What an epic day we had exploring Beijing! My friend and I are huge fans of hiking, so when we stumbled upon this itinerary that included Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, and the Bird’s Nest, we just had to jump on it. It was the perfect mix of urban sights and some good old nature, and it did not disappoint!

We kicked off the day in a super comfy ride. Honestly, the vehicle was spacious and made the trips between sites so much easier. After days of being on the move, we loved being able to sit back and enjoy the views of the city as we drove around.

First stop: Tiananmen Square. Wow, what a place! Standing there, surrounded by all that history, gave us chills. We strolled around, took loads of photos, and just soaked it all in. Our guide, Alice, was awesome—she shared so many cool stories and facts about what went down there. She really made everything come alive!

Then, we moved on to the Forbidden City. Walking through those massive gates felt like stepping back in time. The place is just stunning! The architecture is incredible, and Alice helped us spot details we wouldn’t have noticed on our own. We loved wandering through the courtyards at our own pace; it really let us dive into the history of it all.

Now, the highlight of the day—Mutianyu Great Wall! Being able to hike along this iconic structure was beyond thrilling. Standing up there, with mountains stretching as far as the eye could see, was something we’ll never forget. Alice was right there with us, sharing fun facts about the Wall and keeping us motivated as we climbed higher.

After all that hiking, we definitely worked up an appetite. We treated ourselves to some delicious Peking duck, and it did not disappoint! The crispy skin and tender meat were absolutely divine. We also couldn’t resist trying tanghulu (candied hawthorn on a stick)—it was a sweet and tangy treat that hit the spot!

To top it all off, we finished at the Bird’s Nest. It was such a cool way to wrap up the day! The design is super modern and eye-catching, especially with the sun setting behind it. Alice filled us in on the Olympics and all the events held there—it was great to see how this incredible mix of old and new defines Beijing.

All in all, this day was everything we dreamed of and then some. The combination of hiking, stunning sights, and Alice’s expertise made it all come together perfectly. If you love getting out and walking while discovering a new city, you’ve got to check out this tour. It was a day filled with breathtaking views, fascinating history, and amazing memories with my friend!

Reviewed to: Beijing Trip Essentials: Full-Day Tour of Cultural and Historical Gems with Expert Guide