Highlights
Discover the heart of Beijing in one day by following the city’s historic central axis. Start at Tiananmen Square, walk into the Forbidden City to explore the former imperial palace, and finish at Jingshan Park for a panoramic view over the entire palace complex.
- Visit Tiananmen Square Walk through one of Beijing’s most iconic public spaces and learn about its role in modern Chinese history.
- Explore the Forbidden City Discover the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with its grand halls, courtyards, and centuries of royal history.
- See the Forbidden City from Above Climb Jingshan Park for one of the best panoramic views in Beijing, looking directly over the rooftops of the Forbidden City.
- Follow Beijing’s Historic Central Axis Experience three major landmarks along one continuous route and understand how imperial Beijing was designed around symmetry, hierarchy, and power.
What you'll do
Follow Beijing’s historic Central Axis from the monumental spaces of Tiananmen Square through the imperial halls of the Forbidden City to a panoramic finale at Jingshan Park.
Tiananmen Square
Begin at Beijing’s symbolic center, where monumental landmarks introduce the city’s imperial and modern history.
Forbidden City
Walk through grand gates, ceremonial halls, and courtyards while uncovering life inside the Ming and Qing imperial palace.
Jingshan Park
Climb to the hilltop pavilion for a sweeping view across the Forbidden City and Beijing’s historic Central Axis.
Included
- Private small-group tour
- English-speaking local guide
- Entrance tickets
Not Included
- Meals and drinks
- Personal expenses
Itinerary
Tiananmen Square
Begin the day at Tiananmen Square, the symbolic center of Beijing.
Walk around the square and see landmarks such as Tiananmen Gate and the Monument to the People’s Heroes. Your guide will introduce the history of the square and explain its importance in both imperial and modern Beijing.
From here, continue directly toward the Forbidden City.
Forbidden City
Enter the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Walk through its monumental gates, ceremonial halls, courtyards, and former imperial living areas while learning about palace life, royal traditions, and the stories behind its architecture.
Your guide will help connect the buildings with the people, events, and history that shaped imperial Beijing.
Jingshan Park
Exit the Forbidden City from its northern gate and continue to Jingshan Park.
Walk to the hilltop pavilion for one of the best views in Beijing. From here, you can look directly across the entire Forbidden City and clearly see the layout of Beijing’s historic Central Axis.
It is a perfect final stop for photos and a panoramic view over the places you explored during the day.
