Duration: 9.5 hours (ends around 17:30 with free time, no dinner included)

Core Theme: Blend of imperial heritage, traditional culture, industrial renewal and modern commercial lifestyle along Beijing’s central axis

Meeting Point & Time

•         Meeting Point: Tiananmen East Subway Station (Line 1), Exit C

•         Why This Point: It is the closest subway station to the Forbidden City’s Meridian Gate (main entrance), only a 10-minute flat walk. The exit has clear English signage, and the sidewalk is wide and barrier-free, suitable for international guests with luggage or strollers. There is a large red billboard at the exit for easy identification.

•         Meeting Time: 08:15 (15 minutes of buffer time before departure to confirm attendance and distribute tour materials)

Detailed Itinerary

08:15–08:30: Gathering & Preparation

•         Guests meet the English-speaking guide at Tiananmen East Subway Station, Exit C.

•         The guide distributes simplified maps of the day’s itinerary, introduces key cultural highlights, and reminds guests of items to bring (sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, water bottles).

08:30–11:30: Forbidden City

•         Walk together to the Forbidden City’s Meridian Gate (10 mins) and enter with pre-booked tickets (skip-the-line service for foreign tourists).

•         Explore iconic halls including the Hall of Supreme Harmony (China’s largest wooden imperial structure) and the Hall of Heavenly Purity via the official English digital guide.

•         Buffer Time: 30 extra minutes added for photo-taking and answering guests’ questions about imperial history.

11:30–12:00: Transfer to Jingshan Park

Walk 5 minutes from the Forbidden City’s North Gate to Jingshan Park (no transportation needed, easy and relaxed).

12:00–12:45: Jingshan Park

•         Climb Wanchun Pavilion at a leisurely pace (the pavilion has rest benches for guests to take breaks).

•         Enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City’s red walls and yellow tiles, contrasting sharply with the modern CBD skyline in the distance.

•         The guide shares stories about how Jingshan Park was part of the imperial city’s "back garden" in ancient times, and its connection to the central axis.

12:45–13:15: Transfer to Qianmen Street

•         Option 1: Take subway Line 8 from Jingshan Park West Station to Qianmen Station (15 mins ride, 10 mins walk to the station entrance).

•         Option 2: Ride-hailing car (10 mins, no traffic delays during non-peak hours), recommended for guests who prefer not to take the subway.

13:15–14:30: Qianmen Street & Beijing Fang (Lunch & Exploration)

•         Lunch (1 hour): Try UNESCO-listed Peking duck at a time-honored restaurant, or traditional street snacks (sugar-coated haws, glutinous rice rolls with sweet bean paste) for guests who want a lighter meal. Vegetarian and halal options are available upon advance request.

•         Exploration (30 mins): Wander around Beijing Fang, a landmark where historic courtyard houses blend seamlessly with glass-and-steel modern buildings.

14:30–15:15: Transfer to 798 Art Zone

•         Take subway Line 14 from Qianmen Station to Dongfeng Beiqiao Station (30 mins direct ride, no transfers), then walk 15 mins to the 798 Art Zone entrance.

15:15–17:00: 798 Art Zone

•         Explore the vibrant art community transformed from 1950s decommissioned military factories, featuring distinctive Bauhaus-style red brick architecture and exposed pipelines.

•         Visit UCCA Center for Contemporary Art (hosts international exhibitions) and traditional craft workshops—guests can try making small modern-designed cloisonné or Beijing embroidery souvenirs (15-min mini DIY session, no extra charge).

•         Spot vintage industrial slogans on factory ceilings, a unique mix of industrial heritage and contemporary art vibes.

17:00–17:30: Transfer to China World Mall & Guide Introduction

•         Take a ride-hailing car directly to China World Mall (30 mins drive, drop-off at the mall’s main entrance with a covered drop zone).

•         Guide’s Concise Introduction to the Mall:
       

1. Its status as a top-tier luxury shopping destination in Beijing’s CBD, home to flagship stores of international luxury brands, designer boutiques and concept stores popular with Western tourists.

2. Highlights of the mall’s architecture—sleek glass facades, public art installations (rotating exhibitions of Chinese and international artists), and the outdoor terrace with a panoramic view of the CBD skyline (including China World Trade Center Tower 3, one of Beijing’s tallest buildings).

3. Practical tips: Tax-free shopping services for foreign tourists, location of the tax refund counter, and nearby transportation options for guests to return to their hotels.

17:30: Tour Ends & Free Time

•         Guests are free to explore the mall, shop, or head back to their hotels independently.

•         The guide provides a card with emergency contact information before departure.

Key Tips

•         Meeting Point Reminder: Guests are advised to arrive 5–10 minutes early to avoid delays. If they get lost, they can contact the guide via the emergency number provided in the pre-tour notification.

•         Weather Adaptation: If it rains, the guide will adjust the outdoor photo stops (e.g., shorten the Jingshan Park visit and extend the 798 indoor gallery time).

Tour Timeline

If you need to increase or reduce the number of travellers, please contact us for customised arrangements.

Clients Reviews

"Our family trip was amazing from start to finish!The itinerary was perfect,the guides were knowledgeable,and the service was excellent. I can’t wait to book our next adventure!"

Smith Thomas

from New York, USA