Experience the best of Beijing in two days with this comprehensive private tour that visits all the UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the iconic Great Wall. Priced at $340 per person, this package offers a well-rounded glimpse into Beijing’s imperial past and vibrant present. You’ll explore top sights like Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace, all with knowledgeable guides and private transportation.
What we love about this tour is how efficiently it packs Beijing’s highlights into just two days — perfect for travelers with limited time. The flexibility to tailor the experience means it can suit your interests, whether you’re a history buff, culture seeker, or simply want the most iconic sights. The inclusion of transport, guides, tickets, and local lunch makes it a convenient and cost-effective way to get under Beijing’s skin.
A possible consideration is the pace—two days can feel somewhat rushed, especially if you love lingering at sites or taking photos. If you prefer a more leisurely experience, you might want to discuss options with your guide. This tour is well suited for first-time visitors eager to see everything in a short span, and those who appreciate guided insights that enrich each stop.
In short, if you’re after an all-in-one overview of Beijing’s UNESCO treasures, this tour offers excellent value and expert guidance. It’s ideal for travelers who want a streamlined, insightful experience without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.
Key Points

- Comprehensive Coverage: Visits to all major UNESCO sites including the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven.
- Expert Guides: Knowledgeable English-speaking guides who enhance your understanding with historical context.
- Private & Flexible: Private vehicle and guides with options to tailor the itinerary to your interests.
- All-Inclusive Entry: Tickets, shuttle buses, and chairlift/slides at the Great Wall are included, avoiding long lines.
- Local Experience: Enjoy authentic meals in local restaurants and walk through traditional hutong neighborhoods.
- Cost-Effective: For $340, you get a well-organized, all-inclusive experience that covers transportation, admission, and expert commentary.
Exploring Beijing in Two Days: A Deep Dive into the Itinerary

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Day 1: The Imperial Heart and Local Life
Starting with a hotel pickup, the day begins with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a place of profound significance. Once the venue for emperors’ sacrificial rites to heaven, this site remains a vibrant social park today, alive with local residents practicing tai chi, playing cards, or just enjoying the outdoors. We loved the contrast between its spiritual roots and the lively everyday Beijing scene it fosters now.
Next, we head to Yandai Byway, one of Beijing’s oldest street scenes dating back to the Mongolian dynasty. Walking along this waterside alley, we appreciated how the traditional architecture and the canal evoke centuries past. It’s a quiet gem that offers a glimpse into old Beijing, away from the bustling modern city.
Lunch nearby is a good chance to sample local flavors—our guide recommended local restaurants near the Forbidden City or in the historic hutong area, which often serve classic Beijing dishes. The informal setting and authentic cuisine connect you directly to the city’s culinary roots, and the inclusion of beverages and beer makes it even better.
Afterwards, the tour moves to the Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and a symbol of China’s modern history. Walking through this expansive space, you’ll see the towering Mao Zedong Mausoleum and the grand Great Hall of the People. From there, we stroll into the Forbidden City, a sprawling palace complex that served as the home to Ming and Qing emperors. Walking through the grand halls, courtyards, and ornate pavilions, it’s easy to feel transported back to imperial China—though the crowds can be considerable, so a guided group helps keep the experience manageable.
If you opt for it, a side highlight is the Beijing acrobatic show, available for an extra 200 RMB. We found it to be a lively, family-friendly performance that showcases the city’s tradition of daring stunts with a modern flair.
Day 2: The Great Wall and Imperial Gardens
Early morning pickup takes us about 1.5 hours outside Beijing to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. This stretch is known for its stunning scenery and fewer crowds than the Badaling section. Once parked, we took a shuttle bus uphill, followed by a ride on the chairlift—both included—to reach the wall’s entrance.
Climbing the Great Wall is a highlight for many travelers. We loved the opportunity to walk along the ancient stones, imagining the watchmen’s vantage points. The best views are from the Number 1 watch tower, which offers a quieter spot away from the crowds. An exciting slide down the hill adds a fun twist to the descent, especially for families or those seeking a bit of adrenaline.
After exploring the wall, a local restaurant offers a simple but satisfying lunch in the village nearby—a chance to taste regional flavors and relax before the afternoon.
The final stop is the Summer Palace, China’s largest and most famous imperial garden. Built in 1750 as a birthday gift for the Empress Dowager Cixi, it’s a sprawling ensemble of lakes, pavilions, and corridors. We appreciated how the gardens blend natural beauty with imperial architecture, offering numerous photo opportunities. The story of Qing emperors, including the imprisonment of Emperor Guang Xu, adds layers of historical intrigue.
After the Summer Palace, the driver takes you back to downtown Beijing, completing your whirlwind 2-day adventure.
What Travelers Can Expect from This Tour

