Beijing Sky-High Expedition 2-Day Helicopter Journey of the Great Wall & Legendary Sights

Day1 Beijing

Your adventure in Beijing begins with a warm welcome from your dedicated guide, who will be waiting for you at the train station, hotel, or airport, holding a sign that reads “Your Way Holiday.” Once you meet your guide, you’ll be escorted to your private vehicle, ensuring a smooth and comfortable start to your day. As you embark on your journey, your guide will begin sharing insights into Beijing’s history and culture, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience ahead.

The first highlight of the day is the Badaling Helicopter Experience, a truly exhilarating way to start your exploration of the Great Wall. Upon arrival at the helipad, your guide will assist you with the boarding process and provide a brief safety orientation. Once in the air, you’ll be treated to one of the most spectacular views of the Badaling Great Wall. Stretching for miles, this section of the Wall is not only one of the best-preserved but also offers the most scenic views, making it the perfect place for an aerial adventure. As you soar high above the Wall, your guide will narrate the fascinating history of this section, explaining its strategic importance in protecting China from invaders. The sight of the Wall snaking its way across the mountainous landscape below is awe-inspiring, and your guide will point out various landmarks along the way, such as the watchtowers that once served as crucial surveillance points.

The helicopter ride continues, offering panoramic views of the surrounding terrain—rugged peaks, deep valleys, and lush forests. Your guide will ensure that you learn about the construction of the Wall and its various phases over the centuries. The aerial perspective provides an appreciation of the scale of the Wall, which stretches more than 13,000 miles across northern China. As you glide over this historical marvel, you’ll feel the majesty and timelessness of the structure, and your guide will add depth to your understanding by sharing anecdotes about the soldiers who once guarded these battlements and the challenges they faced.

Once you return to the ground, your guide will take you to a local restaurant where you’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch. During the meal, your guide will recommend a variety of traditional Chinese dishes, such as the famous Peking duck, dumplings, and stir-fried vegetables, allowing you to experience the rich flavors of Beijing’s culinary heritage. Your guide will also provide recommendations based on your preferences, ensuring that you enjoy a truly authentic dining experience. This will be a great opportunity to ask your guide any questions about the sights you’ve seen so far and discuss the upcoming parts of your journey.

After lunch, you’ll continue your exploration with a visit to Juyongguan Great Wall, another historically significant and visually stunning section of the Wall. The drive to Juyongguan will take you through scenic mountain roads, providing a glimpse of the vast natural beauty surrounding Beijing. Along the way, your guide will share stories of the ancient battles fought here and explain why this section of the Wall was crucial to the defense of the capital.

Once you arrive, your guide will take you on a leisurely walk along the Juyongguan Great Wall, which is less crowded than other sections, offering a more serene and intimate experience. This part of the Wall is particularly scenic, with its steep inclines and imposing watchtowers perched high above the valley. As you explore, your guide will point out the arched gates and the ancient military defenses that were strategically placed to protect the region. You’ll learn about the role of these watchtowers in signaling and defending the area during ancient times. With each step, your guide will share interesting historical facts, including how the Wall was not just a physical barrier but also a symbol of China’s determination and strength.

As you walk along the ancient stone paths, your guide will help you understand the architectural marvel of the Wall, describing the building techniques used by the craftsmen and soldiers. You’ll also learn about the daily life of the soldiers who once guarded these gates and how they maintained their vigilance. The views from Juyongguan are truly breathtaking, with the Wall winding its way over the mountainous landscape, offering fantastic opportunities for photographs.

After your visit, your guide will ensure a comfortable transfer back to your hotel. The day will conclude with plenty of time to reflect on the remarkable experiences you’ve had. Whether it’s the thrill of the helicopter ride or the beauty and history of the Great Wall, the memories of this day will stay with you long after you return to your hotel.

Day2 Beijing

On the second day of your journey, your guide will meet you at your hotel at the agreed-upon time. After a warm greeting, you'll begin your day with a comfortable transfer to the Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks. The Temple of Heaven, built during the Ming Dynasty, is a breathtaking example of ancient Chinese architecture and a symbol of the relationship between heaven and earth.

