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Asia

Beijing Tours, Vacation Packages & Travel Experiences

  • Seeing the Forbidden City at sunset is a must for all China tours.
  • The Olympic Stadium
  • The Great Wall at Badaling is without doubt a must inclusion on all Beijing tours.
  • Portrait of Chairman Mao from Tiananmen Gate
  • The Jade bridge Summer Palace

Beijing is the capital city of China and features the second largest urban population in the country. As the political and educational centre of China, Beijing is home to many government official buildings and embassy areas, as well as universities, all to be seen on a China vacation.

Formerly known as Peking, Beijing is also China’s cultural centre and features many historic buildings and sites. The city, which features numerous districts, is comprised of several rectangular-shaped ring roads, which encircle Beijing’s centre. In the city centre is Tiananmen Square, Beijing’s most important landmark and site of the infamous massacre of student activists by People’s Liberation Army in 1989. This public square is surrounded by various museums. The Forbidden City, a relatively untouched palace found just south of Tiananmen Square, was home to the Imperial Court during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Along with historic buildings, there is modern architecture to be found in Beijing, including the landmark Bird’s Nest Stadium, home of the 2008 Summer Olympics.

An excursion on China tour paxckages to The Great Wall of China (approximately one hour away from the city), a Hutong city pedicab tour, a magnificent stroll through the Summer Palace, and a Peking duck dinner are just some of the cultural experiences that Beijing has to offer.

What are the top things to see on a Beijing vacation?

The Great Wall of China

As you first look upon the Great Wall, it is impossible not to be awestruck at this man-made structure. Construction started in the 7th century BC, with additions and rebuilding continuing until the 16th century AD. The Great Wall was built to keep out the warring invaders of the north, but additional sections were extended eastward for nearly 6,700 kilometres. The Badaling section is the most well preserved section of the Wall. You can climb to its top and walk for a mile in either direction: the Great Wall snakes ahead though the mountains as far as you can see.

The Forbidden City (the Palace Museum)

In the heart of the capital lies the Forbidden City, built during the Ming dynasty in 1406. The Forbidden City is actually a city-within-a-city; with 9999 rooms spread over 250 acres. During the Ming and Qing dynasty, 24 emperors made their home in the Forbidden City and forbade commoners from entering. The Emperor's Palace has been transformed into a museum that holds many treasures of the Imperial Family.

Tian An Men Square

Known as the Gate of Heavenly Peace, it is located across the street from the main entrance to the Forbidden City.

The Temple of Heaven

This masterpiece of Ming architecture is one of the most photographed buildings in the world due to its elegant beauty and symmetry. Built in 1420, it was the place where Ming and Qing emperors (Sons of Heaven) prayed to heaven for a good harvest. Music plays softly through the day in a 660-acre park surrounding the temple.

The Summer Palace

Built in 1750, the Palace overlooks tranquil Kunming Lake. There you can stroll along corridors where royal families spent their summers hundreds of years ago.

The Ming Tombs

Large stone animals and human figures line the famous Sacred Way, the entrance to the burial grounds. Set into the hillside is a complex of tombs of 13 emperors from the Ming dynasty.

The Hutongs

Something special on tours to China is a Hutong, an ancient city alley or lane typical of Beijing, where Hutongs run into the several thousand. Surrounding the Forbidden City, many were built during the Yuan (1206-1341), Ming (1368-1628) and Qing (1644-1908) dynasties. In the prime of these dynasties the emperors, in order to establish supreme power for themselves, planned the city and arranged the residential areas according to the etiquette systems of the Zhou Dynasty. The main buildings in the Hutong were almost all quadrangles - a building complex formed by four houses around a quadrangular courtyard. The quadrangles varied in size and design according to the social status of the residents. The big quadrangles of high- ranking officials and wealthy merchants were specially built with roof beams and pillars all beautifully carved and painted, each with a front yard and back yard. However, the ordinary people's quadrangles were simply built with small gates and low houses. Hutongs, in fact, are passageways formed by many closely arranged quadrangles of different sizes. Today, one can enjoy a walking tour of some of the districts which still contain Hutongs. 

China and Tibet Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy to navigate travel information section dedicated to a China vacation.

Learn about the history and culture of China, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about China's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering China for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our China tours today!

Extend Your Trip

After your China tour consider taking the time to visit other destinations. Goway offers exciting India tours and Thailand vacation packages plus a comprehensive selection of vacation packages in many other Asian countries. 

