144-hour visa-free tour in China Beijing 2

Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! Upon your arrival at the airport in Beijing, the tour guide and driver will meet and greet you at the exit by holding a welcome board with your name. And then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Beijing. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.

Temple of Heaven（天坛 tiān tán）: A Heavenly Start to Your Day

Kick off your adventure at the Temple of Heaven, a 600-year-old masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture. This site was the ceremonial heart of imperial China, where emperors Dynasties of the Ming （1368-1644）and Qing （1644-1912) performed elaborate rituals to pray for good harvests. Don’t miss the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a stunning circular structure standing 38 meters tall, built entirely without nails! Test the legendary acoustics of the Echo Wall, where whispers travel magically across 65 meters.

Tiananmen Square (天安门 tiān ān mén): The Heart of China

At 440,000 square meters, Tiananmen Square is the world’s largest public square (equals the size of 62 football fields) and the symbolic centre of modern China. It has witnessed key moments in Chinese history. It was here that Mao Zedong stood on October 1st 1949, to proclaim the founding of the People’s Republic of China, marking a new era in the nation’s history.

The Forbidden City（紫禁城 zǐ jìn chéng）: Enter the Homes of Emperors

Prepare to be awed as you step into the Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved palace complex on the planet. Built in the early 1400s, this imperial city spans over 180 acres and contains more than 8,700 rooms. Home to 24 emperors over nearly five centuries, it is a living museum of Chinese art, culture, and history. Highlights include the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where the emperor held his throne, and the Imperial Garden, a quiet and beautiful retreat.

Juyongguan Great Wall（居庸关长城 jū yōng guān cháng chéng）: A Hero’s Challenge Awaits!

No trip to Beijing is complete without visiting the Great Wall of China, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Built over 2,000 years ago, the wall stretches over 13,000 miles and was constructed without modern machinery, making it an incredible feat of ancient engineering. Today, you’ll explore the Juyongguan Pass, a stunning section that winds along mountain ridges, offering breathtaking views. Climbing Juyongguan is your chance to prove the famous saying: “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true hero.”

The Sacred Way（圣道 shèng dào）: Walk the Path of Emperors

Next, you’ll explore the Sacred Way, a 7-kilometre path lined with statues of animals, officials, and mythical creatures—guardians meant to protect the emperors on their final journey. This ancient road leads to the Ming Tombs, where 13 emperors are buried.

The Chang Tomb（长陵 cháng líng）: An Emperor’s Eternal Legacy

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Chang Tomb, the largest and most magnificent of the Ming Tombs, where 13 emperors are buried. It was completed in 1427 as the resting place of Emperor Yongle. Emperor Yongle, known for commissioning the Forbidden City and the world’s largest encyclopedia of his time, left behind a legacy of unmatched ambition and achievement.

Summer Palace（颐和园 yí hé yuán）: A Royal Escape Like No Other

Begin your day at the Summer Palace, the 741-acre royal retreat built in 1750 as the ultimate summer getaway for the imperial family. This was the place where Emperor Qianlong spent his longest stay—about five months—during his 80th birthday celebration.

Walk through the Long Corridor, a half-mile walkway filled with over 14,000 colourful paintings that tell stories of Chinese myths and history.

Check out Kunming Lake, which covers most of the palace grounds and was the emperors’ favourite spot for boat rides.

Climb up to the Tower of Buddhist Incense, standing 41 meters tall, for amazing views of the palace and the city beyond—it’s where royals once admired their kingdom.

Qianmen Street （前门大街 qián mén dà jiē）: Where History Comes Alive

In the afternoon, step back in time as you stroll down Qianmen Street, a vibrant pedestrian thoroughfare that dates back over 600 years to the Ming(1368-1644) Dynasty. Once the main commercial hub of imperial Beijing, Qianmen Street is now a bustling mix of old-world charm and modern vitality.

Discover traditional shops like Quanjude Roast Duck, founded in 1864, and Zhangyiyuan Tea, a Beijing staple since 1900.

Savor authentic local snacks, from crispy sugar-coated haws to savory fried dumplings.

Experience a ride on the Qianmen Tram, a replica of the old streetcars that once transported locals in the early 20th century.

Beijing isn’t just about historical landmarks; its vibrant streets and alleys pulse with the rhythm of everyday life, offering a unique glimpse into the local culture. Use your free time to explore the city’s hidden gems—try authentic street food in Wangfujing Snack Street, browse quirky shops in the 798 Art District, or soak in the charm of a traditional hutong neighborhood.

After breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport for a flight to Hong Kong (about 3hours) and start your next exciting journey in Hong Kong.