Here are 5 detailed one-day Beijing itineraries for foreign senior citizens:
Itinerary 1: Historic Beijing Tour
8:30 am – Meet your guide at your hotel and travel to Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square. Learn about the history and significance of the square, as well as its importance to modern China.
10:00 am – Explore the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of China. Marvel at the grandeur of the complex and learn about the lives of the emperors and their families who once lived there.
12:00 pm – Enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.
1:30 pm – Visit the The Temple of Heaven, an ancient religious complex that was once used by emperors to pray for a good harvest. Learn about the traditions and beliefs of Chinese religion and culture.
3:00 pm – Take part in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, where you will learn about the history and significance of tea in Chinese culture.
4:00 pm – Optional: take a rickshaw tour of Beijing’s Hutongs, the old alleyways that give a glimpse into the city’s past.
5:00 pm – Return to your hotel.
Itinerary 2: Great Wall and Ming Tombs Tour
8:00 am – Meet your guide at your hotel and travel to the Great Wall of China, Mutianyu section. Marvel at the impressive engineering feat that is the Great Wall and enjoy the stunning views.
11:00 am – Explore the Ming Tombs, the burial site of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Learn about the history and architecture of the tombs.
12:30 pm – Enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.
2:00 pm – Optional: visit the Sacred Way and Changling Tomb, the largest and most well-preserved of the Ming Tombs.
4:00 pm – Return to your hotel.
Itinerary 3: Beijing Parks and Temples Tour
8:30 am – Meet your guide at your hotel and travel to the Summer Palace, an imperial garden and palace that was once a summer retreat for the emperors. Explore the gardens and the beautiful architecture.
10:30 am – Visit the Lama Temple, the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing. Learn about the history and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
12:00 pm – Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at a Buddhist temple.
1:30 pm – Visit the Confucius Temple, a temple dedicated to the famous Chinese philosopher Confucius. Learn about his teachings and their impact on Chinese culture.
3:00 pm – Return to your hotel.
Itinerary 4: Beijing Art and Culture Tour
9:00 am – Meet your guide at your hotel and travel to the 798 Art District, an avant-garde arts district that showcases the work of Chinese and international artists.
11:00 am – Visit the National Museum of China, the largest museum in the country. Learn about the history and culture of China through its artifacts and exhibits.
1:00 pm – Enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.
2:30 pm – Visit the Beijing Opera Museum, where you can learn about the history and techniques of Chinese opera.
4:00 pm – Attend a Beijing opera performance, a unique and colorful form of traditional Chinese theater.
6:00 pm – Return to your hotel.
Itinerary 5: Beijing Foodie Tour
8:30 am – Meet your guide at your hotel and travel to the Donghuamen Night Market, where you can sample a variety of Beijing street food.
10:00 am – Visit the Beijing Cooking School, where you can learn how to cook traditional Chinese dishes.
12:00 pm – Enjoy a dim sum lunch at a local restaurant.
1:30 pm – Visit the Silk Market, a bustling market where you can shop for souvenirs and silk products.
4.30 pm – Return to your hotel