5 Days Beijing Highlights Tour with Sidetrip to Chengde

Full Itinerary Day by day

Day 1 Beijing Arrival

Ni Hao, welcome to Beijing, the iconic city as well as the capital of China!

You will be met by your local tour guide at the arrival hall of Beijing Capital Airport, or railway station, then be escorted to check in your hotel in downtown by a private comfortable vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to relax. If you want to explore nearby, feel free to get some practical suggestions from your tour guide.

Arrival Ideas: At present, there are many international and domestic flights to Beijing. Besides, you can take a high speed train to this capital city from Shanghai (5-6 hrs), Xian (5.5 hrs), Guangzhou (8-9.5 hrs), etc.

Day 2 Beijing ( B, L )

After breakfast, start to explore the historical face of Beijing with a brief visit to Tiananmen Square, now the largest city plaza in the world. Tiananmen Gate on the northern side of the square was the site where Chairman Mao announced the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

Stepping into the Tiananmen, you will see one of the world's five most important palaces - Forbidden City (Palace Museum), a huge palace complex of more than 9,000 rooms where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties lived. Pass through various doorways in this magnificent structure to admire the beautiful and well-preserved buildings decorated with yellow-glazed tile roofs, white marble bases and splendid colorful paintings. After Forbidden City exploration, take a short visit to Jingshan Park where you can get a nice shot of one watchtower of Forbidden City and take a panoramic view of Forbidden City.

After lunch, drive to the outskirts of Beijing to spend an enjoyable time in the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China. Stroll around ancient pavilions, mansions, temples, bridges and corridors while feasting your eyes on the vast lotus in Kunming Lake and the colorful paintings in the Long Corridor.

Optional activities: 1) You can watch a wonderful Kungfu Show in the Red Theater (Hong Ju Chang) which usually starts at 19:30; 2) Enjoy the classic Chinese art performance of Beijing Opera at Liyuan Theater during 19:30-21:00.

Day 3 Beijing - Chengde ( B, L )

After breakfast, drive to the imperial site – Temple of Heaven. It was originally used to pay homage to Heaven and pray for harvest, now becomes a bustling place for locals to take part in traditional activities, such as Tai Chi, dancing, kite flying, water calligraphy, etc. Then, hop on a rickshaw to experience Beijing Hutongs - small alleys made of neighboring quadrangle dwellings. Shuttle among different Hutongs to feel the old Beijing life style, meet various antique shops and small boutiques, feel the historical changes of Beijing, and also pay a visit to a local family's home in the traditional Hutongs.

The rest time of today is to drive to Chengde which is about 225km (3 hours' drive) from Chengdu. On the way, you will drop by Two-Pagoda Peaks, the largest unexplained natural sight of Chengde. Two giant rocky peaks stand together with two similar ancient pagodas on the flat tops. Formed by water and wind erosion, the twin stone pillars have existed over forty million years. And, the two brick pagodas were confirmed to be constructed during Liao Dynasty over 1,000 years ago. It is a man-made wonder that the Khitans completed such work in the ancient time without obvious access up to the summit.

Accommodate in Chengde city.

Day 4 Chengde Highlights Tour ( B, L )

After breakfast, you will be taken to visit Chengde Mountain Resort, a famous royal summer resort of Qing Dynasty that has been evaluated as one of China’s Four Famous Gardens, one of Three Greatest Ancient Architectures and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. It is a huge complex built by Kangxi and Qianlong Emperors between 1703 to 1792 for summer retreat and temporary stay during autumn hunting, consisting of scenic areas of palaces, administrative and ceremonial buildings, gardens and different natural landscapes. Many emperors even spent nearly half a year staying here, processing government affairs and enjoying summer holidays. You will take your time to visit Chengde Mountain Resort Museum (former Zheng Palace), Songhezhai and Wanhesongfeng Hall to trace back to previous royal offices and living quarters. Next, walk to enjoy peaceful green lakes embraced by many shoreside lush trees and ancient buildings, also have a leisure stroll along the lakes and visit Yanyu Tower to view elegant Jiangnan-style architectures with handwriting of Qianlong Emperor, and walk through vast grassland and dense forests in Wanshu Garden to see the Mongolian yurts and Liuhe Pagoda, which will refresh your eyes and mind and offer you a pleasant summer retreat like ancient emperors.

In this afternoon, you will go to explore Chengde's sacred Buddhist temple. Begin from Putuo Zhongcheng Temple which is component of World Cultural Heritage with Chengde Mountain Resort. The temple was built to celebrate Qianlong Emperor’s 60th birthday and his mother Empress Dowager Chongqing’s 80 birthday. Modeled after the Potala Palace in Tibet, this Tibetan Buddhist temple cluster is also known as “Little Potala Palace”. You will path through the red-walled Tablet Pavilion, Five Pagoda Gate and Glazed Archway, then hike further to the flat-roofed white oblong towers spreading on the hillside and finally get to the majestic Great Red Palace, the main body and most eye-catching building of Putuo Zhongcheng Temple. Go upstairs to visit Wanfaguiyi Hall and enjoy unique Chinese and Tibetan style architectures, and catch a panoramic view of the “Little Potala Palace” and Mountain Resort and Qingchui Peak (Hammer Rock) nearby from Cihangpudu Pavilion.

Later, move to Puning Temple (Temple of Universal Peace), an over 250-year old Buddhist temple found by Qianlong Emperor to commemorate two victories of the ethnic rebellions. This magnificent temple simulated from the Samye Monastery, a sacred temple of Tibet. It is a fusion of both Chinese and Tibetan featured architectures. The highlight is the 27.21-meter and 110-ton gold lacquered wooden statue of Thousand Armed and Eyed Bodhisattva enshrined in the Dachengzhige Pavilion.

