Beijing Day Tour: Taichi class, Hutong Rickshaw & Peking Duck

One day in Beijing, and you get temples, food, culture, and a taste of real local life—everything you imagined, all packed in.

Editor's Comment

“Honestly, this tour blew me away—doing Tai Chi with locals, painting opera masks, and that crispy Peking Duck? I’m still dreaming about it.”

Highlights

🏯 Temple of Heaven – Explore the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and test the magical Echo Wall.
🧘 Tai Chi Session – Practice this ancient martial art alongside local practitioners in the park.
🦆 Peking Duck Feast – Enjoy Beijing’s world-famous dish, carved and served with traditional accompaniments.
🎭 Peking Opera Mask Painting – Learn the symbolism behind the masks and create your own vibrant souvenir.
🚲 Hutong Rickshaw Tour – Navigate narrow alleys and discover centuries-old courtyard homes, soaking in local life and culture.

Day 1 AM :

Temple of Heaven & Tai Chi Experience

Kick off your day at the Temple of Heaven, a 600-year-old ceremonial site where Ming (1368-1644 AD)and Qing (1644-1912 AD) emperors held grand rituals to pray for good harvests and divine blessings.

Don’t miss the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a 38-meter-tall circular structure built without nails. Test the Echo Wall, where whispers travel magically across 65 meters.

Join a Tai Chi session in the park, practicing this ancient martial art with locals for a calm and energizing experience.

Temple of Heaven,the landmark of beijing,china,Chinese cultural symbols.

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in Beijing. UNESCO World Heritage site in China

Temple of Heaven with blue sky in Beijing

Roof of the Imperial vault of heaven in the Temple of Heaven Park in Beijing, China

Overlooking the main gate of the courtyard of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, which is the main building in the Temple of Heaven. The photo is a good demonstration of beauty of Chinese ancient architecture.

Double-Circle Longevity Pavilion in the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, China

The internal structure of the hall of prayer for new year is in the temple of heaven, Beijing

Temple of Heaven complex, an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing. UNESCO World Heritage

A Qing Dynasty bronze bell in the Temple of Heaven in Beijing

Day 1 :

Peking Duck Feast & Peking Opera Mask Painting Experience

Peking Duck Feast: A Must-Try Beijing Experience

A trip to Beijing isn’t complete without trying Peking Duck, the city’s signature dish. Watch as the chef expertly carves crispy, golden duck into thin slices, served with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce.

Enjoy the perfect balance of rich flavors and crispy texture, a dish once reserved for royalty but now loved by all. A must-try for food lovers!

Peking Opera Mask Painting Experience

Discover the art of Peking Opera mask painting, a tradition rich in history and symbolism. Learn the meaning behind the bold colors and intricate designs, then paint your own mask under expert guidance.

Take home a unique souvenir and gain insight into China’s vibrant opera culture in a fun, hands-on way!

Chinese cook prepares Peking Roast Duck. Peking Duck is a famous duck dish from Beijing that has been prepared since the imperial era, and is now considered one of China's national foods.

Day 1 PM :

Hutong

Explore Beijing’s Hutong by Rickshaw

Step into Beijing’s historic hutongs, a maze of narrow alleys lined with traditional courtyard homes. These centuries-old streets offer a glimpse into local life and culture.

Hop on a rickshaw ride for a fun and relaxing way to explore, winding through hidden lanes while your guide shares stories of old Beijing. A must-do experience to see the city’s past come to life!

Chinese old street hutong and traditional rickshaws at shichahai in B eijing

A group of rickshaws-driving through a bridge

FAQs

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Can I visit Beijing without knowing Chinese?

Absolutely. Many travelers visit Beijing without speaking Chinese. With English signs, mobile apps like Google Translate or Baidu Translate, and tour guides, getting around is not difficult.

How English friendly is Beijing?

Beijing is increasingly English-friendly, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and airports. Signs at major attractions, subways, and airports are in both Chinese and English. While not everyone speaks English fluently, translation apps make communication easy for travelers.

Is Beijing a walkable city?

Yes, Beijing is very walkable in its central districts. Areas like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Hutongs are best explored on foot. For longer distances, subways and taxis are cheap and convenient.

What’s the best month to visit Beijing?

The best time is spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). These months have comfortable weather, clear skies, and fewer crowds compared to summer and Chinese holidays.

What do tourists typically do when visiting Beijing?

Popular activities include visiting the Great Wall, exploring the Forbidden City, walking through traditional Hutongs, and tasting Beijing roast duck. These are must-do highlights for first-time visitors.

Is the Forbidden City in Beijing worth visiting?

Yes, the Forbidden City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in China. With its imperial palaces, halls, and cultural treasures, it is a must-see attraction in Beijing.

What are the cons of traveling to Beijing?

The main challenges are air pollution on some days, heavy crowds at top attractions, and occasional traffic jams. Planning ahead and booking tickets early can minimize these issues.