8D7N Imperial Whispers – A Journey Through Beijing
Step into the heart of China’s imperial past and modern wonders on this captivating 8-day journey through Beijing. Walk in the footsteps of emperors inside the Forbidden City, marvel at the glittering lights of Gubei Water Town, and stand in awe atop the ancient stones of the Simatai Great Wall. From the cinematic thrills of Universal Studios Beijing to serene afternoons in royal gardens, every moment blends timeless heritage with today’s excitement. This itinerary promises a richly layered experience — where history, culture, and adventure come alive at every turn.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Upon arrival in Beijing, meet and greet your local guide at the airport, who will warmly welcome you to China’s historic capital. Your journey begins with an exterior visit to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Stop by the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium), an architectural marvel known for hosting the spectacular 2008 Olympic Games, and admire its innovative steel lattice design. Nearby, view the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), famous for its bubble-like façade and Olympic swimming events. You’ll also see the Linglong Tower, a striking modern structure that complements the Olympic Green.
After this introduction to Beijing’s vibrant blend of tradition and modernity, transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the evening is at leisure to rest and prepare for the exciting days ahead.
Activities & Services:
- Meet and greet with local guide
- Exterior visits: Bird’s Nest, Water Cube, Linglong Tower
- Hotel transfer and check-in
Day 2: Beijing
After breakfast, set out to explore Beijing’s rich imperial heritage, starting with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and a symbol of China’s national pride. Surrounded by monumental government buildings, the square has been the site of many significant historical events.
Next, step into the heart of imperial China with a tour of the magnificent Forbidden City. This vast palace complex, once the exclusive residence of emperors and their households, features nearly 1,000 buildings adorned with intricate carvings, golden roofs, and ancient artifacts. As you walk through its courtyards and halls, you’ll gain insight into centuries of royal history and tradition.
Continue to Jingshan Park, located just north of the Forbidden City. Climb to the park’s central peak for a stunning panoramic view over Beijing and the sprawling palace grounds—an unforgettable photo opportunity.
In the evening, cap off your day with a dazzling Acrobatics Show, where skilled performers push the limits of human agility and strength with gravity-defying feats. After the show, return to your hotel to rest.
Activities & Services:
- Visit Tiananmen Square
- Tour Forbidden City
- Visit Jingshan Park
- Attend Acrobatics Show
Included: Breakfast
Day 3: Beijing
Begin your day with a visit to the Summer Palace, China’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Stroll through its lush landscapes of pavilions, bridges, and temples, and enjoy a tranquil boat ride on Kunming Lake, offering picturesque views of Longevity Hill and the elegant Seventeen-Arch Bridge.
Next, head to the Beijing Zoo, where the highlight is the Panda House—home to China’s beloved giant pandas. Watch these gentle giants as they eat, play, and lounge in specially designed enclosures that mimic their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, explore Sanlitun, Beijing’s vibrant district known for its international flair, modern shopping centers, and trendy cafés. It's the perfect place to soak in the city’s contemporary culture and enjoy some leisure time.
Wrap up your day with a visit to The Place Beijing, famous for its enormous LED sky screen that lights up the night with dazzling visuals. Browse the stylish boutiques or relax in one of the many nearby restaurants before returning to your hotel for the evening.
Activities & Services:
- Visit Summer Palace
- Boat ride on Kunming Lake
- Visit Beijing Zoo (Panda House)
- Explore Sanlitun
- Visit The Place Beijing
Included: Breakfast
Day 4: Beijing – Gubei
Start your day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks. Here, you'll explore the Echo Wall, where you can experience the acoustics of the wall, and visit the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, an impressive structure where ancient emperors prayed for a good harvest. The temple is a masterpiece of architecture and a symbol of Chinese cosmology, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of Beijing.
After lunch, head to Gubei Water Town, a scenic water town located near the Simatai section of the Great Wall. This picturesque destination features traditional Chinese architecture along charming canals. Enjoy some relaxation with a complimentary hot spring session (remember to bring your own swimwear) before immersing yourself in the town’s serene atmosphere.
