5-DAY BEIJING FAMILY TOUR

Our guide will pick you up at Beijing airport and transfer you to the hotel. And after check in your hotel then you will be visiting Hutong with Chinese Calligraphy Class.

 - Hutongs: Beijing's old style hutongs or alleys surround the traditional courtyard houses, which are now fast disappearing.  Your tour includes a visit with a local family; you will be able to gossip with local residents and experience life the traditional Beijing way.

Calligraphy class: We will learn from Mr. Xin, who studied and worked at the China Fine Arts Academy as a student and associate professor, specialized in Chinese Calligraphy and Seal Engraving. He will teach you to understand this form of art by writing pictographic Chinese, which was an early form of Chinese characters used over 3,500 years ago. You also will learn hold the brush properly and to write the characters by yourself.

- Tiananmen Square: This vast iconic space that has retained a symbol of China’s enduring nationalism covers 40.5 hectares (100 acres) close to the geographical center of Beijing.  In the center of the world’s largest square stands Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum and the periphery is surrounded by imposing governmental buildings including the National Museum of China and the Heavenly Gate, the entrance to the Forbidden City.

- The Forbidden City: The Imperial Palace, home to 24 Emperors between 1420 and 1911. Great squares, halls and gates contrast with the intricate networks of side halls, gardens, courtyards and quarters for those who lived in this 'city within a city'. The exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, are also fascinating. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.

- Temple of Heaven: One of the purest examples of Ming architecture, the Temple of Heaven is a truly symbolic, beautifully balanced structural masterpiece, holding great significance in the historic evolution of China’s enduring civilization.  Magnificent gardens filled with Beijing residents enjoying morning Tai Chi or relaxing under shaded trees surround the temple.

-Kung Fu Show at Red Theatre: Kung Fu, (also known as Wushu or martial arts) is one of the most well known examples of traditional Chinese culture and has a history of thousands years. It is probably one of the longest lasting traditional Chinese physical activities which utilize both brawn and brain. The Legend of Kung Fu show combines the best Kung Fu with best stage arts. Here for More Info.
 

- Great Wall at Mutianyu with Cable Car or Toboggan: Located just 80 kilometers from Beijing's city center in Huairu County is the longest restored, accessible section of the Great Wall.  Mutianyu stretches 22 kilometers and is composed of solid slabs of granite, gravel, and earth reaching 8 meters at its highest point and 5 meters at its widest span.  A series of 22 watchtowers spaced approximately 1-kilometer apart mark this run of the Great Wall.  Constructed first in the Qi Dynasty (550-577), Mutianyu was rebuilt in 1568 and remains in that condition today.  Stunning views in all directions make it a perfect location to experience the Great Wall.

-Olympic Stadium: Some of the worlds most internationally renound architects helped to create a new identity for Beijing to prepare for the 2008 Olympic Games.  Structures such as the National Stadium, commonly known as the "Birds Nest", and the Olympic Swim Stadium, or "Water Cube", have become iconic structures that represent a turning point in China’s modern history.  Venture through both of these intriguingly fascinating complexes that speak to the exciting future of a rapidly changing Beijing.

- Dinner at Dadong Duck Restaurant: With a reputation as one of Beijing's finest dining establishments, the Dadong Duck Restaurant is the perfect place to experience a traditional Peking duck dinner in a uniquely modern style.
 

- Summer Palace: Much-loved summer retreat of the Imperial families, the gorgeous landscaped gardens, halls, pavilions and corridors are set around a large lake and rivers, achieving a sense of natural harmony. With over 800 years of history it is a beautifully preserved example of traditional Chinese gardening art, as well as the biggest garden in China and an architectural masterpiece. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.

Beijing Urban Planning Museum: The Beijing Urban Planning Museum exhibits stunning scale models of Beijing's city planning including its business districts, Olympic Village and on the third floor the entire city of Beijing in miniature and aerial photographs.

798 Artist District: Beijing's search for a contemporary art colony has resulted in the reinvention of the 798 factory, an industrial complex designed by East German architects of the Bauhaus school of thought in the early 1950's.  The factory was established as one of 156 “joint factory” projects initiated under an agreement to observe military-industrial cooperation between the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China. Located in the Dashanzi Art District, 798 has become the avant-garde scene for artistic exploration in Beijing.  Meander through the shaded streets of this visually tantalizing village popping in and out of galleries hosting exhibits from China's most cutting edge artists and observing artists at work in well-lit studio spaces.  The factory boasts a wide array of galleries with an emphasis on high-level cultural, artistic, and commercial works in this invigoratingly rich contemporary arts enclave.
 

Hutong Bike Tour: Hutong is an ancient alley or lane typical of Beijing. As the city develops, its traditional hutongs are disappearing quickly. Biking in the Hutong is unique experience in Beijing.

After biking, you will be transfering to the airport for your flight!