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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

  • China Signature: Beijing, Xian & Shanghai

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: 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$ 2,930
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Private Experiences, Single Friendly, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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  • Classic China: Beijing, Xian, Guilin & More

    FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: This vacation is a perfection introduction to China. Venture across the country from the capital Beijing to the metropolis of Hong Kong. You’ll also see the Terracotta Warriors in Xian, cruise alongside karst mountains in Guilin, and explore Shanghai along the way.
    Duration:
    15 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,348
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Private Experiences, Single Friendly, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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  • China Rail Discovery: Beijing, Nanjing, Suzhou & Shanghai

    FIRST-CLASS | RAIL: Travel independently on China's famous high-speed rail network 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.
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    Prices From:
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    Trip Type:
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    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: 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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  • Ancient China Gorges & Gardens: Beijing, Yangtze River, Suzhou & Shanghai

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: 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. You'll travel by train, plane and even cruise!
    Duration:
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    Trip Type:
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  • China for Foodies: Beijing, Xian, Chengdu & Shanghai

    FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Explore the vivid flavours of China on this journey throughout the country’s most notable culinary capitals. Taking you from Beijing to Xian, Chengdu, and Shanghai, this tour includes several private foodie tours, first-class accommodations, and a chance to experience the mouth-watering flavours of the Middle Kingdom.
    Duration:
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    Prices From:
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    Trip Type:
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  • Scenic China: Pingyao, Longsheng, Huangshan & More

    FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Embark on a journey through China to discover the mystical landscapes of this ancient land. Travelling from Beijing to Shanghai, you’ll explore Taiyuan City and Pingyao Ancient Town, cruise along the Li River in Guilin, venture into the Reed Flute Caves, explore the UNESCO-listed Xidi Village, and summit mighty Yellow Mountain, which sits above the clouds.
    Duration:
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    Prices From:
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    Trip Type:
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  • China Odyssey with Yangtze River Cruise

    FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: The ultimate private 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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  • Highlights of Beijing & the Great Wall

    FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: 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:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
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    Trip Type:
    Private Experiences, Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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  • Tsars Gold Trans Siberian Railway: From Beijing to Moscow

    DELUXE | RAIL: Travel the legendary Trans-Siberian Railroad through Russia, Mongolia and China in comfort. Dramatic changes in landscape and culture abound as you traverse both Europe and Asia on this exclusive train. It's time to check one off the bucket list.
    Duration:
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    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Rail Travel Ideas
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  • Cycle China: Beijing, Yangshuo, Lijiang & More

    FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Discover some of China’s largest cities and explore its stunning, mountainous landscape by bike on this tour across the nation. Begin in Beijing, where you’ll see the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Then bike through the picturesque landscapes of Guilin, Yangshuo, and Lijiang, and end in futuristic Shanghai.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,332
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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  • Aman at Summer Palace, Beijing, China: Stay of Distinction

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: 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.
    Duration:
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    Prices From:
    US$ 2,623
    Trip Type:
    Luxury and Beyond, Private Experiences, Romance & Honeymoon, Stays of Distinction
    China See Trip Details

  • Tsars Gold Trans-Siberian Railway: From Moscow to Beijing

    DELUXE | RAIL: Travel the legendary Trans-Siberian Railroad through Russia, Mongolia and China in comfort. Dramatic changes in landscape and culture abound as you traverse both Europe and Asia on this exclusive train. It's time to check one off the bucket list.
    Duration:
    16 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Luxury and Beyond, Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Rail Travel Ideas
    Russia See Trip Details

  • Splendours of China & Tibet: Holiday of a Lifetime

    DELUXE | 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:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Escorted Coach Touring, Holidays of a Lifetime, Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Single Friendly
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