Your last stop is Pule Temple (Temple of Universal Happiness) in the Qingchui Peak National Forest Park. It was built in 1766 during the Qianlong Emperor period for showing respect of minorities’ religion and reinforcing central authority’s rule. Admire the traditional Chinese architectural techniques and make pilgrimage to the statue of Cakrasamvara Tantra worshiped in the central Mandala.

Lastly, transfer back to your hotel.

Day 5 Chengde - Jinshanling Great Wall - Beijing (B, L)

After breakfast, your tour guide and driver will take you to Jinshanling Great Wall which is about 85km away (1 h and 15 mins' drive) from Chengde city. Firstly established in 1368 and extended in 1567, Jinshanling Great Wall is the essence of Great Wall of Ming Dynasty (1368~1644). It stretches 10.5km long, linking Simatai Great Wall in the east and Gubeikou Great Wall in the west. Till now, it has been partially restored only, so you can enjoy features of both restored and original Great Walls. There are 67 watchtowers, 5 passes and 3 beacon towers. Most of the towers are built in different shapes, which make Jinshanling Great Wall a wonderful place to explore the architectural art of Great Wall. Plus the scenic surrounding natural scenery, the view of Jinshanling Great Wall is just breathtaking.

After entering the check-in office, you will walk about 20 minutes to the western section of Jinshanling Great Wall, near to Gubeikou Great Wall. Your hike starts at Zhuanduo Tower, walk eastward with the up walls snaking on the hills to the eastern edge. On route, you have a rare chance to see some featured towers, such as General Tower, Large Jinshan Tower, Flower Tower, Corner Tower, etc. Your hike takes about 4~5 hours, and stops at East Tower with Five Holes where you will get off the wall, and get back to the tourist center.

Keep driving about 165km (3hrs' drive) to your hotel in Beijing. You can be dropped off at Beijing airport or train station if you want. Tour ends.

The quotation for this trip is from Request Per Person

1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2024.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 6.85. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.

How Our Teams Serve you at China Discovery

"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.

Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.

1-on-1 Travel Consultant

Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!

After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.

Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.

We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.

Local Tour Guides

Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.

Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.

Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!

Local Drivers & Vehicle

Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!

Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.

Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!

Comfortable & Homelike Hotels

In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!

The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.

If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.

Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.

Meals & Dining

We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.

The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.

There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.

All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!

Check What our delighted customers are saying about our services.

Hello Wonder,

Loved the cruise - especially the included excursions, special arrangement for English speaking guides, new boat, and friendly service!

Claus

Claus‚ USA, November 15, 2023

Dear Rita Jiang,

Thanks for your message. We have just landed back in Santiago and we are a bit "out" at the moment. We will come back again to you with some photos and more detailed comments. Now, just a summary: it was great, everything run smoothly and we are very happy to have arranged the travel with you. The problem with the hotel was just a human, understandable mistake and anyway it was arranged very promptly and well: the new room was also very good and the Maria´s guidance in Beijing was outstanding. The only "black spot" on the whole tour was the room in Shanghai: the hotel was great, very well located, breakfast very good, but the room they assigned to us was old, small and not in accordance to the hotel category. I think it was even small for a single person and the shower was just an old fixed thing inside the bathtube with cheap plastic courtains. I guess that is more a failure of the hotel itself, but we wanted to let you know. Anyway ,we had a very good time in Shanghai.

Jose

Jose‚ Spain, November 15, 2023

Hi Leo,

My Summary Comments:-

I must admit it is good fortune to be able to work with Leo to plan and arrange a short tour of preferred sights which I have not done before or to revisit from my previous visits around the Guilin area. Leo’s unfailing promptness to respond to my impromptu emailed enquiries and queries is commendable and helpful to effortlessly facilitate a fulfilling itinerary.

I have now completed a comfortable and absolutely satisfying three days trip with helpful and friendly guides and drivers and comfortable transport together with pleasant hotels accommodations.

Thank you Leo and also to your Chengdu Bamboo International Tours Co.Ltd.

Sum

Sum‚ Singapore, November 15, 2023

Hi Wonder,

Please see my comments below.

1. Yes, the travel consultant was very fast in answering my email and very clear in his explanation.

2. The service of both tour guides in Chengdu and Jiuzhaigou was excellent, very impressed with the quality of the tour guides provided by your company.

3. Yes, will definitely recommend your company but pricing is a little on the high side given the quality of hotels provided.

Sai

Sai‚ Singapore, November 15, 2023

Dear Wonder,

Thanks for organising our trip and we appreciated your prompt replies. It was a pleasant and wonderful trip to China.

Here, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Nancy of Yichang. Our Yichang flight to Guangzhou was cancelled without notifying us. We arrived at the airport only to be informed of it. Nancy swiftly took action and changed our flight from Wuhan-Guangzhou and rushed us to the train station to take the high speed train to Wuhan. We managed to arrive in time and back in Kuala Lumpur now. Nancy proves to be a very efficient and reliable guide. Thanks!

Kristle

Kristle‚ Malaysia, November 15, 2023

Check What our customers are saying about us on Tripadvisor.com.

We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years

Rick L

"tq so much for China Discovery for arrangement due our trip in China, Wonder as our contact person for arranger our trips are so helpful and always monitoring our trips from we before..." read more »

Reviewed on November 29, 2023

Yvonne

"A very big THANK YOU to Jack and his team for the excellent arrangements they made for me and my husband's trip to Guangzhou and Guilin. Everything went smoothly with totally no glitches..." read more »

Reviewed on November 29, 2023