Après avoir retrouvé votre guide dans le hall de votre hôtel, vous visiterez d'abord le Temple du Ciel en métro ou en bus (selon l'emplacement de votre hôtel). Le Temple du Ciel est l'un des temples impériaux les plus sacrés de Pékin. Suivez votre guide pour flâner dans les cours et les salles, et découvrez l'histoire et la culture de ce temple. Découvrez comment les empereurs des dynasties Ming et Qing vénéraient ce dieu. Le Temple du Ciel est un lieu très agréable le matin, car vous pourrez y observer de nombreux retraités locaux faire leurs exercices matinaux. Vous pouvez participer à toutes sortes d'activités si vous le souhaitez. Pendant ce temps, votre guide vous racontera en détail l'histoire et les anecdotes de ce temple.

Inside the temple, you will visit important buildings such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, Hall of Imperial Zenith, and also the Circular Mound Altar—each holding unique historical and cultural significance, telling stories of ancient imperial rituals. Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest The most iconic building of the Temple of Heaven, this magnificent circular structure with a triple-eaved blue-tiled roof was once where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties prayed for abundant grain harvests every spring. Its wooden frame, built without a single nail, is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture, and the inner pillars are arranged to symbolize the seasons, months, and directions—blending functionality with cosmic symbolism.

Hall of Imperial Zenith Located north of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, this smaller but elegant building served as a "rest stop" for emperors. Before the grand harvest prayer ceremony, emperors would come here to fast, meditate, and review the ritual procedures. Its simple yet dignified design (with a single-eaved roof and red pillars) reflects the solemnity of imperial preparations, and the interior still preserves traces of ancient ritual decorations.

A key site for the "Winter Solstice Sacrifice to Heaven" ritual, this three-tiered circular platform is made entirely of white marble, symbolizing the heavens (ancient Chinese believed "heaven is round, earth is square"). The center stone (called the "Heavenly Heart Stone") has a unique acoustic effect—whispering near it will create an echo, as if "communicating with heaven." Every detail, from the number of marble slabs to the railings, follows strict imperial etiquette, showing respect for heaven in ancient times.

After exploring the Temple of Heaven, you’ll board a double-decker bus heading to Tian’anmen Square—known as the world’s largest public square, where history and national significance converge. Tian’anmen Square is home to iconic landmarks: the National Museum of China (housing millennia of Chinese cultural relics), the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, and the grand Monument to the People’s Heroes (honoring martyrs of modern Chinese history). You’ll stroll through the square with your guide, who’ll share vivid insights into the square’s role in China’s past and present. It’s important to note, however: Tian’anmen Square may be temporarily closed by the government for political events, and during peak seasons, waiting times to enter can reach 1–2 hours. In such cases, we recommend skipping the square to avoid disrupting your itinerary.

From here, you’ll walk toward the Forbidden City—an UNESCO World Heritage Site and once the imperial palace of China’s Ming and Qing dynasties. This sprawling complex dominated Beijing’s center from 1420 to 1912, serving as the political and ceremonial heart of the empire, and remains one of the most impressive examples of ancient Chinese imperial architecture today.

Le nom anglais courant, « la Cité interdite », est une traduction du nom chinois Zijin Cheng. Zi signifie « pourpre » et fait référence à l'étoile polaire. C'était le royaume de l'empereur céleste et de sa famille. Résidence de l'empereur terrestre, il était son pendant terrestre. Jin, ou « interdit », faisait référence au fait que personne ne pouvait entrer ou sortir du palais sans l'autorisation de l'empereur. Cheng signifie « ville ». La Cité interdite est un complexe de 100 hectares composé de cours, de palais, de pavillons et de jardins, qui a servi de palais impérial aux empereurs et à leur famille pendant plus de 500 ans. La Cité interdite a été inscrite au patrimoine mondial en 1987. Explorez les différentes salles et cours et approfondissez votre connaissance de l'histoire, de la culture et de la vie à l'intérieur de la Cité interdite. Laissez notre guide vous transporter à l'époque des dynasties Ming et Qing.

You will explore the major buildings inside the forbidden city, including Hall of Great Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony and Hall of Preserving Harmony. The largest and most prestigious hall in the Forbidden City, known as one of China’s "Three Great Eastern Halls". Built in 1420, it was renamed during the Qing Dynasty, symbolizing supreme imperial authority. Move on to the Hall of Central Harmony. The smallest of the three, serving as a "transition space" for rituals. Emperors rested here, checked ceremonial outfits, or reviewed prayer texts before big events (e.g., temple sacrifices). Continue to Hall of Preserving Harmony. A multi-functional hall north of Zhonghe Dian, built in 1420. Its name means "protecting people’s well-being".

Rendez-vous ensuite dans la cour intérieure pour mieux comprendre la vie de l'empereur, de l'impératrice et de leur concubine. Vous explorerez la Salle de la Pureté Céleste, la Salle de l'Union et la Salle de la Tranquillité Terrestre.

Last stoop is the Imperial Garden. Designed in the classical Chinese garden style, it features winding paths, rockeries (made of Taihu stone), ancient cypress trees (some over 400 years old), and several small pavilions. Exit the Forbidden city from the North Gate, your tour will end here, you can choose to take a bus back to your hotel on your own or to your next destination. After this tour, you will be able to travel around Beijing like a local by buses and metro, which is a very convenient and inexpensive way to explore the city. Guests are also encouraged to ask questions about touring other parts of the city, getting insider tips and visitor information along the way.