2-Day Beijing Sightseeing Highlights Combo Package with Lunch

Experience the Best of Beijing in Just Two Days

When you’re visiting Beijing, time is often limited but the desire to see its iconic sights isn’t. This 2-Day Beijing Sightseeing Highlights Combo Package offers a practical way to cover a lot of ground – from the grandeur of Tiananmen Square to the historic Great Wall at Mutianyu. For $396 per person, you get a well-rounded experience that includes transportation, entrance fees, guided commentary, and meals, making it an especially appealing choice for first-timers who want to avoid the hassle of planning each step.

What we love about this tour is its comprehensive itinerary, allowing you to see some of Beijing’s most important landmarks without rushing or missing out. The included guided narration helps bring history to life, and having all the major tickets purchased in advance saves you hours of waiting in lines. Plus, the door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off remove transportation worries, letting you relax and enjoy each moment.

The one thing to keep in mind is that the schedule can feel quite full, especially if you want to linger at each site or read the informative plaques. Some reviews mention feeling rushed, which is something to consider if you’re someone who prefers a more relaxed pace. This tour is best suited for travelers eager to see the highlights efficiently, especially if visiting Beijing for a short stay.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience: Transport, tickets, guides, and meals included.
• Efficient itinerary: Visits to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Ming Tombs, and the Great Wall.
• Time-saving: Pre-paid entrance tickets and hotel pickup streamline your day.
• Authentic insights: Knowledgeable guides enrich your understanding of each site.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for children with adult supervision.
• Limited flexibility: Rushed experience as noted by some travelers.

Exploring Beijing’s Top Sights in Depth

What to Expect at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City

Your adventure begins early with hotel pickup, setting the tone for a well-organized day. The first stop is Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing and the world’s largest city square. Standing here, you’ll grasp the scale of China’s capital, with the opportunity to see the monumental architecture and perhaps catch the changing of the guard. The square is often bustling, so expect a lively atmosphere.

Just a short walk away is the Forbidden City, the sprawling imperial palace that served as the seat of Chinese emperors for centuries. Your guide will illuminate the significance of this massive complex, which covers over 180 acres. The included admission tickets help you skip lines, giving you more time to absorb the opulent halls, intricate courtyards, and Qing dynasty architecture. Expect about 90 minutes here, enough to appreciate the highlights but perhaps leaving you wanting more time to fully explore.

The Temple of Heaven and Cultural Lunch Break

Next, the tour continues to the Temple of Heaven, a stunning example of Ming and Qing architecture where emperors once performed ritual ceremonies. Its symbolic layout and beautiful surroundings make it a favorite for visitors.

Following this, you’ll stop for a traditional Chinese-style lunch, giving you a taste of local cuisine. The meal is included, which is a real convenience and a chance to refuel for the afternoon. Afterward, a visit to a silk factory offers insight into China’s famed silk industry—an optional stop that adds a touch of cultural depth.

Relaxing at the Summer Palace

In the afternoon, we move to the Summer Palace, a sprawling garden and palace complex that exemplifies Qing imperial leisure. You’ll likely enjoy the chance to see the beautiful gardens, pavilions, and Kunming Lake—especially if you choose to take the boat ride. The guides often share stories about the imperial court’s use of this retreat, adding richness to your visit.

Historical Insights at the Ming Tombs and the Great Wall

On the second day, the tour resumes with a visit to Changling Tomb, resting place of the Ming emperors. The architecture here is grand, and it’s a meaningful site to understand China’s imperial past. You’ll also visit a jade carving factory, gaining insight into traditional craftsmanship and jade’s cultural significance.

Of course, the highlight of the trip is the Mutianyu Great Wall. After a hearty lunch, you’ll have about two hours to walk or take the cable car (at your own expense) along this famous stretch. The views are breathtaking, and many find the chance to climb the ramparts deeply rewarding. The tour includes a tea ceremony afterward, a relaxing way to experience Chinese culture.

Final Stop: Olympic Park and Exterior Tour of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube

Your last stop is a quick pass-by of Beijing’s Olympic Park, with exterior views of the iconic Bird’s Nest stadium and the Water Cube. This offers a modern contrast to the historic sites, rounding out your visit to a city that seamlessly blends past and present.

What Travelers Say

A common theme in reviews is the expertise of the guides, who help make historical details accessible and engaging. One reviewer noted, “We loved the way our guide explained the significance of each site,” which made the experience more meaningful.

However, some travelers mention feeling rushed at times, especially at crowded sites like the Forbidden City. As one review states, “It was really rushed… didn’t have time to read the plaques.” This suggests that if you’re someone who enjoys taking your time and soaking in details, this tour might feel a bit hurried.

The views at the Great Wall are universally praised, with many noting the spectacular scenery and the fun of cable car rides or hiking. The inclusion of a tea ceremony after the Wall visit is a nice cultural touch that many appreciate.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour starts at 7:00 am, so be prepared for early mornings. The pickup from your hotel simplifies logistics, especially in a city as large and busy as Beijing. Wear comfortable walking shoes—the sites involve a fair amount of walking on uneven surfaces—and dress appropriately for the weather, since the tour operates in all conditions.

While the tour includes lunch and entrance tickets, the Great Wall cable car is at your own expense if you wish to ascend via cable. The group size is capped at 15 travelers, which helps maintain a more personal experience.

The refundable policy is straightforward: cancel at least 6 days in advance for a full refund. This flexibility is helpful if your plans change unexpectedly.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Beijing who want a rundown without the stress of planning. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who value guided insights, convenience, and having all major sites covered in a short period. Families with children can benefit from the organized itinerary and included meals, though younger kids might find the pace a bit intense.

If you’re someone who prefers to linger longer at sites, or if you’re a seasoned traveler seeking a more relaxed experience, you might find this tour a bit rushed. But for those eager to tick off Beijing’s highlights efficiently, this package offers excellent value.

Final Thoughts

This 2-Day Beijing Highlights tour combines comfort, convenience, and a thorough look at some of China’s most historic and cultural landmarks. It offers a practical solution for travelers who want to maximize their time, especially if visiting Beijing for a short trip. The knowledgeable guides and well-organized itinerary help make these days memorable, even if it means a fast-paced schedule.

Most travelers will find it to be a good balance between sightseeing and culture, with the added bonus of included meals and tickets that save time and money. If you appreciate stunning views at the Great Wall, insightful commentary at the Forbidden City, and the chance to experience Beijing’s imperial grandeur, this tour is worth considering.

For those who like their sightseeing structured and efficient, and who want a hassle-free experience, this tour is a solid choice. Just be prepared for a busy schedule—it’s a whirlwind ride through Beijing’s best known sites.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics easier.

How long are the site visits?
Each site visit varies but generally lasts between 1 to 2 hours; some sites may feel rushed.

Are entrance tickets included?
Yes, all major entrance fees are included, allowing you to skip long lines.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and dress appropriately for the weather since the tour operates in all conditions.

Can I take the cable car at the Great Wall?
The cable car is not included in the tour price; you can choose to pay for it separately if desired.

Is vegetarian food available?
Yes, a vegetarian option is available if advised at booking.

How many people are in the group?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, which helps keep the experience more personal.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than that may incur fees.

Does the tour operate on Mondays?
Yes, but the Forbidden City is closed on Mondays, so the itinerary changes accordingly.

Will I have free time?
Not much; the schedule is designed to cover as much as possible, so expect a full, active two days.

This tour offers a practical and engaging way to enjoy Beijing’s top attractions without the hassle, perfect for eager explorers wanting a taste of China’s imperial past and modern vibrancy.