China's Urban Future Unveiled
This tour is designed for travelers who are not first-time visitors and would like to explore something new about the city.
Discover the future of urban living in Tongzhou, Beijing's dynamic sub-center, where ancient engineering meets cutting-edge innovation. This one-day tour offers a unique glimpse into China's urban renaissance, blending sustainable development, cultural revival, and community empowerment.
You can also combine this one-day excursion with other parts of your Beijing tour. Feel free to contact us for a customized itinerary.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Glide into the Future of Urban Mobility
Enjoy a ride on an autonomous shuttle bus. Witness the remarkable achievements in intelligent electric vehicles and their application in public transportation
Wander into Beijing City Library Where Art Meets Ingenuity
Home to 8 million books and a 40,000 sqm robotic book-sorting system, this architectural marvel features a 16-meter-tall "floating" tree sculpture
"Sail" from Ancient China to Modern China
Exquisite exhibits and the innovative layout take you on a journey all the way from ancient China. From the wisdom in water control to the national will demonstrated by the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, all of these showcase the greatness of the Chinese people.
Savor a Time-Hopping Beijing Hotpot Feast
Enjoy a traditional hot pot meal on a painted wooden boat. The bridge nearby, blending classical Chinese aesthetics with modern creativity, is a tribute from contemporary people to the romantic spirit of their predecessors.
Experience the Creativity of China's Young Generation
Explore the 798 Art District with repurposed industrial buildings, and feel the charm of contemporary art.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Amazing and Effortless Experience Overall!
China Highlights is totally legit and they planned our visit in Beijing perfectly, they were also great with being flexible to meet our unique needs and timelines, with multiple changes on the fly. Our guide in Beijing, William, was amazing as well! William was friendly, kind, thoughtful, funny, and also was great at keeping us on track timing-wise (as we didn’t make this particularly easy for him lol). Cannot recommend both China Highlights and William to anyone else looking to visit China for the first time! more
Jun 2025, jamesrkable
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A culture of hospitality and smiles
Beijing was prettier and far less crowded than anticipated. Colin aka Po Po, our guide, enhanced the experience with his knowledge and wicked sense of humour. He made every moment special for us.We spent about three days in Beijing and surrounds. China highlights offerings were high quality, including accomodation, car, driver, guide and selection of real local restaurants. Being vegetarian wasn’t an issue at all. Visiting historical quarter of Beijing along with Hutong walk and Confucius Beijing temple were unique experiences- which became more special with Colin’s interest in philosophy and wonderful global perspective. Despite language barriers- we were greeted by scores of locals with genuine smile and curiosity. We shall be back (hopefully with Colin) to explore this wonderful culture. more
Jun 2025, Inderjeet
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Beijing group tour
We had a group tour for our clients and William was our guide. He was knowledgeable, kind and flexible throughout the tour. Our clients loved the way he explained diverse topics. We would recommend him for our future groups too.Thank you William and God bless! more
Jun 2025, Prima Rodrigues
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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
Begin your tour with a one-hour drive from central Beijing to Tongzhou along the canal. Listen to your guide's explanation of the significance of this man-made canal to Beijing in ancient times.
Upon arrival, experience China's cutting-edge innovation firsthand with a 5-minute ride on an autonomous shuttle bus from the parking lot to the Beijing City Library — the world's largest library. Here, centuries-old literary traditions collide with groundbreaking technology.
Dive into the legacy of the Grand Canal Museum, where immersive exhibits unveil the secrets of the 2,500-year-old engineering marvel that shaped China's economic and cultural landscape. Finally, admire the striking exterior of the Beijing Art Center, an architectural icon that showcases China's bold commitment to contemporary arts.
Enjoy traditional hotpot lunch in a boat restaurant on the Grand Canal. Witness how this 2,500-year-old waterway has been revitalized as a vibrant ecological and cultural corridor, seamlessly connecting the past with the present.
Stop at a square facing a historic temple complex that harmoniously combines a Confucian temple, Buddhist temple, and Taoist temple. Capture glimpses of old Tongzhou's charm through photographs.
Dive into creativity at 798 Art District, where street art and avant-garde installations spark imagination.
Epilogue:
As a millennium-old transportation hub, Tongzhou in Beijing has witnessed the economic prosperity and social development brought by the excavation of the ancient Grand Canal.
In the new era of transformation and development, Tongzhou continues its historical mission. Behind its new appearance is the government's commitment to preserving cultural heritage, prioritizing ecology, and enhancing people's well-being through long-term efforts.
When cutting-edge technology elegantly and intriguingly showcases stories of the past, when the romanticism of ancient and modern people meets on the Grand Canal, and when square dancing becomes the backdrop to ancient pagodas and temples, New China becomes tangible.
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