The Temple of Heaven is not only an architectural marvel but also holds deep cultural and historical significance. As you stroll through the expansive temple grounds, you’ll discover its stunning design, which incorporates ancient cosmological beliefs. The Circular Mound Altar is one of the highlights, where emperors once prayed for a good harvest. Your guide will share captivating stories about the elaborate rituals that were performed here, explaining the importance of these ceremonies in the context of Chinese imperial rule. With your guide’s insights, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the symbolism behind the structures and how they reflect China’s philosophy of harmony between nature, society, and the cosmos.

After your exploration of the Temple of Heaven, you’ll head to the Forbidden City, the heart of China’s imperial past. The Forbidden City was the home of 24 emperors and their families over the course of nearly five centuries. As you enter the majestic gates, your guide will offer an introduction to this immense palace complex, which once housed the most powerful rulers in China. The Forbidden City is renowned for its lavish architecture, featuring ornate golden roofs, intricate carvings, and beautiful courtyards.

During your time inside the Forbidden City, your guide will take you through the most important halls, such as the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the largest hall in the complex, which was used for major ceremonial events. You'll also visit the Hall of Heavenly Purity, where the emperor once resided. Your guide will explain the royal protocols and offer fascinating details about the lives of the emperors who lived here, giving you an unparalleled look into the imperial world. The palace’s layout is symbolic, representing the emperor’s divine rule and the relationship between the emperor and the universe. As you walk through the halls and gardens, your guide will share intriguing stories of the royal families, including the intrigues, politics, and cultural practices that shaped this remarkable place.

After the visit to the Forbidden City, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby local restaurant. Your guide will assist you in selecting the best traditional Beijing dishes, providing a taste of authentic local cuisine. You might try Beijing's famous Peking Duck, renowned for its crispy skin and tender meat, or sample other iconic dishes such as stir-fried noodles, dumplings, and hot pot. The restaurant offers a perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on the day's experiences while enjoying the flavors of Beijing. Your guide will also offer recommendations for dessert and drinks, ensuring that you have a memorable culinary experience. During lunch, feel free to ask your guide more about the history of the Forbidden City, Chinese culture, or anything else you wish to learn about.

After lunch, your next destination is the Summer Palace, a serene and magnificent royal retreat just outside the city. The Summer Palace, known for its picturesque landscapes, tranquil lakes, and lush gardens, offers a beautiful contrast to the grandeur of the Forbidden City. This stunning imperial garden was a place where emperors could escape the heat of the summer and unwind in a peaceful natural setting.

Your guide will lead you through the scenic grounds of the Summer Palace, explaining the significance of the various structures and the garden’s design. You'll have the chance to stroll along the Long Corridor, a covered walkway adorned with thousands of intricate paintings that tell stories from Chinese mythology and history. You will also visit the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, an iconic structure that spans the lake, providing a stunning view of the surrounding area. Your guide will explain the symbolism of the bridge, highlighting its significance in Chinese culture and how its design reflects the traditional beliefs of the time.

After exploring the Summer Palace, your guide will ensure a comfortable transfer back to your hotel. Whether it's the serene beauty of the Summer Palace, the grand imperial splendor of the Forbidden City, or the cultural insights at the Temple of Heaven, your day will be filled with unforgettable moments and a deeper understanding of Beijing’s past and present.

Tips:
1. Helicopter: Eurocopter AS350B3 “Squirrel”
2. The helicopter can carry 4 passagers at most each time.
3. The aerial tour lasts about 10 minutes.
4. Aviation insurance included.
5. It is advised to book this tour in advance. So our tour operator will arrange it for you and confirm your flight date.
6. Your flight will be changed or cancelled in case of force majeure, such as weather conditions, air control etc. Our tour operator will inform you as soon as possible.
7. Make sure your physical condition is OK for the aerial tour. People who are suffering from heart disease, Hypertension, Cardiovascular disease or other diseases are not suggested to take the tour.

Price Per Person in US Dollars