Beijing

Beijing: Ancient Capital with New Charm – Exploring the Confluence of a Millennial Imperial City and Modern Pulse

Welcome to Beijing, a cultural capital with over 3,000 years of history as a city and over 800 years as a capital, and a vibrant international metropolis. Here, profound historical heritage blends perfectly with rapidly evolving modern civilization, offering every traveler an unparalleled experience of in-depth exploration. From majestic imperial palaces to winding ancient hutongs, from solemn sacrificial sites to avant-garde art districts, every corner of Beijing tells a captivating story, waiting to be discovered.

World Heritage: Touching the magnificent chapters of history

Beijing boasts numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, each embodying the glorious history and remarkable wisdom of the Chinese nation, serving as an indispensable window into understanding ancient Chinese civilization.

• The Palace Museum (Forbidden City): As the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City is the world's largest ancient palace complex. Its magnificent halls and exquisite artifacts silently tell the story of the rise and fall of the imperial family. Strolling through it, you can feel as if you have traveled through time, experiencing the majesty and grandeur of the former imperial court, and appreciating the pinnacle of ancient Chinese architectural art.
• The Great Wall: Winding through towering mountains, the Great Wall is a miracle of human architectural history and a symbol of the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation. Around Beijing, sections such as Mutianyu, Badaling, and Jinshanling are well-preserved. You can choose to hike up these sections, experience the grandeur of "He who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true man," overlook the magnificent mountain and river scenery, and appreciate the magnificence of these ancient defensive works.
• The Temple of Heaven, a sacred site where Ming and Qing emperors offered sacrifices to Heaven and prayed for good harvests, attracts countless tourists with its unique architectural layout, exquisite paintings, and profound cultural connotations. The caisson ceiling of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the wondrous acoustics of the Echo Wall showcase the ancients' reverence and wisdom towards Heaven and Earth, making it an excellent place to experience the traditional Chinese worldview.
• The Summer Palace (Summer Palace): An outstanding representative of classical Chinese gardens, it combines the art of imperial gardens and gardens from the Jiangnan region. The shimmering waters of Kunming Lake, the towering Hall of Buddhist Incense on Longevity Hill, and the painted stories along the Long Corridor all showcase the pinnacle of Chinese garden art. Here, you can boat on the lake or stroll through the gardens, enjoying a tranquil and elegant escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Deep in the Hutongs: Savoring Authentic Beijing Life

To truly experience the soul of Beijing, one must venture into its intricate network of hutongs (traditional alleyways). These ancient streets and lanes carry the memories of old Beijingers; their blue bricks, gray tiles, and courtyard houses create vivid scenes of everyday life, allowing you to experience the purest essence of Beijing's charm.

• In-depth Hutong Tour: Take a rickshaw ride through areas like Nanluoguxiang, Shichahai, and Yandaixiejie, listening to the driver tell stories of old Beijing, exploring unique shops and traditional handicraft workshops hidden deep within the hutongs, and experiencing the most authentic local life. Alternatively, you can choose to walk and discover unexpected surprises.
• Savor the flavors of Beijing: Peking duck is a must-try delicacy. Renowned brands like Quanjude and Bianyifang are famous both domestically and internationally for its crispy skin, tender meat, and fragrant yet not greasy taste. In addition, a series of authentic local snacks such as Zha Jiang Mian (noodles with soybean paste), fried liver, Douzhi Jiaoquan (fermented mung bean juice and fried dough rings), Lvdagun (glutinous rice rolls), and Aiwowo (glutinous rice cakes) are also excellent choices for experiencing genuine Beijing flavors; every bite is a taste of history.

Modern Beijing: A Collision of Art, Fashion, and Vitality

Beijing possesses not only ancient charm but also a fashionable and avant-garde side. It is a modern metropolis brimming with innovation, where tradition and modernity blend perfectly, creating a unique allure.

• 798 Art District: An art district transformed from old factory buildings, it brings together numerous galleries, art studios, independent designer shops, and cafes. A temple of contemporary art, it's the perfect place to experience Beijing's creative pulse, where you can appreciate cutting-edge artworks and experience a unique industrial vibe.
• Sanlitun and CBD: As fashion landmarks in Beijing, Sanlitun Taikoo Li brings together international trendy brands, upscale restaurants, and bars, making it a gathering place for young people and fashionistas, especially dazzling at night. Meanwhile, CBD, with its towering skyscrapers and bustling commercial atmosphere, showcases Beijing's prosperity and efficiency as an international metropolis.

Xootour In-Depth Experience: Discover a Different Beijing

Xootour is dedicated to providing you with a unique and in-depth Beijing tour experience. We carefully select local activities to allow you to go beyond being a tourist and become a participant in the city's story:

• Peking Opera Mask Painting Experience: Paint Peking Opera masks by hand, understand the charm and symbolic meaning of this national art, and experience the profoundness of traditional culture.
• Traditional Tea Appreciation: In a quaint teahouse, learn the essence of appreciating Chinese tea under the guidance of professional tea masters, and experience a sense of tranquility and elegance.
• Old Beijing Handicraft Making: Experience traditional handicrafts such as paper cutting, clay sculpting, and kite making, and create a unique souvenir to take away a memory of Beijing.
• Hutong Food Adventure: Follow a local guide to wander through the hutongs and alleys, taste authentic street food, discover hidden delicacies, and gain a deeper understanding of Beijing's food culture.
• Nighttime cruise on Shichahai: As the lights come on, take a boat trip on Shichahai and experience the charm of old Beijing at night, or listen to a folk song at a lakeside bar and experience a different kind of romance.

Whether exploring the grand history of the capital, immersing yourself in the warmth of the hutongs, or feeling the pulse of modern art, Beijing offers endless surprises and inspiration. Xootour looks forward to embarking on an unforgettable journey through Beijing with you, discovering the city's myriad charms and leaving your unique mark.