Beijing Layover Tour: Explore the Great Wall and Iconic Sights in 1 or 2 Days
If you have a few hours or even a full day to spare during a Beijing layover, don’t miss the chance to explore the historical gems of China’s capital. Our Beijing layover city tour offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Beijing's rich culture, from the awe-inspiring Great Wall of China to ancient palaces and bustling street food markets. If you're looking for a more extensive experience, our Beijing day tour options will take you through the heart of the city, offering iconic sightseeing, delicious food, and local culture.
With a private tour guide and a dedicated driver, you'll be able to make the most of your limited time in Beijing, enjoying smooth, stress-free transportation, cherry-picked meals, and insightful commentary about the city's long history.
Itinerary
Our carefully crafted Beijing layover tour ensures you make the most of your time in this iconic city and enjoy unforgettable experiences:
Day 1: Iconic Sights and Peking Duck Delights
Upon arrival in Beijing, your private tour guide and chauffeur will greet you and take you to the city’s iconic landmarks. Start with a visit to the Great Wall of China, either at the Mutianyu or Badaling sections, where you can hike and take in the breathtaking views. Afterward, enjoy a delicious Peking Duck lunch at a renowned restaurant like Quanjude or Da Dong.
In the afternoon, explore the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares. End your afternoon with a stroll down Wangfujing Street, sampling Beijing’s famous street foods like jianbing, baozi, and candied hawthorn fruits. For dinner, enjoy a traditional hot pot experience at Haidilao or savor other local specialties such as lamb skewers, zhajiangmian, or sweet and sour mandarin fish.
- Transportation: Airport/Hotel pick up and transfers into private vehicle
Day 2: Historical Beijing and Culinary Delights (Optional)
You can add a second day to your trip if you have time to spare.
Start your day by exploring the ancient Hutongs of Beijing's Old City, where you can wander through historic alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes, offering a glimpse into old Beijing life. Next, visit the majestic Temple of Heaven, an imperial complex where emperors once prayed for good harvests, and enjoy its beautiful gardens and tranquil surroundings while observing locals practicing Tai Chi or playing traditional games. For lunch, dive into Beijing’s vibrant street food scene at Qianmen Street or Liulichang Antique Street, sampling local delicacies like dumplings, skewers, and sticky rice rolls.
In the afternoon, explore the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares. End your afternoon with a stroll down Wangfujing Street, sampling Beijing’s famous street foods like jianbing, baozi, and candied hawthorn fruits. For dinner, enjoy a traditional hot pot experience or savor other local specialties such as zhajiangmian or dumplings.
- Transportation: Private vehicle tranfer and airport/hotel drops off
Inclusion/Exclusion
- What's Included:
- Panda Tourism's expert travel director and private vehicle with skilled professional driver
- Iconic sightseeing highlights plus unexpected extras
- Audio headsets for special destination tours
- Private premium transportation coach/vehicle
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Optional experiences and plenty of leisure time
- What's Not Included:
- International flights to and from China
- China visa fees
- Hotel accommodations
- Fees for meals