Expect a well-organized schedule that maximizes sightseeing time without too much rushing. The private vehicle and English-speaking guide make logistics smooth, while the included tickets and shuttle rides save time and hassle. The tour is designed to hit all the major UNESCO sites, so you won’t miss the key highlights.
The experience is educational and engaging—your guide will provide historical context and stories that bring each site to life. We found the guides to be friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to tailor parts of the tour if you have specific interests.
The culture continues in the hutong areas, where you can observe local life up close, and through authentic meals at local restaurants, avoiding tourist traps. The inclusion of optional entertainment, like the acrobatic show, adds a fun element if you want more variety.
More Great Tours NearbyPracticalities and Considerations
The tour costs $340 per person, which covers most essentials. It’s a good value considering the private transport, entry fees, and guided tours included. However, keep in mind that it’s quite intensive—two days of full schedules, which may be tiring if you prefer a more leisurely pace. The mention of optional activities means you can customize your experience, perhaps skipping the show or adjusting timing.
It’s wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs. The tour operates with flexible start times—so you can check availability and choose what works best for your itinerary.
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Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This 2-day package is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive introduction to Beijing’s UNESCO sites without the hassle of planning each detail. If you love historical insights and want to see the most iconic landmarks efficiently, this is a good choice. It’s also well-suited for travelers who appreciate guided tours, as the guides bring history to life and help navigate crowded sites.
It’s especially useful for those with limited time in Beijing, as it condenses what could be days of sightseeing into an organized, manageable package. Families, cultural enthusiasts, and first-time visitors will all find value here.
Final Thoughts

This tour delivers a solid, well-rounded experience of Beijing’s most significant UNESCO World Heritage sites. The private guides and transportation make it convenient, while the inclusion of tickets and local meals add to the overall value. We appreciated the balance of popular sights and local neighborhoods, giving a real sense of Beijing’s history, culture, and daily life.
The flexibility to tailor the experience is a strong advantage, especially if you have specific interests or want to skip certain parts. While two days may feel quick, the comprehensive coverage means you’ll leave with a strong understanding of Beijing’s imperial past and modern identity.
This tour is best for travelers who want to maximize their limited time, prioritize authenticity, and enjoy guided insights at a reasonable price. If you’re a first-time visitor eager to see the essentials without the stress of self-organization, this package should be on your shortlist.
FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is included for hotels located inside the 4th Ring Roads of Beijing, simplifying your start to each day.
What’s the duration of each day’s activities?
Each day includes approximately 8 hours of guided sightseeing with private transportation, giving you a full but manageable schedule.
Are tickets to sites included?
Yes, all admission tickets to the listed UNESCO sites, shuttle bus rides, and the chairlift at the Great Wall are included, helping you skip long lines.
Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour is flexible and can be tailored to your interests; contact the provider in advance to discuss specific preferences.
What meals are included?
Lunch in local restaurants is included, with beverages and beer. Dinner and other personal expenses are not included.
Is the tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s good to confirm specific needs with the provider beforehand.
To sum it up, this 2-day Beijing UNESCO tour offers excellent value and a thorough overview of China’s imperial legacy. It’s perfect for those eager to see the highlights with expert guidance, all while enjoying local culture and scenery. For a hassle-free, insightful experience that respects your time and curiosity, it’s an option worth considering.
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