Welcome to Beijing
Classic and contemporary Chinese culture collide in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China’s capital. Home to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a sublime food scene—it is the birthplace of Peking duck, after all—Beijing is a cultural nucleus teeming with imperial delights. If you’re visiting Beijing for the first time—or if you’d like some help navigating the city, the language, or both—orient yourself on a full-day sightseeing tour that hits the highlights: the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. For many travelers, Beijing’s top draw is its proximity to the iconic Great Wall of China, one of the world’s greatest engineering feats. Visiting options are plentiful, with tours covering the Mutianyu, Jinshanling, Huanghuacheng, and Badaling sections and appealing to travelers’ diverse interests: Rise early for a sunset tour, combine the Great Wall with a visit to the Ming Tombs, embark on an invigorating hike from Simatai West, or enjoy personalized historical commentary on a private tour. After ticking off historic icons during the day, embrace Beijing’s artistic and culinary heritage in the evening. Combine a Peking roast duck banquet or street-food tour with tickets to the Beijing Opera (Peking Opera) or the famous ""Legend of Kung Fu Show"" at Red Theatre. And don’t miss out on touring Beijing’s hutongs (narrow alleys) by rickshaw or taking a day trip to Hebei, home to the imperial summer residence of the Qing dynasty emperors.
