Beijing · HISTORICAL TOURS
10 reviewed
This is the shortlist we’d hand a friend: the 10 historical tours worth booking, each with its price, its traveller verdict, and the one thing to know before you commit.
Beijing Historical Tour II covers Lama Temple, Summer Palace, Panda Garden, and Tianhou Silk Market silk demo, with lunch and pickup for $93.
“It was nice and fun. Explored some highlights of Beijing with an informative tourguide. I really enjoyed it”
Hotel pickup day trip to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, with English guide, tickets and lunch included.
“Easy to book. Guide tour called my hotel the day before to confirm pick up time and location. Easy access to all 3 venues. No waiting. Nice small group.”
3.5-hour Beijing walk from Huguang Guild Hall to Qianmen near Tiananmen, with hutongs, Liulichang art, street food, and calligraphy.
“This was a very informative walk where the pace and variety was perfect. Great information about the history of Beijing and wonderful little stops along the way.”
Hands-on Beijing tea, Guqin music, and calligraphy in a small private venue with national-level masters and a traditional outfit rental.
“Everything was done with care—from the welcome tea to the final group photo. The calligraphy teacher helped me write my Chinese name, and I even took the paper home. It’s now framed in my apartment!”
Private 2-hour Forbidden City tour with hotel pickup, English guide, and key halls. Includes entrance fees and timing tips for Tiananmen.
“Me and my partner had a wonderful trip to the Forbidden City with our fantastic tour guide Christine, who was able to answer any questions we asked. She was very knowledgable and had impeccable English. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone who wants to learn more about the Forbidden City.”
Visit Beijing’s Bell and Drum Towers with skip-the-line entry and an English PDF guide, plus a chance at a short drum show.
“Una torre de tambores frente a un campanario. No está mal si ya has hecho todo lo que podías hacer en Pekín y te apetece saber cómo daban la hora en la ciudad antigua. Sin más”
Reserve Tiananmen Square entry with skip-the-line help and an English visual guide to explore Beijing’s key landmarks.
“I had no idea of the time it takes to visit this place. Standing in line for 2 hours is minimum, so it takes at least half the day, if you rush it. In the end I missed it because I had to leave for another tour, so I stayed in line 1h for nothing. I believe the preparation of time should be listed loud and clear. Because if I knew it, I would have planned accordingly.”
Private 5–6 hour Beijing tour pairing Tian’anmen, the Forbidden City, and Hutong alleys, with optional Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, or Great Wall.
“Our tour guide Lucy Yue is very professional guide with a lot of knowledge and knows how to use the short time well and efficiently. She is also very cheerful. Our driver mr Zhang Bo is a very skilled driver and very friendly. Lucy came with the suggestion to take our luggage and dropped us after the tour to our next hotel. We really appreciate here help. It saved us a lot of time.”
Beijing hutong walking tour with siheyuan courtyards, temples, and pagodas. Traditional drink included. 3 hours from Xisi to Fuchengmen.
“Lori was a great guide through the Hutongs explaining how they were laid out and significance of the doors. It was a fun sight seeing day and got me more familiar with the city.”
Two-day Great Wall camping near Beijing with sunrise and sunset on a quieter Dazhuangkexiang stretch, guided by Peter and Noodle.
“I've been on this tour twice now - Peter is a fantastic tour guide, as is Noodle (also great name). Both experiences were absolutely unforgettable. If you're looking for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventure, this is it.”
