A tour of Beijing like no other! The very best selection of restaurants, showcasing the finest Chinese cuisine, against a backdrop of all that makes Beijing such a fascinating cultural icon - a city steeped in history but leading the world of today.
Imperial Beijing 8 Days
- Itinerary and Tour Map
Day 1 – Arrive Beijing
Meet your guide on arrival at Beijing Airport for the transfer to your centrally located hotel for an indulgent stay.
Stay four nights at the Double Happiness Courtyard Hotel.
Day 2 – Gate of Heavenly Peace
Begin with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest open public space, before walking under Chairman Mao’s iconic portrait into the depths of the Forbidden City. Home of the Ming and Qing Imperial families from 1492 until the Last Emperor Puyi left in 1925, you’ll be amazed by the size and majesty of the magnificent architecture.
After a buffet lunch at Novotel Peace Hotel, visit the UNESCO heritage listed Temple of Heaven – here Emperors consulted the gods, prayed for good harvests and received their mandate to rule. You will also have the opportunity for a private Tai Chi lesson in this tree-covered ancient Garden. Spend the rest of the afternoon on the ruins of Beijing’s original city wall and take in some contemporary Chinese art at a studio located in the last remaining watchtower and run by Australian, Brian Wallace.
Dinner this evening will be taken in pavilions on Hortensia Island in Beihai Park. Here former chefs from the Forbidden City founded a restaurant in 1925 called ‘Emulating the Imperial Table’. Sample a lavish Manchu or Chinese banquet and taste dishes served to China’s political leaders. (B,L,D)
Day 3 – Tombs, Temples and Tradition
Depart early to visit the Olympic Green including the Australian designed Water Cube and the beguiling Bird’s Nest. After time to explore, lunch will be at Da Zhai Men Restaurant – you will feel like you’ve travelled back in time to the Qing dynasty as this restaurant represents the top level of imperial food including “Palace Dish”, “Guanfu Dish” and their own uniquely styled ” Baifu Dish”. After lunch, travel to the north of Beijing to the resting place of Empresses, Emperors and their concubines in the picturesque Ming Tombs. Walk the Sacred Way and marvel at exquisite marble sculptures depicting pairs of mythical animals guarding the imperial mausoleum.
End the day with an unforgettable meal in the ever expanding courtyard restaurant Huajia Yiyuan located among the red lanterns of Ghost Street. Watch local performers or take a quiet seat in the rear courtyards and sample some home style cooking at its best. (B,L,D)
Day 4 – High Art and Hidden Lanes
The morning begins with a tour of Beijing’s rapidly disappearing hutongs (lane ways) around the back lakes of the Forbidden City – these were once home to princes, eunuchs and imperial servants. Take a walk through the narrow streets before stepping off to the Yuan dynasty marble bridge that was once part of the Grand Canal. Visiting Madam Song Qingling’s residence where the Last Emperor, Puyi, was born.
After hunting for some eclectic bargains in laneway boutiques at Nanluogu Xiang, enjoy lunch at Qingyunlou Restaurant near the lake.
In the afternoon, visit the Yonghegong Lama Temple where Tibetan Buddhism is still practiced in Beijing, and also the nearby Confucian Temple. Next, visit the 798 Arts District where contemporary artists have set up studios and small galleries in a former factory designed by East German architects – see how industry and art are still joined together as neighbours. Visit Red Gate Gallery, run by Australian, Brian Wallace.
Complete the day with four regional cuisines at Xi He Ya Ju Restaurant serving Sichuan, Shandong, Cantonese, and Huaiyang dishes. The tasty ganbian sijidou (stir-fried green beans), mapou doufu (spicy bean curd) and gongbao jiding (chicken with peanuts) are all great choices. (B,L,D)
Day 5 – Wall to Wall Wonders
Pack your bags for an overnight stay with a difference. Travel out to the remote Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. Walk along the Wall where you will have plenty of time for photos and to take in the scenery. Travel through the wild farm country of the Manchurian foothills past breathtaking views of sections of the Wall, dating back to the first emperor Qin Shihhuangdi and Ming Emperor Wan Li. Lunch is at a local restaurant or at your hotel, which is near the Great Wall. Sample wild gourmet cuisine and soothe your soul with Tibetan tea after an exhilarating day.
Stay one night at the Brickyard at Mutianyu. (B,L,D)
Day 6 – Great Wall and Beyond
A leisurely morning to catch up on some sleep or to further explore the incredible Great Wall, perhaps before the sunrise! In the afternoon, transfer back to Beijing. Spend the late afternoon bargaining for antiques in the restored Qing Street, Liulichang – followed by a magnificent Beijing dining experience at the TRB Forbidden City with stunning views of the Forbidden City.
Stay two nights at the Double Happiness Courtyard Hotel. (B,D)
Day 7 – Old and New
In the morning, visit the Zoo to see the Giant Panda before taking a pleasant stroll in the grounds of the Summer Palace, built as an exclusive retreat by the Empress Dowager Cixi. You’ll be impressed by the ornate temples, pavilions, and covered corridors set amidst a manicured landscape which reflects the refinement of this fallen matriarch. Lunch today is South China cuisine at Xuxianlou Restaurant before an afternoon at leisure to shop at the Silk Market. End the day with traditional Peking Duck served in a restored Ming dynasty imperial granary. Continually voted as the best duck in Beijing, Dadong Roast Duck delivers divine duck cooked over fruit scented firewood with an endless choice of condiments. (B,L,D)
Day 8 – Depart Beijing
Drive past some of the city’s amazing architecture en route to Beijing Airport and your flight home. (B) - Make a Booking
- Departure dates and prices
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