Description

If you're looking to delve into the rich history and culture of Beijing, a private walking tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City is a must-do experience. As you wander through the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square, your knowledgeable guide will regale you with stories of its significance in Chinese history, from political protests to iconic events. Then, step into the grandeur of the Forbidden City, once the imperial palace complex for centuries of Chinese emperors. Marvel at the intricate architecture and ornate details as you stroll through courtyards, halls, and pavilions. You'll gain insight into the lives of China's rulers while soaking up the atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site. It's an unforgettable journey through time that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for China's past and present. You have the flexibility to choose between upgrading to a hotel pick-up and drop-off transportation service or simply meeting the guide at your hotel without transportation included.

Itinerary

Day 1

• Option 1: 4 Hour Private Tour with Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off Transportation Service Pick-up: If you choose this option, our friendly driver will pick you up from your hotel in Beijing at the pre-arranged time.
• Relax in the comfort of our private vehicle as we head towards Tiananmen Square.
• Arrive at Tiananmen Square.
• Spanning approximately 440,000 square meters, it is the largest city square in the world and has witnessed countless momentous events throughout China's history.
• First, we'll approach the Tiananmen Gate.
• Standing majestically at the northern end of the square, this iconic gate with its imposing red walls and bright yellow glazed tiles is a symbol of China.
• It served as the main entrance to the Forbidden City during the imperial era and played a crucial role in many significant historical events.
• You can take pictures here to capture its grandeur and imagine the historical scenes that took place before it.
• Next, we'll visit the Monument to the People's Heroes.
• Located in the center of the square, this solemn monument pays tribute to the heroes and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Chinese people's liberation and the country's development.
• The inscriptions and sculptures on it tell the heroic stories of different periods in China's history.
• Then, we'll make our way to the Great Hall of the People.
• This magnificent building is where important political meetings, such as the annual sessions of the National People's Congress, are held.
• Its grand architecture, featuring massive columns and a spacious interior, showcases the dignity and power of the Chinese nation.
• You can admire its exterior and learn about its functions from our guide.
• After exploring Tiananmen Square, we'll head towards the Meridian Gate (Wu Men), the main entrance of the Forbidden City.
• As we walk, our guide will explain the historical connection between the square and the palace, highlighting how this area has been a focal point of the city for centuries.
• Once we reach the Meridian Gate, you'll be struck by its imposing presence.
• With its red walls and elaborate architectural details, it sets the stage for the grandeur within the Forbidden City.
• This gate was used by emperors and their retinues during important ceremonies.
• Entering the Forbidden City, we'll first visit the Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Dian).
• This is the most important and grandest building in the entire complex.
• It was the site of the most solemn ceremonies, like the emperor's enthronement and major festivals.
• The hall features a magnificent throne in the center, surrounded by elaborate dragon carvings on the pillars and ceilings.
• The golden dragons symbolize the imperial power and authority of the emperor, and the yellow glazed tiles on the roof signify its imperial status.
• Standing in front of it, you can almost envision the grandeur of the imperial court in full ceremony.
• Next, we'll visit the Hall of Central Harmony (Zhonghe Dian).
• This hall served as a place for the emperor to rest and prepare before and during ceremonies held in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
• It's smaller in size but equally rich in decorative details, with beautiful paintings and carvings that reflect the refined taste of the imperial era.
• Then, we'll move on to the Hall of Preserving Harmony (Baohe Dian).
• This was the venue for the final stage of the imperial examinations, where the top scholars were selected.
• It also witnessed many important banquets and court meetings.
• The hall's architecture is remarkable, with a large stone carving on the terrace that depicts dragons playing with pearls, a masterpiece of ancient stone carving art.
• After exploring the Outer Court, we'll enter the Inner Court.
• The Palace of Heavenly Purity (Qianqing Gong) is our next stop.
• This was the emperor's main living quarters.
• It's a solemn and quiet place, with a simple yet elegant design compared to the grandeur of the Outer Court.
• Inside, there are various rooms with different functions, such as the sleeping chamber and the study.
• The furnishings and decorations here also reflect the personal taste and lifestyle of the emperors who lived here over the centuries.
• Adjacent to it is the Palace of Earthly Tranquility (Kunning Gong), which was the empress's residence.
• It has a unique layout and was also used for important ceremonies related to the empress, like wedding ceremonies.
• The interior is decorated with traditional Chinese motifs and contains many precious cultural relics that tell the story of the empresses' lives.
• Finally, we'll visit the Imperial Garden (Yu Garden) at the north end of the Forbidden City.
• This is a beautiful and serene place, designed to provide a peaceful retreat for the imperial family.
• It features pavilions, rockeries, ancient trees, and small ponds.
• The layout follows the principles of traditional Chinese garden design, creating a harmonious and charming landscape.
• Drop-off: After a fulfilling tour, our driver will take you back to your hotel, allowing you to relax and reflect on the wonderful experiences you've had.
• Option 2: Meeting the Guide at Your Hotel on Foot(No Transportation Included- Travel either by taxi or subway at your own cost) Meeting Point: Meet our professional English-speaking guide at the lobby of your hotel in Beijing at the scheduled time.
• From your hotel, our guide will lead you on a pleasant walk to Tiananmen Square.
• If you need to travel by subway or taxi, please pay on your own.
• Along the way, you can soak up the local atmosphere, and the guide will share interesting information about the neighborhood and the city's history.
• Once at Tiananmen Square, the tour will follow the same sequence as described above.
• You'll explore the various attractions in Tiananmen Square, such as the Tiananmen Gate, the Monument to the People's Heroes, and the Great Hall of the People.
• Then, you'll proceed to the Forbidden City, starting from the Meridian Gate and going through the Outer Court, Inner Court, and finally the Imperial Garden.
• Our guide will provide detailed explanations and historical context for each place, making sure you have a comprehensive understanding of these remarkable sites.
• Option 3: 6 - Hour In - depth Tour of Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City You will have the unique opportunity to either explore two museums within the Forbidden City complex or climb up to Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.
• Please note that this option does not include transportation from your hotel, tour guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel on foot, you can either taxi or subway at your own cost to reach the Tian'anmen Square.
• Museums or Coal Hill Park Option 1: Museum Exploration There are many museums within the Forbidden City.
• You can choose to visit two of them.
• For example, the Palace Museum, which houses a vast collection of Chinese art and historical artifacts.
• Another great choice is the Hall of Clocks and Watches Museum, where you can see a fascinating collection of timepieces from different eras.
• Option 2: Jingshan Park Climb If you prefer the panoramic view, exit the Forbidden City from the Shenwu Gate (north gate).
• Just across the street is the south entrance of Jingshan Park.
• Climb up the hill in Jingshan Park.
• Along the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the park.
• At the top, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Forbidden City, with its red - walled palaces and golden - tiled roofs stretching out before you.