3 Days Beijing Family Tour with Chinese Dumpling Making

Day1 Beijing

Your adventure begins with a smooth pick-up from your downtown Beijing hotel or the Beijing train station. Look out for a friendly "Your Way Holiday" welcome sign that will lead you to your private driver. For those arriving or departing by air, we also offer convenient airport transfers to Beijing Capital International Airport or Beijing Daxing International Airport. Embracing our "Travel Like a Local" philosophy, the 3-day Beijing family tour immerses you in authentic local experiences, seamlessly blending cultural exploration with personal comfort. From exploring the grandeur of historical landmarks to discovering hidden gems off the beaten path, our expert guides and drivers ensure a personalized and enriching journey, making you feel like a true local while you enjoy Beijing’s iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods.

Firstly, embark on a scenic drive of about 1.5 hours to the Mutianyu Great Wall, a less crowded and equally majestic section of this iconic monument. As the Chinese saying goes, "If you haven't climbed the Great Wall, you haven't seen China," and many who have ventured to China will attest to its awe-inspiring presence. The Mutianyu section, renowned for its exceptional preservation, once served as a crucial northern defense for the capital and the imperial tombs. It stands out for its stunning natural beauty, with dense forests and lush meadows that transform with the seasons, offering breathtaking views year-round. Upon arrival, you can ascend the Wall by hiking a moderate 30-minute trail, or opt for the convenience of a cable car or chair lift. For a thrilling descent, the optional toboggan slide provides a unique and exhilarating way to return from this historical marvel, ensuring a memorable and dynamic experience.

In the afternoon, you'll visit Beijing's iconic Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. The Bird’s Nest, officially known as the National Stadium, boasts a striking lattice design that redefined modern architecture and was the centerpiece of the 2008 Olympic Games. Adjacent to it, the Water Cube, or National Aquatics Center, is celebrated for its distinctive bubble-like façade and cutting-edge design, having hosted the swimming events during the Olympics. As you explore these architectural marvels, you’ll marvel at their innovative structures and learn about their roles in Beijing's vibrant sporting history. The visit offers a captivating look at how contemporary design blends with cultural significance, providing an unforgettable experience for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

After the tour, you'll be comfortably transported back to your hotel in Beijing. Our dedicated guide and driver will ensure a smooth and relaxing journey, handling all the details of your return. You can unwind and reflect on the day's experiences while enjoying a stress-free ride, with our guide available to assist with any final questions or provide additional insights into Beijing's vibrant culture. Whether you're heading back to your hotel or preparing for your next adventure, we aim to provide a seamless and pleasant conclusion to your day.

Day2 Beijing

After breakfast, you will embark on an exploration of the Forbidden City, officially known as the Palace Museum. This grand palace complex, renowned for its architectural magnificence, holds a place of honor alongside the Palace of Versailles in France, Buckingham Palace in England, the White House in the U.S., and the Kremlin in Russia. Spanning an immense 720,000 square meters, the Forbidden City is an imposing structure that encompasses approximately 8,700 rooms. It is enclosed by a towering red wall that extends a total length of 3,400 meters (3,718 yards). As China’s most opulent and historically significant palace complex, it was designated a World Cultural Heritage site in 1987, recognizing its unparalleled cultural and historical value. You will have approximately three hours to immerse yourself in the rich history and architectural splendor of this iconic landmark.

Following lunch, you'll head to the Beijing Zoo for an exciting visit to see the Giant Pandas. The Beijing Zoo is not only a significant conservation center but also holds a special place in panda history. It was here in 1963 that the first giant panda was born in captivity, marking a milestone in the preservation of this beloved species. In 1978, the zoo achieved another groundbreaking achievement by successfully conducting the world’s first artificial insemination for giant pandas. These gentle giants have become symbols of international friendship and goodwill, having been gifted to several countries around the world. As you visit, you'll have the opportunity to observe these adorable creatures up close, learn about their unique conservation story, and appreciate their role in fostering global connections.

The final stop on your tour is the Summer Palace, where you'll enjoy a two-hour exploration of this magnificent royal retreat. Originally designed as a grand garden and temporary residence for the Qing Dynasty emperors, the Summer Palace is renowned for its stunning landscapes and intricate architecture. Its origins trace back to the Garden of Clear Ripples (Qingyiyuan), which was established in 1750. Despite its destruction by British and French allied forces in 1860, the Summer Palace was later rebuilt and stands today as a testament to the opulence and artistic brilliance of the Qing era. You’ll marvel at its beautiful Kunming Lake, sprawling Long Corridor adorned with exquisite paintings, and the iconic Marble Boat, an architectural wonder reflecting the grandeur of imperial China. The serene environment and historic charm of the Summer Palace make it a quintessential highlight of Beijing’s cultural heritage.

