Beijing Private Tour: Summer Palace, Niaochao, Hutong and Folk Art Show + Snacks

Your tour guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel at 09:00 a.m.. Then, we will transfer to Summer Palace and start Beijing private tour. The Summer Palace is the largest and best-preserved of the surviving imperial garden, rich in history and culture. Once a summer retreat for emperors, this 716-acre park is still a retreat for tourist, who can relax here or stroll around ancient pavilions, mansions, temples, bridges and huge lake, stopping occasionally at a shop or tea-house. Much-loved summer retreat of the Imperial families, the lovely landscaped gardens, halls, pavilions and corridors are set around the lake and rivers in natural harmony. Long Corridor at the Summer Palace The paths beside the lake lead you under shady trees, or along the roofed colonnade known as the Long Corridor, with its magnificently painted ceilings. Bridges, boats, willows, lotus flowers, and other attractive landscaping make this a pleasant place to soak up the atmosphere and in the views.

Beijing Olympic Park, also known as the Olympic Green. Beijing Olympic Park is where the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympics took place. It also will be where the 2022 Winter Olympics takes place. Afterward, it was transformed into a comprehensive multifunctional activity center for the public. It contains the main venues used during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, such as the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube. You will be overwhelmed by the architecture of these two magnificent buildings.

The Beijing National Stadium, more commonly referred to as the Bird’s Nest, was built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games at a cost of $423 million. Since the Olympics and all its fanfare, the stadium has become a major landmark and tourist attraction, as well as a venue for both international and domestic sporting competitions. Though relatively new to the Beijing landscape, the National Stadium has become a must-see attraction.

Not far from the Bird's Nest, there is the National Aquatics Center, also known as Water Cube. Its creative design concept is originated from the arrangement pattern of cells and natural structure of soap bubbles. The huge square box was produced by combining modern technologies with traditional Chinese culture. In the past, Chinese ancestors believed that the sky is round while the earth is square, and that is the way nature keeps harmonious. The square Water Cube together with the round Bird's Nest, embody and interpret this idea very well.

Houhai, which literally means "Back Sea", is a large artificial lake in northern downtown Beijing. There were many wine shops, workshops, and opera stages in ancient times. Nowadays, it is open to all. We will stroll along Lotus Lane in the Back Lakes (Houhai) area, see its night-time bars and lake waters, taste some local traditional snacks and take in the historical Yandaixiejie Hutong and Nanluoguxiang Hutong. Yandai Xie Street (烟袋斜街胡同) Know as Yandai Xiejie in Chinese, the Yandaixie Street is one of the oldest hutongs in Beijing. Located in the Xicheng District, it is close to the Shichahai which are famous attractions in Beijing. Since the olden days, Yandaixiejie Street has been one of the most flourishing commercial areas in Beijing. The stores are closely packed along the street and a wide variety of souvenirs with Beijing characteristics can be found there. Nanluoguxiang Hutong (南锣鼓巷) Nanluoguxiang Hutong is known for its authentic Beijing atmosphere. The age-old siheyuans, archways, wall carvings, and former residences of socialites can be found there. Today there has been an unprecedented fusion of East and West in Nanluoguxiang Hutong, where new pubs and restaurants have given it an urban appearance.

Jingshan Park is superbly landscaped with hills to ascend by steps, clear lakes and dignified ancient buildings. It used to be one of the ancient imperial gardens in Beijing, and now has developed as a peaceful public park. Because of close to north of the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park is the best place for a bird's eye view of the Forbidden City and central Beijing. At dusk, we will climb the Jingshan and have a bird’s eye view of Forbidden City. At this time, it is particularly beautiful, palace eaves decorated with golden rays of the setting sun.

Located at the central axis of Beijing City, Qianmen Street is a famous pedestrian street for shopping and sightseeing, running from the Archery Tower of Qianmen in the north to the turning of Tiantan Park in the south. It is 840 meters in length and 21 meters in width. It is composed with buildings whose styles resemble the late Qing Dynasty. It has history of more than 570 years. Now Qianmen Street becomes an important night life place for locals. Qianmen Street is a symbol of genuine local culture. Visitors can enjoy a traditional Chinese way of life.

Dashilan is located at the center place of ancient Beijing city, which is an important component part of south middle axis. It is in the south of Tian’anmen Square and west of Qianmen Street. Dashilan Street is the most ancient, famous and distinctive commercial street in hutongs of Beijing. Dashilan is 275 meters long from east to west. Dashilan is a narrow street with numerous shops on both sides, which attracts lots of tourists every day. In the area of 1.26 square kilometers around the Dashilan shopping street, many ancient Beijing buildings are best preserved.

Lao She Teahouse is located in Qianmen Street, covering a business area of 2,600 square meters. Decorated mainly in a traditional Chinese style, it is simple and elegant with a Beijing-styled environment. Neatly arranged square tables, backrest chairs, palace lanterns hung from the ceiling, wooden tablets marked with a tea table on the counter, and paintings and calligraphy couplets hung on the wall make you feel like you are entering an old Beijing folk museum. It embodies the flavor of Beijing, where not only can the tea be tasted but the culture can also be appreciated by visitors. People there can enjoy splendid performances every day combined with outstanding folk arts, such as operas, acrobatics, magic, and face changing while enjoying famous tea, palace snacks, as well as traditional Beijing-style snacks. Afterwards, enjoy comfortable transfer back to your hotel, Wrap your memories and say good-bye in your hotel.