Insider Beijing Experiences with an Expert
1-Day In-Depth Beijing Culture Tour
This is a tour for travelers who would like to discover aspects of Beijing more deeply for a unique perspective far beyond the ordinary tourist's.
We have selected four must-sees of Beijing and have invited some of China's top experts in history, culture, and the arts to lead your tour or give a lesson. They will offer you the very finest viewpoints on traditional culture and contemporary thought.
Our relationships with partners and institutions will also allow you exclusive access to some of the most exciting sites in Beijing, which will give you enviable once-in-a-life-time experiences.
Please consider these options as thought-starters from which we can create your exclusive Beijing city tour. We are ready to tailor-make your tour according to your interests and requirements.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Morning Option 1: Get a Real Taste of Imperial Life
Guided by a famous expert, you'll get insider knowledge about China's royal architecture and imperial court life. Enjoy special access to areas of the Forbidden City that are normally still "forbidden"to the public. Drink champagne with the departed emperors at the Imperial Ancestral Temple.
Morning Option 2: Experience the Harmony of Nature and Humanity at the Temple of Heaven
Admire the amazing architecture of the Temple of Heaven. Learn about the mysterious Chinese philosophy of fengshui ('ind and water'in Chinese, it refers to Chinese geomancy). Have a tai chi lesson with a Chinese kung fu expert.
Afternoon Option 1: Dial 798 for Contemporary Chinese Art
Delve into the heart of Beijing's contemporary art scene at the 798 Art District, based rather ironically in an abandoned industrial complex — the opposite of modern and artistic — which makes the art stand out. Visit some private galleries and talk with a local artist.
Afternoon Option 2:Discover the Best of Peking Opera — Its Intricacies and Secrets
Enjoy a private Peking opera performed by famous actors. Discover the backstage secrets and talk with the actors. Dress up in their costumes and apply the make-up that has become World Cultural Heritage..
Why Choose Us
Your Wellbeing is Our Priority.
- 1-to-1 travel expert
- Vaccinated guides
- Private Rides
Your Trip is Perfectly Planned.
- Less crowded
- Exclusive Exciting Experiences
Your Booking is Risk-Free.
- No cancellation fee (up to 22 days before departure)
- Free changes
Finish Your Booking in as Quick as 1 Day
1. Tell us your dream travel idea
2. Work out your unique plan with 1 to 1 expert advice
What Our Customers Said
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Fantastic
What an epic day we had with or guide “Ivy” from the tour company “China Highlights” visiting Tianamen Square, Forbidden City, having a local Chinese meal and walking on the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu!! Ivy was informative, personable, fun, caring and delivered a great experience for us. Her guide experience was evident in her management and pace of our day and making sure we went to great picture locations that created lasting memories of our trip!! Highly recommend you asking for Ivy. moreMar 2023, Drew Walker
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Adorable trip to Beijing with China Highlights
Such an amazing time spent together with my husband and our guide Nancy in Beijing. We recommend booking the tour with China Highlights as that was an incredibly smart idea and trip we have had over past few days. Visiting the Great Wall of China, the Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven etc., getting more close to the history of China, having the delicious food - that was all done by the CH. We won’t be having such wonderful time without you guys. Still being so amazed and impressed by the historical progress of the country. Much appreciated for your support, help and time, Dear Nancy and China Highlights. Kind Regards, Kenneth&Assel Gillan moreMar 2023, Assel G
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Great Wall Day Trip with Ivy
She answered our questions thoroughly and she also provided us with recommendations for food and things to see outside of our Great Wall day trip. The driver was also a very safe driver and made it a comfortable drive from the city center. We hope to use China Highlights again for future trips. And if you’re in Beijing, you can request for Ivy as your guide. moreFeb 2023, kattaubry
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Great Wall Tour with Ivy
Ivy was a wonderful guide! We took a day trip to the Great Wall and she made our time enjoyable and customized to what we wanted. She was obviously very knowledgeable and passionate about the city. We also avoided tourist traps and she took group photos for us! moreFeb 2023, Customer
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Great Wall Tour with Ivy
We recommend booking with China Highlights! They were able to create a custom trip for us with just a day’s notice. They’re very responsive on WeChat and very professional. moreFeb 2023, Customer
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Fantastic Beijing Tour with Tour Guide - Angela
Had a great time visiting Beijing over Chinese New Year! The city was quiet, but that made it easier to see everything that we wanted to. Our tour guide, Angela, was very knowledgeable and friendly. We found a local brewery, Slow Boat, that we went to twice it was so good. Amazing beer and best burger of my life! We can't wait to book another trip with China Highlights. moreFeb 2023, Kate P
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Beautiful experience in Beijing
The Forbidden City was a highlight of the tour. With Christina's knowledgeable and engaging commentary, we learned about the history of the imperial palace and its role as the center of Chinese politics for over 500 years. The complex is massive, and it was impressive to see the intricate details of the architecture and gardens. moreFeb 2023, Valeria RP
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Amazing 2 day trip to Beijing
Our guide Lily and driver Leo were amazing and super conscious that we were traveling with a toddler. Lily was knowledgeable about all of our stops and was very conscious of our time. She even took special time to relate and connect with our daughter which made the trip even more enjoyable for all of us. moreJan 2023, Jessica T
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests. The time frame is just for your reference. It could be adjusted according to your schedule
Explore the Forbidden City with an expert in both traditional and contemporary Chinese architecture. Visit the emperor's main halls and the palaces of empresses and concubines. And then explore a private area which is normally closed to the public. It could be Shufangzhai (The Lodge of Fresh Fragrance) or Chonghua Palace (The Palace of Double Glories). Both are exclusive areas reserved for state guests when they visit the Forbidden City.
At the end of the tour, you will enjoy champagne with the emperors of old at the Imperial Ancestral Temple which was where the emperors worshipped the ancestors, often with an alcoholic offering.
The other option for the morning is…
Explore the Temple of Heaven with a lesson on fengshui — Chinese geomancy. Experience a Chinese philosophy that integrates the universe, the earth, and human beings.
You will have a tai chi lesson with a Chinese kung fu expert there. Discuss the history and art of tai chi and its lasting influence on today's Beijingers. Then experience natural and human harmony in a place full of auspicious geomantic omens.
Visit 798 Art District — the No. 1 contemporary art community in China. Delve into the heart of Beijing’s contemporary art scene. Explore the district with an expert guide and hear the stories behind the many pieces of modern art that stand out in the abandoned factory zone.
You will also have the chance to visit private studios and meet local artists. Gain an insider's perspective into the development of Chinese modern art.
The other option for the afternoon is…
Experience Peking opera with a private Peking opera performance given by famous actors in a small traditional courtyard. Your private guide, who is very knowledgeable about Peking opera, will give you explanations about the history, the characters, the costume, etc.
Step into the backstage zone and talk to the actors face-to-face. Learn how artists prepare for a performance. You can even get into a full costume and makeup and learn some typical movements in an opera.
Price Includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide or expert
- Activities and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: bj-2c
Start planning your tailor-made tour now. Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.
