Discover the very best of Beijing on this 3-day private tour from Lanzhou, with unmissable UNESCO sites, immersive hutong culture, delicious local food and captivating history. Benefit from all-inclusive key services and the freedom to wrap up your journey in Beijing or head back to Lanzhou according to your plans.

• Make sure everyone brings their passport.
• Full name and passport number are required to book attraction tickets.

Itinerary Quick Look

Day 1: Lanzhou → Beijing – Imperial Grandeur & Hutong Charm

Morning: Flight from Lanzhou to Beijing

• Meet your driver at your Lanzhou hotel lobby (look for the name sign).
• Transfer to Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport for your 2-hour flight to Beijing.
• Upon arrival in Beijing, your guide waits at the arrival hall exit with a name sign.
• Hop on your private vehicle and head straight to Tian’anmen Square.

Tian’anmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang)

• Stroll through the world’s largest public square (440,000㎡).
• Admire iconic landmarks: National Museum of China, Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, and Monument to the People’s Heroes.
• Your guide shares fascinating stories behind the square’s history.
• History in 1 sentence: As the symbolic heart of Beijing, Tian’anmen Square has witnessed pivotal moments from imperial times to modern nation-building, including the 1949 founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Forbidden City – The Palace Museum

• Enter through the South Gate (Meridian Gate) into the grand imperial complex.
• Explore 250 acres of palaces, courtyards, pavilions, and ancient treasures.
• Wander through the Imperial Garden, with its lush greenery and exquisite rock formations.
• Exit via the North Gate (Shenwu Gate) to conclude the visit.
• History in 1 sentence: Built in 1420, this UNESCO World Heritage Site served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties over 500 years.

Afternoon: Houhai & Traditional Hutongs

• Enjoy a delicious local lunch at a nearby restaurant.
• Visit Houhai Lake (Back Lakes) – relax by the scenic water and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
• Stroll along Yandai Xie Street, a historic alley perfect for souvenir shopping.
• Learn bargaining tips from your guide to get great deals.
• Explore Nanluoguxiang, a 787-meter “fish-bone” shaped hutong with 600+ years of history.
• Immerse yourself in traditional Beijing life and local culture.
• History in 1 sentence (Nanluoguxiang): Dating back to the Yuan Dynasty, Nanluoguxiang has preserved its ancient urban layout for centuries, evolving from a quiet residential alley to a vibrant cultural hub.

Evening

• Transfer to your preferred location in Beijing.
• Meals: Lunch

Day 2: Beijing – Great Wall Adventure & Modern Icons

Morning: Mutianyu Great Wall

• Meet your driver and guide at your agreed meeting point at 8:30am.
• Relax on the 1.5-hour drive to Mutianyu Great Wall.
• Choose a hassle-free ascent: cable car round-trip or thrilling toboggan ride down.
• Hike along the rugged, tree-lined wall (96% vegetation coverage) with double-sided battlements.
• Enjoy panoramic views of lush mountains and ancient watchtowers.
• History in 1 sentence: First built in the Northern Qi Dynasty and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty (1368), this UNESCO-listed section is a masterpiece of military architecture with over 600 years of history.

Afternoon: Olympic Park & Bell and Drum Towers

• Savor a local lunch at a restaurant near the Great Wall.
• Drive to Beijing Olympic Park, venue of the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• Stop for photos with iconic landmarks: the “Bird’s Nest” (National Stadium) and “Water Cube” (National Aquatics Center).
• Visit the Bell and Drum Towers – climb up to watch the traditional drum-beating performance.
• Stroll through nearby hutongs to observe authentic local daily life.
• History in 1 sentence (Bell and Drum Towers): Built in the 13th century, these ancient towers once served as Beijing’s official timekeepers, marking the start and end of each day for centuries.

Evening

• Transfer to your preferred location in Beijing.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Beijing – Sacred Gardens & Souvenir Shopping

Morning: Temple of Heaven

• Meet your driver and guide at your agreed meeting point at 8:30am.
• Explore the Temple of Heaven, a grand complex for Ming and Qing emperors’ annual prayer ceremonies.
• Wander the park and watch local retirees practice tai chi, dance, or play traditional games.
• Admire the architectural harmony reflecting the “heaven is round, earth is square” philosophy.
• History in 1 sentence: Completed in 1420, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world’s largest imperial sacrificial complex dedicated to heaven-worship.

Afternoon: Pearl Market & Summer Palace

• Head to Pearl Market (Hongqiao Market) for souvenir shopping.
• Use your guide’s bargaining tips to buy silk, pearls, and traditional crafts.
• Enjoy a local lunch before heading to the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan).
• Explore the masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design – stroll along the Long Corridor, admire Kunming Lake, and visit elegant pavilions.
• History in 1 sentence: First built in 1750, destroyed in 1860, and restored in 1886, this UNESCO site blends natural scenery with artificial structures in perfect harmony.

Tour Conclusion

• After the Summer Palace visit, your tour ends at your preferred location.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

There are discounts in the off-season, please call us!

Free cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours before your travel date and get a full refund