• Select an Extension:
• - Please Select an Extension - Beijing St. Petersburg

Beijing

Pre-Trip, 4 Days

Delve deeper into bustling Beijing and experience the legacy of the Ming Dynasty on excursions to some of the most celebrated sites in China. Take a stroll along the picturesque Mutianyu section of the Great Wall and venture into the tombs of the Ming Emperors. On the outskirts of the city, explore the pavilions and temples of the lovely Summer Palace, perched among hills along the shores of Yunming Lake. Then catch a glimpse of local pastimes—and splendid architecture—at the historic Temple of Heaven.

---

Itinerary - 4 Days

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Beijing, China

Depart on an overnight flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to our deluxe hotel in heart of the city. After time on your own to relax, gather for a welcome dinner this evening. If you wish, take a walking tour of historic Tiananmen Square later tonight.
The Regent Beijing (D)

Day 3 — Beijing

Head out of the city on an excursion to the legendary Great Wall today. Stroll along the Mutianyu section, originally built from the 4th to the 6th centuries but restored during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The wall undulates with the hills, rising some 25 feet high and 30 feet wide in places. It is dotted with 22 blockhouses and watchtowers. Later, walk along the Sacred Way to the Ming Tombs, which shelter the earthly remains of thirteen Ming emperors. Venture into the tombs of Zhu Li and Wan Li, one an extensive above ground complex, and the other an underground mausoleum. Lunch will be served at a restaurant near the Great Wall. Return to the hotel late this afternoon and enjoy an evening at leisure or an optional performance of Chinese Opera or acrobatics.
The Regent Beijing (B,L)

Day 4 — Beijing

Set off this morning on a boat ride along the Royal Canal, also known as Changhe River. Follow the canal into the former royal garden and the Summer Palace, a lakeside park brimming with temples, bridges, and palaces. The palace complex was built between 1750 and 1764 by Emperor Qianlong, and was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998. Many of the structures here were destroyed in the 1860 Boxer Rebellion but restored on their original foundations in 1886. Continue to the Five Pagoda Temple and Purple Bamboo Park before lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore the Temple of Heaven, built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty as a place of prayer and sacrificial offerings. Today, locals meet in the extensive gardens here to exercise, dance, and play games together. Learn about the symbolism of the temples and the grounds on a guided tour, and see men huddled over checkers boards and groups of women engaged in synchronized dances. Take advantage of some time on your own this afternoon before joining the main group for a welcome dinner.
(B,L,D)