Arrive into Beijing where you are met by your guide and taken to your hotel.

This morning start your China tour off with a visit to Tian'anmen Square. See the Tian'anmen Tower, National Museum of China, Great Hall of the People, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, and the Monument to the People's Hero. Next head to the Forbidden City, a World Heritage Site which holds the legacy of emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties starting in 1420. 

After lunch enjoy a biking tour of the nearby hutongs, or 'old neighborhoods', for an up-close perspective of how the locals live. Visit the Houhai area, Drum Tower, Lama Temple and royal Tibetan Monastery, and finish at Wangfujing, the popular local market and shopping district that once housed the Qing Dynasty aristocrats. Enjoy dinner this evening at Dadong Roasted Duck Restaurant for the chance to try the renowned culinary delight, Peking duc

This morning drive 2 hours and take the cable car to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a less touristy section than other locations. Hike around here for 1-2 hours exploring this 6th century section of the World Cultural Heritage Site which was restored during the Ming Dynasty. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit next the Summer Palace, a quiet royal retreat that epitomizes the philosophy and practice of Chinese garden design. Wander through the unique landscape design and palaces along Longevity Hill overlooking Kunming Lake. This evening, visit Olympic Park to see the two 2008 Olympics stadiums, the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, and their dazzling light display at night.

*Modify your trip: A full day Jinshanling hike, two day overnight hike, or a multi-day trek can be planned in place of Mutianyu.

Today you visit the Temple of Heaven, a Ming Dynasty creation built in 1420 to offer sacrifice to heaven. Learn about how its landscape design and construction reflected ancient Chinese thought regarding heaven and earth.

This afternoon enjoy firsthand instruction at the Cuisine Cooking School. Learn how to cook four main dishes and observe a chef's demonstration. Chop, mix, and stir fry your dishes during the course. This evening attend an acrobatics show in Beijing or explore on your own.

This morning wander the 798 Art zone in the Dashanzi area. Explore the decommissioned military factories built 50 years ago that now have been transformed into a vibrant village lined with art galleries and local cafes. Contemporary artists, architects, and tourists alike are drawn to this unique evolution of urban culture.

Enjoy the rest of your day free to explore as you like. Your guide is available to escort you to any part of the city you might like to see.

Transfer back to the airport for your return flight home.