As the evening approaches, take the cable car to the Simatai Great Wall, where you’ll be treated to a breathtaking night view of the Great Wall. Watch the stunning light show illuminate the ancient structure, and enjoy the Kongming lanterns being released into the sky, creating a magical scene. Don't miss the drone performance, an innovative and mesmerizing display that adds a modern touch to this historical setting.
End the evening with a visit to the food street, where you can sample a variety of delicious local snacks, offering a taste of the region’s culinary delights. After a full day of exploration and entertainment, relax and enjoy your time in Gubei Water Town.
Activities & Services:
- Visit Temple of Heaven
- Transfer to Gubei Water Town
- Hot spring session (own swimwear required)
- Cable car to Simatai Great Wall night view
- Watch light show, Kongming lanterns, drone performance
- Explore local food street
Included: Breakfast
Day 5: Gubei
After your morning breakfast, it is free for you to enjoy Gubei at your leisure. If you're visiting during the winter months, you have the option to play in the snow (at your own expense). Gubei Water Town becomes a winter wonderland, offering a variety of snow-related activities, such as snowball fights, snowman building, and simply enjoying the serene beauty of the snowy landscape.
Alternatively, you can visit the Children's Playhouse (also at your own expense), a fun-filled spot for families with kids, featuring a variety of activities and entertainment suited for younger visitors.
Take your time to enjoy these leisure activities at your own pace, exploring the park and its winter charm or engaging in fun and interactive experiences in the Children's Playhouse. This is a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy some free time in the picturesque surroundings of Gubei Water Town before continuing with your journey.
Activities & Services:
- Leisure time in Gubei
- Optional snow activities (own expense, winter only)
- Optional visit to Children’s Playhouse (own expense)
Included: Breakfast
Day 6: Gubei – Beijing
After breakfast, travel back to Beijing and begin your day with a rickshaw tour through the hutongs—the city’s historic alleyways that offer a glimpse into traditional Beijing life. As you weave through these narrow lanes, you’ll discover charming courtyards, old residences, and the enduring culture of the local communities.
Next, head to Wangfujing Shopping Center, one of Beijing’s most famous shopping streets, where modern retail blends with traditional snacks and vibrant city life. Enjoy some free time to browse international brands, local boutiques, or sample street food.
In the afternoon, visit Heping Guoju, a cultural venue that showcases traditional Chinese arts, crafts, and performances—providing a deeper appreciation of China’s rich heritage.
Wrap up the day at the China National Film Museum, the world’s largest film museum, which traces the history of Chinese cinema through fascinating exhibits, memorabilia, and interactive displays. It's an engaging stop for film enthusiasts and a great way to explore the evolution of film in China.
After the tour, return to your hotel for a restful evening.
Activities & Services:
- Rickshaw tour through hutongs
- Visit Wangfujing Shopping Center
- Visit Heping Guoju cultural venue
- Visit China National Film Museum
Included: Breakfast
Day 7: Beijing
Today, enjoy an exciting full-day adventure at Universal Studios Beijing, one of Asia’s premier theme parks. After breakfast, transfer to the park, where you’ll step into a world of cinematic magic and thrilling rides. With your admission ticket included, spend the day exploring immersive themed zones like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, Transformers Metrobase, Jurassic World Isla Nublar, Minion Land, and Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness.
Experience world-class attractions, spectacular shows, and meet beloved characters from blockbuster movies. Whether you’re soaring over Hogwarts, braving dinosaur encounters, or enjoying family-friendly rides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
After a fun-filled day, relax as you transfer back to your hotel in the evening, filled with wonderful memories of your Universal Studios experience.
Activities & Services:
- Full-day Universal Studios Beijing adventure
- Included admission ticket
- Hotel transfers
Included: Breakfast
Day 8: Depart from Beijing
Enjoy a leisurely morning at your own pace—whether it's packing, grabbing some last-minute souvenirs, or simply relaxing at the hotel. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Singapore, bringing home wonderful memories of your enriching journey through Beijing and beyond.
Activities & Services:
- Morning leisure time
- Airport transfer
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.