8D7N Exploring Beijing, the Dragon’s Heart of China
Unveil the vibrant contrasts of China as you journey through Beijing’s ancient treasures and sleek modernity, then escape to the charm of Gubei Water Town and the majestic Jinshanling Great Wall. This 8-day adventure promises not just sightseeing, but an immersive experience — from walking in the footsteps of emperors to tasting local delights and gliding by bullet train to Tianjin. Every moment is crafted to inspire, captivate, and leave you longing for more.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Upon arrival in Beijing, meet your guide and transfer for a traditional Beijing-style meal to kick off your journey. Afterward, enjoy exterior visits to two of the city’s most iconic Olympic landmarks: the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), perfect for some memorable photos. Then, head to your hotel for check-in and a well-deserved rest after your flight.
Activities & Services:
- Meet and greet at Beijing Capital International Airport
- Traditional Beijing-style welcome dinner
- Exterior visits to the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube
- Hotel check-in
Day 2: Beijing
After breakfast, begin your day with an in-depth tour of the Forbidden City, exploring both the Central Axis and the lesser-visited West Palaces, offering a deeper insight into imperial life and architecture. Continue to the historic Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares and a symbolic heart of modern China. Next, head to Jingshan Park, where you can climb to the top of the hill for panoramic views over the Forbidden City and Beijing’s skyline. Afterward, visit Beihai Park, a classic imperial garden known for its tranquil lake, traditional pavilions, and the striking White Dagoba. In the evening, enjoy the spectacular stage performance “The Golden Mask Dynasty”, a grand show featuring acrobatics, dance, and stunning visual effects that bring ancient legends to life.
Activities & Services:
- Guided tour of the Forbidden City (Central Axis and West Palaces)
- Visit to Tiananmen Square
- Climb Jingshan Park for panoramic city views
- Explore Beihai Park
- Evening performance: The Golden Mask Dynasty
Included: Breakfast
Day 3: Beijing
After breakfast, embark on a visit to the Summer Palace, one of China's most famous and well-preserved imperial gardens. Stroll through the lush grounds, take a serene boat ride on Kunming Lake, and admire the stunning classical Chinese architecture and natural beauty. Next, dive into Beijing’s rich cultural history with a rickshaw tour of the Hutongs—narrow, winding alleys lined with traditional courtyard homes. This experience offers a glimpse into old Beijing life, away from the bustling city.
In the afternoon, head to Sanlitun, Beijing’s trendy shopping and nightlife district. This vibrant area is known for its eclectic mix of modern retail, stylish cafes, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. While here, take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee at the Starbucks Reserve Flagship Store, an upscale location offering a unique coffee experience with a variety of premium brews and artisanal drinks.
Activities & Services:
- Visit to the Summer Palace with boat ride on Kunming Lake
- Rickshaw tour of Beijing's Hutongs
- Explore Sanlitun district
- Coffee break at Starbucks Reserve Flagship Store
Included: Breakfast
Day 4: Beijing – Gubei
Begin your day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, an iconic symbol of Beijing and a masterpiece of Chinese architecture. Wander through its serene grounds, where emperors once prayed for good harvests, and marvel at the impressive Echo Wall and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. After a delicious lunch, continue your journey to Gubei Water Town, a charming ancient town nestled at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall. Here, you can immerse yourself in the picturesque landscape, with its traditional architecture and serene canals that transport you to a bygone era.
Take some time to relax and rejuvenate with a complimentary hot spring session—a perfect way to unwind after your travels (please bring your own swimwear). As night falls, head up to the Simatai Great Wall for a breathtaking view of the wall illuminated under the evening sky. Experience the stunning light show, watch the Kongming lanterns take flight, and be captivated by the dazzling drone performance—a memorable way to end your evening in this magical setting.
Activities & Services:
- Visit to the Temple of Heaven
- Transfer to Gubei Water Town
- Complimentary hot spring session (swimwear required)
- Evening visit to Simatai Great Wall with light show, Kongming lanterns, and drone performance
Included: Breakfast
Day 5: Gubei – Chengde – Gubei
After breakfast, set off for a scenic journey to the Chengde Mountain Resort, one of China’s largest imperial gardens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through its expansive grounds, where Qing Dynasty emperors once escaped the summer heat, and admire the harmonious blend of natural landscapes and ancient architecture. Following your visit, enjoy a satisfying local lunch.
