Private Beijing Jingshan Hill, Beihai, and Hutongs with Imperial Lunch

This private day tour is designed for people who enjoy walking and a little bit hiking as you will walk around in two famous imperial parks plus the original part of Beijing. During this tour, you will visit beautiful Jingshan Hill, Beihai Park, Hutong, and Houhai. Lunch will be served in the famous Imperial Cuisine restaurant located inside of Beihai Park where you will unveil the emperor's secret dining preference. Hotel pickup and drop-off service is included.

Meet your guide at 9am at your hotel and begin by climbing Jingshan Hill in Jingshan Park, the highest point along the central axis of Beijing.

Made from soil dug during the building of the moat at the Forbidden City, this artificial hill was located according to the dictates of Feng shui: to protect the imperial palace from the evil wind from the north. Today, the hill is best-known as a place to enjoy outstanding panoramic views over the walled palace and downtown Beijing.

Next, walk to Beihai Park, an imperial garden to the northwest of the Forbidden City. The oldest and best-preserved imperial park in China, and one of its largest gardens, Beihai boasts more than 800 years of history and contains numerous historically important structures, palaces, and temples.

Visit all the major sites, such as the White Dagoba, Nine Dragon Screen, and Tuancheng. Plus, if you’re here between April and November, see various old temples and small gardens, as well as the famous Five Dragon Pavilion, by boat.

At lunchtime, savor a delicious meal of imperial-style cuisine at the Beihai Fangshan Restaurant, a famous establishment open since 1925.

In the afternoon, follow a professional hutong guide into the hutongs, the oldest, original districts of Beijing. Stroll the narrow lanes and visit a local family home where your hosts will share stories about hutong life and the changes they have seen since 1949.

Next, head to Houhai Lake, one of the two most popular pub streets in Beijing. Admire the traditional buildings lined along the beautiful lake, and continue with a stroll through Yandaixiejie, one of the oldest hutongs and home to many traditional shops and outlets.

Finally, visit the Drum Tower and head inside to watch a traditional drum-beating ceremony. After your tour finishes, your guide will drop you back at your hotel.