The final activity for today will be a delightful and immersive experience in traditional Chinese culture: making dumplings with a local family in the charming Hutong area. Arrangements will be made for you to visit a private and authentic Siheyuan (traditional courtyard house), where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your host family. In this intimate setting, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the art of Chinese dumpling-making directly from the hostess. She will guide you through the entire process, from preparing the filling and kneading the dough to folding and cooking the dumplings. Once your culinary creations are ready, you’ll savor the delicious dumplings you made, along with a variety of other traditional Chinese dishes prepared by your host. This hands-on experience not only offers a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine but also provides a unique glimpse into the warmth and hospitality of local life, making for a memorable and enjoyable evening.

After the tour, you'll be seamlessly transported back to your hotel in Beijing. Our dedicated guide and professional driver will ensure your journey is both comfortable and efficient. As you relax during the drive, your guide will be available to answer any final questions, provide additional insights about the day's experiences, or offer tips for your remaining time in Beijing. Whether you're heading back to your hotel to unwind or preparing for the next leg of your adventure, you can trust that our team will handle all the details, making your return as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Day3 Beijing

After breakfast, you'll head to the Confucius Temple and Guozijian Museum for a deep dive into China's rich cultural and intellectual heritage. The Confucius Temple, established during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and later expanded in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, is a serene and historically significant site dedicated to honoring Confucius, the esteemed Chinese teacher, politician, and philosopher from the Spring and Autumn period. This grand temple complex features impressive architecture, including intricately carved stone tablets and traditional pavilions, all set amidst tranquil courtyards and ancient trees. It offers a glimpse into the profound influence of Confucianism on Chinese culture and education. Adjacent to the temple, the Guozijian Museum, housed in the former Imperial Academy, provides fascinating insights into China's historical educational system. Here, you’ll explore exhibits detailing the academy's role in training scholars and preserving Confucian teachings, further enriching your understanding of this pivotal figure in Chinese history.

The Guozijian, also known as the Imperial Academy, once served as the premier center of higher learning in China during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. As the highest institute of education in China's traditional scholarly system, it played a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual landscape of the time. Established to train scholars and government officials, the Guozijian was renowned for its rigorous academic standards and its emphasis on Confucian classics. Within its grand halls, future leaders and intellectuals delved into a curriculum that combined classical texts, philosophy, and statecraft. Today, the Guozijian Museum, housed within the historic academy, offers an immersive experience into this prestigious institution’s rich legacy. The museum’s exhibits showcase ancient teaching materials, scholarly tools, and artifacts from the academy's illustrious past, providing a vivid portrayal of its central role in the development of China’s educational and bureaucratic systems.

After lunch, you’ll proceed to visit the Drum Tower, an iconic landmark that stands 67 meters high and dates back to 1420. Climbing this historic two-story structure will transport you back to old Beijing, offering a glimpse into the city's rich past. From the Drum Tower, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding neighborhoods, including the maze of traditional hutongs and siheyuan courtyards that characterize the old city. Following your visit to the Drum Tower, you’ll stroll along Yanda Xiejie, also known as Yandai Byway. This charming 800-year-old hutong lies just north of Yinding Bridge, nestled between the Qianhai and Houhai lakes. Once famous for its long-stemmed pipe sellers, Yanda Xiejie retains its historic character with narrow alleyways and traditional architecture, offering a picturesque and immersive experience of Beijing's ancient urban landscape.

Next, you’ll take a leisurely walk across the Silver Ingot Bridge (Yinding Bridge), a charming narrow span connecting Qianhai Lake with Houhai Lake, right in the heart of the Shichahai area. This picturesque bridge offers a lovely view of the surrounding tranquil hutongs, or traditional alleyways, that echo the historic charm of old Beijing. At Yinding Bridge, you'll hop into a pedicab for a 30-minute ride through the winding and narrow lanes of the hutongs. Each pedicab accommodates two people, providing a cozy and intimate way to explore these historic alleys. During your ride, you’ll glide past traditional courtyard homes and experience the local atmosphere up close. Rest assured, the tour cost includes the tip for the pedicab driver, so you can simply sit back and enjoy the scenic journey without any additional worries.

Upon concluding your tour, you will be smoothly transported back to your hotel, or if you prefer, dropped off at Beijing train station or the airport. Our dedicated guide and professional driver will ensure that your return journey is as comfortable and efficient as your tour experience. Whether you're heading to your hotel for a relaxing evening, catching a train, or boarding a flight, our team will handle all the logistics. Your guide will be available to answer any last-minute questions, offer additional recommendations, or assist with your travel plans. Meanwhile, our driver will manage your luggage and ensure a hassle-free transfer. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that every detail of your departure is taken care of with the utmost care and attention.

Price Per Person in US Dollars