Explore the Forbidden City, the world’s largest and best-preserved imperial palace complex, guided not by a standard tourist guide, but by an expert in architectural history and cultural heritage. In an intimate group limited to 8 people, you will trace the historical Central Axis and learn about the ritual significance and architectural symbolism of key sites. Beyond the architecture, you will gain a deep understanding of the artifacts in the Treasure Gallery's collections.
Upgrade your tour to explore Jingshan Park and Beihai Park. Your guide will offer on-site interpretations of how the Central Axis of Beijing has shaped the city’s urban fabric and historical narrative for centuries.
• ...
Highlights
9 hours
Offered in English
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
9 hours
Offered in English
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Exclusive Folding Guide
Admission fee
Receivers for Tour Guide System
Souvenirs
Insurance
Optional hotel pick up available upon request with an additional fee
Food
Drink
Meeting Points
Departure
Meridian Gate
Please meet at the Meridian Gate Ticket Office and look for our guide holding a purple sign marked “EXPOLEDGE”
Return
Houhai
Expert Led Small Group Tour of Beijing Central Axis
Dong Cheng Qu
About
Explore the Forbidden City, the world’s largest and best-preserved imperial palace complex, guided not by a standard tourist guide, but by an expert in architectural history and cultural heritage. In an intimate group limited to 8 people, you will trace the historical Central Axis and learn about the ritual significance and architectural symbolism of key sites. Beyond the architecture, you will gain a deep understanding of the artifacts in the Treasure Gallery's collections.
Upgrade your tour to explore Jingshan Park and Beihai Park. Your guide will offer on-site interpretations of how the Central Axis of Beijing has shaped the city’s urban fabric and historical narrative for centuries.
• ...
Highlights
9 hours
Offered in English
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
9 hours
Offered in English
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Exclusive Folding Guide
Admission fee
Receivers for Tour Guide System
Souvenirs
Insurance
Optional hotel pick up available upon request with an additional fee
Food
Drink
Meeting Points
Departure
Meridian Gate
Please meet at the Meridian Gate Ticket Office and look for our guide holding a purple sign marked “EXPOLEDGE”
Return
Houhai
Itinerary
1
Forbidden City
Meridian Gate to Golden Water Bridges.
Start your tour at 9:00 AM in front of the Meridian Gate. After security, proceed along the central axis to the Inner Golden Water Bridges. Admire the five marble bridges and the view of the Gate of Supreme Harmony
30 minutes
2
Forbidden City
Central Outer Court (Front Palaces).
You will visit in order: Hall of Supreme Harmony (imperial ceremonies), Hall of Central Harmony (emperor’s preparation), Hall of Preserving Harmony (imperial examinations).
Highlight: The grand layout of the Hall of Supreme Harmony square and the stone carving behind the Hall of Preserving Harmony
1 hour
3
Forbidden City
The Treasure Gallery.
Your guide will lead you through the Treasure Gallery to unveil the hidden history and symbolism behind imperial artifacts.
Highlight: Nine-Dragon Wall, gold-inlaid pearl celestial globe, Empress Xiaoduan’s phoenix crown
40 minutes
4
Forbidden City
Central Inner Court (Rear Palaces).
Enter the inner court via the Gate of Heavenly Purity.
You will visit: Palace of Heavenly Purity (emperor’s residence), Hall of Union (empress’s ceremonies), Palace of Earthly Tranquility (empress’s quarters), Imperial Garden (rare stones and ancient trees)
1 hour
5
Forbidden City
Exit via Shenwumen & Light Meal.
Exit north from the Imperial Garden through Shenwumen (Gate of Divine Might). Light meals are available nearby, or bring your own snacks. The morning tour of the Forbidden City ends here at around 12:00 PM.
30 minutes
6
Jingshan Park (Jingshan Gongyuan)
If you select the Full-Day option, your tour continues at 12:30 PM.
Jingshan Park is an artificial hill created from earth excavated for the Forbidden City's moat. It offers the definitive panoramic viewpoint over Beijing's Central Axis, acclaimed as the "highest point at the city's heart."
You will visit:
• Wanchun Pavilion (approx. 15-minute climb) for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City and Beijing’s central axis.
• Shouhuang Hall: Imperial ancestral temple on the west side.
1 hour
7
Beihai Park (Beihai Gongyuan)
Beihai Park is China's oldest and most completely preserved imperial garden. You will visit:
• Qionghua Island: Ascend the White Dagoba (Tibetan-style stupa) for views of Zhongnanhai.
• Yong’an Temple: Qing-era royal temple.
• Lakeside Stroll: Pass Haopu Creek and Fangshan Garden.
• North Shore Sights: Nine-Dragon Wall (colorful glazed tiles), Jingxin Studio (“Qianlong’s Small Garden”)
3 hours
8
Houhai
Conclude your day with a guided stroll from Beihai Park towards the Houhai area. This area represents the "living extension" of Beijing’s Central Axis, an ideal place to feel the simultaneous pulse of Beijing's profound history and its contemporary rhythm. It is also home to numerous time-honored restaurants. The entire tour ends at 5:30 PM. You can then explore the lakeside restaurants and bars at your own pace to enjoy the rest of your evening.
