complex served as the residence of Ming and Qing emperors for over 500 years, embodying ancient Chinese architectural grandeur.

Wander through opulent palaces, serene courtyards, and lush gardens. Admire thousands of years of ancient treasures while your guide shares tales of imperial life, court traditions, and the palace’s historical significance.

Next, explore the sacred Temple of Heaven.

One-sentence history recap: Built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty and expanded in the Qing Dynasty, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was where emperors worshipped the God of Heaven and prayed for good harvests.

Stroll through its impressive temples and intricate gardens, learning about ancient imperial rituals and the site’s unique architectural symbolism that reflects traditional Chinese cosmology.

End the day with a leisurely walk through local Hutong alleys—narrow lanes that are the soul of old Beijing.

One-sentence history recap: The nearby Bell and Drum Towers, dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (1272), served as Beijing’s official timekeeping center for over 600 years, while Hutongs have preserved traditional local life for centuries.

Immerse yourself in the laid-back local lifestyle, passing by traditional courtyard houses and interacting with residents. After the stroll, you’ll be transferred back to your Beijing hotel (please book in advance).

Meet your guide and driver at your hotel lobby at 8:00 AM for a scenic drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall.

One-sentence history recap: Originally built in the Northern Qi Dynasty and renovated in the Ming Dynasty, Mutianyu is a well-preserved Great Wall section known for its rugged terrain and lush greenery.

Less crowded than Badaling, this section boasts over 96% vegetation coverage with dense trees and orchards. Hike between ancient watchtowers at your own pace, or opt for a convenient round-trip cable car or an exciting toboggan ride down the mountain. Enjoy panoramic views of rolling peaks as your guide shares the Great Wall’s military history and architectural ingenuity.

After the Great Wall adventure, savor a hearty local lunch. Then head to the Summer Palace—a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design.

One-sentence history recap: First built in 1750, severely damaged in 1860, and renovated in 1886, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the world’s most celebrated classical gardens, blending natural scenery with spectacular imperial architecture.

Explore the palace’s elegant pavilions, long corridors, and serene lakes. Wander along the Long Corridor, admire the Marble Boat, and take in the harmonious blend of man-made structures and natural landscapes. Your guide will share stories of the Qing Dynasty royal family’s life here.

After the tour, you can choose to be dropped off at your Beijing hotel to end your journey in the capital, or your guide will transfer you to the railway station for your bullet train ride back to Shanghai.