Pilgrimage to Beijing's newly listed World Heritage Site — the Beijing Central Axis. Discover why, among the urban central axes of cities around the world, only Beijing's has become a World Heritage Site.
Discover the future of urban living in Tongzhou, Beijing's dynamic sub-center, where ancient engineering meets cutting-edge innovation.
Walk into a local neighborhood to observe the lives of local people.
Be a happy foodie and understand ancient Beijing with your stomach.
Our Beijing spotlight experiences extend beyond the surface of the sites, and will present you with an old, authentic, and cultured Beijing!
Witness China's Newly Listed UNESCO Heritage：Beijing Central Axis E-Bike Tour
Duration: 3 Hours+
Stand on the central axis of Beijing and feel the grand layout of this ancient capital city
Cycle through the old alleys of Beijin
Appreciate the solemn and majestic atmosphere of the Forbidden City from a unique perspective.
Take unique photos unlike anyone else's in front of the Bell and Drum Towers.
Explore Beijing's architectural grandeur on an 20-kilometer electric-assist bike loop along its historic central axis. Starting at the Temple of Heaven, glide north along the axis' western side, passing imperial landmarks like the city moat, some important gates, Tiananmen Square, the Bell and Drum Towers. Return via the eastern route, weaving through vibrant hutongs, serene parks, bustling squares, and waterways. Witness contrasts: ancient temples meet modern theatre; government buildings neighbor local eateries and schools.
This immersive ride reveals the city's layered identity—as both an ancient capital and a modern metropolis, and the dynamic heart of Chinese politics and culture. Pedaling offers a unique perspective on Beijing's monumental layout—unmatched by cars or walking—blending history, culture, and daily life into one unforgettable journey.
The White Pagoda Paradox: Sacred Stupa, Secular Stories
Duration: 1.5 Hours+
Step into the memories of the hutong life in old Beijing
Observe the lifestyles of Beijing locals.
Experience a leisurely afternoon tea time of Beijing's young people.
Visit an antique Chinese medicine store that has accompanied the hutong residents for over a hundred years.
Beijing's hutongs are living chronicles of the city's history, where time flows through brick-walled alleys.
This 3-kilometer walk explores lesser-known lanes near Xicheng's White Pagoda Temple (Baita Si), bypassing touristy zones to discover authentic local life. Traditional courtyard homes here retain their original charm, meticulously maintained with uniform grey-tiled roofs. Observe elderly men playing chess at alley junctions, grandmothers chatting over steaming tea, and crisscrossing clotheslines framing daily rhythms. Pop into neighborhood greengrocers or community canteens serving affordable meals to retirees. Murals depicting bygone eras adorn weathered walls, whispering stories of old Beijing.
The tour culminates at the 750-year-old White Pagoda Temple, its Tibetan Buddhist stupa predating the Forbidden City. For locals, this architectural marvel symbolizes both heritage and modernity—a nostalgic landmark for elders and a serene Instagram backdrop for youths sipping coffee nearby. Don't miss the century-old Baita Traditional Pharmacy beside the temple, trusted by generations for herbal remedies.
A perfect blend of preserved authenticity and dynamic neighborhood culture, this walk unveils Beijing's soul beyond postcards.
China's Urban Future Unveiled: One Day in Beijing's Most Innovative District
Duration: 5 Hours+
Experience China's cutting-edge innovation firsthand with a ride
Visit three architectural icons showcasing modern art and innovation, and experience the cultural vibrancy of China's modern cities.
Witness how this 2,500-year-old waterway has been revitalized as a vibrant ecological and cultural corridor
Admire the treasures of traditional architectures which cherish the past of Tongzhou.
This one-day tour offers a unique glimpse into China's urban renaissance, blending sustainable development, cultural revival, and community empowerment.
Begin your tour with a one-hour drive from central Beijing to Tongzhou along the canal. Upon arrival, Take an autonomous shuttle bus from the parking lot to the Beijing City Library. Here, centuries-old literary traditions collide with groundbreaking technology.
Next, 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.
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 before returning to Beijing or continuing to the next attraction.
The Old Beijing of A Foodie
Duration: 3 Hours+
Savor the iconic men-ding pork buns and imperial dim sum once favored by Empress Dowager Cixi.
Try the hidden gem of Laoshi's Dumplings, blending East-meets-West flavors in a quiet hutong spot.
Slurp a bowl of zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste)—Beijing's timeless comfort food.
Uncover the secret techniques behind Beijing's world-famous Peking duck.
Understand Beijing by tasting its traditional food, including doornail meat pie, fried dumplings, traditional yogurt, Peking roast duck, noodles with fried soybean sauce and royal court desserts.
We select small restaurants loved by locals, and restaurants with time-honored reputations, rather than a night market or a snack market full of tourists. Your guide will walk with you and stop at 4 places. You will try 8 kinds of traditional Beijing food/snack and 2 kinds of popular local drink.
Enjoy the delicacies. Learn the stories behind the food. Admire the traditional cooking skills. This will be a memorable night during your stay in Beijing.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included. The total walking distance on this tour is about 2 km.
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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