In the afternoon, continue to the magnificent Jinshanling Great Wall, known for its well-preserved structure and breathtaking mountain vistas. Take in the panoramic views and explore this quieter, less crowded section of the wall, which offers an authentic experience of China’s iconic landmark. After your adventure, return to Gubei Water Town, where you can once again unwind in the soothing hot springs, letting the natural warmth ease away the day’s exertions.
Activities & Services:
- Visit to Chengde Mountain Resort
- Explore Jinshanling section of the Great Wall
- Return to Gubei Water Town
- Evening hot spring relaxation
Included:Breakfast
Day 6: Gubei – Beijing
Start your morning with a leisurely breakfast and enjoy some free time to explore the charming surroundings of Gubei Water Town at your own pace. You might choose to stroll along the picturesque canals or browse the local shops for unique souvenirs.
Later, travel back to Beijing and make a stop at the Heping Guoju (Peace Fruit Bureau), a cultural venue blending nostalgic decor with modern creativity, offering a glimpse into local traditions and lifestyle. After a delicious lunch, head to the vibrant 798 Art District, a dynamic hub of contemporary art housed in repurposed industrial spaces. Wander through cutting-edge galleries, eclectic shops, and stylish cafés, soaking up the district’s lively and artistic atmosphere before concluding the day.
Activities & Services:
- Free time in Gubei Water Town
- Visit to Heping Guoju (Peace Fruit Bureau)
- Explore 798 Art District
Included: Breakfast
Day 7: Beijing – Tianjin – Beijing
Begin your day with an exciting bullet train ride to Tianjin, a vibrant port city blending modernity with rich history. Upon arrival, explore the lively Ancient Culture Street, lined with traditional architecture, folk art shops, and stalls offering local snacks—a perfect spot to soak in Tianjin’s heritage.
Next, stroll through Italian Style Street, a charming district filled with European-style buildings, cafés, and boutiques that reflect Tianjin’s unique multicultural past. Enjoy a scenic drive along the Haihe River, taking in picturesque views of the city skyline, and don’t miss the impressive Tianjin Eye Ferris Wheel, an iconic landmark that stands gracefully over the river, offering a striking photo opportunity before you return to Beijing.
Activities & Services:
- Bullet train ride to Tianjin
- Visit to Ancient Culture Street
- Explore Italian Style Street
- Drive along Haihe River with view of Tianjin Eye
- Return bullet train to Beijing
Included: Breakfast
Day 8: Depart from Beijing
Enjoy some free time in the morning to relax or do some last-minute shopping at your own pace. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Singapore, bringing home wonderful memories of your journey through Beijing, Tianjin, and Gubei.
Activities & Services:
- Free time for leisure or shopping
- Transfer to Beijing Capital International Airport
Included: Breakfast
Please note: This itinerary is designed to give you an idea of what to expect on the tour but is not set in stone. What we actually do on a given day is flexible and can be tailored based on the interests of the group.
TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:
- Meet & Greet by our representative upon arrival.
- Breakfast as defined in the itinerary.
- All transfers as indicated in the itinerary.
- Tours as described in the itinerary with a fully qualified Chinese-speaking local guide (unless otherwise stated).
- Accommodation in double/twin bedded rooms in hotels stated in the itinerary, or similar.
- Should the hotel/lodge quoted, not be available we will endeavour to book an alternative property based on the same/similar rate and grading as the quoted property.
- Entrance Fee where applicable in the itinerary, unless otherwise stated.
TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:
- All Airfares (International / Domestic) & airport taxes.
- Costs associated with obtaining visas/entry requirements.
- Items of a personal nature, such as laundry, telephone calls, room service, alcoholic beverages, minibar charges, etc.
- Any tours not specified within the above itinerary.
- Early check-in / Late Check-out.
- Excess baggage.
- Gratuities for the Tour Guide and Driver.
- Other items not mentioned in the Tour Price INCLUDES list.
This itinerary and its package inclusions might be changed later in time, subject to availability.