Beijing: Old & New

9 hoursBeijing

Why you will love this trip

See two Beijings in one day: the old imperial city and the modern capital that surrounds it. Begin at Jingshan Park, not simply as a park visit but as the best view of Old Beijing. Look south toward the Forbidden City, the central axis, old-city buildings and hutong neighborhoods. Then walk through Shijia Hutong to move from the city panorama into courtyard homes, community stories and present-day residents. Taste 2–3 selected local specialties recommended by the MICHELIN Guide before entering modern Beijing in the CBD or Sanlitun area. End with Beijing After Dark, leaving space to feel the city today.

Highlights

  1. 1See Two Beijings in One Day: Discover the contrast between historic neighborhoods and modern city life.
  2. 2Start With the Big Picture: See the old capital from Jingshan before walking through its streets and stories.
  3. 3Taste Local Beijing: Enjoy selected local specialties recommended by the MICHELIN Guide.
  4. 4A Day With a Story: From old hutongs to modern city lights, every experience connects to Beijings past and present.

Itinerary

A time-by-time plan from the planner who runs this trip, including transport and meals where arranged.

  1. 08:30–09:00

    Hotel Pickup and Departure

    Meet your guide and driver at your Beijing hotel and begin the day.

  2. 09:00–10:30

    Jingshan Park — See Old Beijing

    Look south toward the Forbidden City, Beijings central axis, old-city architecture and hutong areas. Your guide begins with: “Before exploring Beijing, lets first understand how the old city was built.”

  3. 10:30–12:00

    Shijia Hutong — Walk Through Beijings Stories

    Walk approximately 700 metres through courtyard houses, hutong life, historical figures, old Beijing communities and the lives of residents today.

  4. 12:00–13:30

    Taste Local Beijing

    Enjoy 2–3 selected local specialties recommended by the MICHELIN Guide. Taste the old city rather than stopping at a generic tourist restaurant.

  5. 13:30–16:30

    From Old Beijing to New Beijing

    Travel toward one modern core area, such as the CBD or Sanlitun. See high-rises, commercial streets, contemporary architecture, young residents and changing urban life.

  6. 16:30–20:30

    Beijing After Dark

    Choose a light modern experience such as a modern Beijing street walk, a rooftop or skyline view, a Sanlitun evening or a CBD night view. The focus is not another checklist attraction, but the feeling: “This is Beijing today.”

What is included

In the price

  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Private vehicle and professional driver
  • Beijing hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Jingshan Park and Shijia Hutong guided experience
  • 2–3 selected local specialties recommended by the MICHELIN Guide
  • Curated modern Beijing evening route

Not included

  • Food and drinks beyond the confirmed tastings
  • Optional rooftop, skyline or venue tickets unless confirmed
  • Personal purchases
  • Travel insurance
  • Guide and driver gratuities

Before you book

The practical things worth knowing before you commit.

  • The day begins with Jingshan Park for the classic view over the Forbidden City and central axis, then a roughly 700-metre walk through Shijia Hutong's courtyard houses and daily life.
  • Two to three local specialities recommended by the MICHELIN Guide are included, so you taste the old city rather than eating at a generic tourist restaurant.
  • In the afternoon you move from old Beijing to a modern core area such as the CBD or Sanlitun, seeing high-rises, contemporary architecture and changing urban life.
  • The evening is a curated modern experience — a street walk, rooftop or skyline view, Sanlitun or a CBD night view — focused on the feeling of "This is Beijing today."
  • This is a full day running from around 08:30 to 20:30, with hotel pickup and drop-off. The finish time can shift with reservations, weather and traffic.

Frequently asked questions

Two to three selected local specialities are included. Any food or drinks beyond the confirmed tastings are at your own expense.

Not by default. Optional rooftop, skyline or other venue tickets are only included if they have been confirmed with you in advance.

A moderate amount, mainly the 700-metre Shijia Hutong walk and the evening street experience. The vehicle is available between areas, and the pace is relaxed.

The tour ends around 20:30 after the evening experience, with the exact time depending on the chosen route, weather and traffic.

Yes. The day is relaxed and vehicle-supported, with a mix of viewpoints, a gentle hutong walk, food and an evening stroll, so it suits families and most fitness levels.

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Cancellation policy

  • 48 hours before — Full refund
  • 24 to 48 hours before — 50% refund
  • 24 hours before — Non-refundable

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