 

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Beijing, China

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    The perfect introductory China itinerary for the independent traveller includes three of the most important cities, Imperial Beijing, Ancient Xian and the city of the future, Shanghai.
    Duration:
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    Prices From:
    US$ 2,111
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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  • Classic China

    The perfect China itinerary for the independent traveller. See Imperial Beijing, cosmopolitan Shanghai, historic Xian, scenic Guilin plus exciting Hong Kong. China’s must sees all in 13 days.
    Duration:
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    Prices From:
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    Trip Type:
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  • China Odyssey

    The ultimate locally escorted tour for China visiting Imperial Beijing, the ancient capital, Xian, exotic Guilin and vibrant Shanghai with a day to the beautiful Suzhou. Most meals included.
    Duration:
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    Prices From:
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    Trip Type:
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  • China Odyssey with Yangtze River Cruise

    The ultimate locally escorted tour for China visiting Imperial Beijing, the ancient capital, Xian, exotic Guilin, vibrant Shanghai plus cruise the majestic Yangtze River. Most meals included.
    Duration:
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    Prices From:
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    Trip Type:
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  • Splendours of China & Tibet: Holiday of a Lifetime

    On this special Holidays of a Lifetime fully escorted tour, China's past, present and future come alive. You will explore Beijing's greatest splendours, meet Xian warriors, experience Tibetan culture, visit a Panda sanctuary, cruise the winding Yangtze River and shop in Shanghai.
    Duration:
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    Prices From:
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  • A Taste of China

    The ideal locally hosted tour to visit three of China’s major destinations including Imperial Beijing, the ancient capital, Xian and the modern futuristic Shanghai all in 10 days.
    Duration:
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    Prices From:
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    Trip Type:
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  • Aman at Summer Palace: Stay of Distinction

    So much of what’s great about China travel can be found in or near Beijing. From the Forbidden City to the Temple of Heaven to the Great Wall, this is one of the world’s great cities, and its splendour extends to the Summer Palace.
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    Prices From:
    US$ 2,385
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  • Amazing Landscapes of China: Beijing to Shanghai

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    Duration:
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    Prices From:
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    Trip Type:
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  • Beijing Great Wall

    Beijing, the Imperial capital offers you not only the largest public square in the world, Tiananmen Square but also the amazing and unforgettable Great Wall of China plus much more.
    Duration:
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    Prices From:
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    Trip Type:
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  • China Biking Tour

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    Duration:
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    Prices From:
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  • China Encounter: Beijing to Shanghai

    Elevate your trip to China on this private tour, taking in the historic imperial sights of Beijing, the natural splendour of the Yangtze River region, and the enchanting canals of Suzhou. It all ends in space-age Shanghai, where centuries of history await discovery in the shadow of China’s future.
    Duration:
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    Prices From:
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  • China Odyssey with Hangzhou Extension

    The ultimate locally escorted tour for China visiting Imperial Beijing, the ancient capital, Xian, exotic Guilin, historic Hangzhou and vibrant Shanghai with a day tours to Suzhou. All meals included.
    Duration:
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    Prices From:
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    Trip Type:
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  • Eastern China Experience: Beijing to Shanghai

    Travel independently between Beijing and Shanghai, stopping in Nanjing and Suzhou en route for the ultimate eastern China experience. Enjoy the personal attention of your local guide in each city as you discover the sights, history, and flavours of each distinct region.
    Duration:
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    Prices From:
    US$ 2,209
    Trip Type:
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    China See Trip Details

  • Tail of The Dragon

    This memorable trip starts with the essentials of most China tours, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. It then takes you deeper into this amazing country, discovering beautiful Guilin and the Li River.
    Duration:
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    Prices From:
    US$ 3,316
    Trip Type:
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    Hong Kong See Trip Details

  • The Foodies Guide to China: Beijing to Shanghai

    Explore the vivid flavours of China on this journey throughout the country’s northern cities. Taking you from Beijing to Xian, Chengdu, and Shanghai, this tour includes several private foodie tours, premium accommodations, and a chance to experience the mouth-watering flavours of the Middle Kingdom.
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,256
    Trip Type:
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    China See Trip Details

  • Tsar's Gold Train: Trans Siberian Rail: Beijing to Moscow

    Travel the legendary Trans Siberian Railroad through Russia, Mongolia and China in comfort. See dramatic changes of scenery as you traverse both Europe and Asia on our Private Train.
    Duration:
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    Prices From:
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    Trip Type:
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    China See Trip Details

  • Tsars Gold Train: Trans Siberian Rail: Moscow to Beijing

    Travel the legendary Trans Siberian Railroad through Russia, Mongolia and China in comfort. See dramatic changes of scenery as you traverse both Europe and Asia on our private train.
    Duration:
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    Prices From:
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    Trip Type:
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