Magpie
4.9(45 reviews)

Beijing Half-Day Walking Tour

FromCN¥58
4 hours
Beijing, China

About this activity

Discover Beijing's rich history on a guided half-day walking tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Highlights

  • Explore Tiananmen Square's vast expanse
  • Visit the iconic Forbidden City
  • Learn about China's imperial history
  • Enjoy personalized attention from a guide
  • Experience Beijing's rich cultural heritage

Full description

Step into the heart of Beijing's imperial past with this engaging half-day walking tour. Begin at Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square, where you'll delve into its historical significance. Then, wander through the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace, and marvel at its stunning architecture and artifacts. With a professional English-speaking guide, gain insights into China's rich cultural heritage. Enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and convenience, making it an ideal choice for travelers eager to explore Beijing's iconic landmarks.

Included / Excluded

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Entrance fees to Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Picked by our tour guide at your hotel between 8am to 1pm or meet the guide at the meeting point at 7:40am or 13:00 pm. Then head to Tiananmen Square, the largest public square of this kind in the world. Located in the heart of Beijing City, it is the site for massive parades and rallies.This was the site when in 1949, from a rostrum on Tiananmen (the Gate of Heavenly Peace), Chairman Mao proclaimed the establishment of the People's Republic of China. For security reason, Tiananmen Square is a fenced square circled by low iron grids with main four entrances – east, west, south and north. The square is now open to the public till sunset, but all the tourists have to pass a security check before they enter the square. So check points have been set up at all the entrances leading to the square.

Duration: 40 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Pass by: Have a glimpse at the outside of Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao, the Monument to the People's Heroes, the magnificent Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, the ancient Zhengyang Gate and Arrow Tower as well as the Tiananmen Tower which leads to the well-known Forbidden City.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

Then move on to the Imperial Palace, also known as the "Forbidden City" , the largest and best-preserved ancient imperial palaces group with 500 years history. We will buy ticket in advance to skip the line. The palace was built between 1406 and 1420, but was burnt down, rebuilt, sacked and renovated countless times, so most of the architecture you can see today dates from the 1700's and onwards. You will have a highlight tour of the Forbidden City. Afterward, you will end the tour at the north exit of Forbidden City. Please feel free to ask tour guide help you to get taxi or bus to your own next destination. Note: A current valid passport is required on the day of travel.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
4

Pass by: Visiting

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

Pass by: Visiting

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

Visiting

Duration: 10 minAdmission: YES
7

Visiting

Duration: 10 minAdmission: YES

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour operates rain or shine; please dress accordingly.
  • Photography is allowed in most areas; however, some sections may have restrictions.
  • The tour involves walking; ensure you're comfortable with a moderate level of physical activity.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and landscapes.
  • Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Easy Public Transport
  • Infants Required On Laps
  • Infant Seats Available

Good to know

  • Chinese tourists( including Taiwan and Hongkong ) must book over 8 days in advance.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Please note: Passport name and number is required at time of booking for “all participants” upon booking
  • Passport is required for all travelers on the day of travel for direct entry. (not for Chinese tourist)

Traveler reviews

4.9
45 reviews
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Forbidden City tour

Thorough and excellent forbidden city tour, however we only drove past the Tianmen square and did not enter as expected, which was a little disappointing. We were told this is due to significant lines at the square to enter. We will have to book a trip to the square soon.

Y9285ORrosamMay 24, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Most professional and well structured.

Covered the history of the forbidden city with knowledge and enthusiasm. Well structured, and most helpful in signposting us to our onward destination.

NEILRTHORNTONMay 11, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Very good english speaking guide! (rarity)

Tour was nice, could be a bit shorter though. Great guide, all thanx to Marco who spoke very good english and provided us with a lot of useful and funny informations.

Irina_RApr 28, 2026VIATOR

Great experience!

Our tour guide Lisa was great! She picked us up from our hotel in the morning, helped us navigate the hectic lines and security at Tiananmen Square, provided historical insight at the Forbidden City, and took us on a nice stroll through Jingshan Park! A very enriching experience

Z3747KKtiffanygMar 27, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Forbidden city tours

Had a tour with Sofia! She did a great job telling us about the history of that Forbidden city.

kathrynr0seyFeb 27, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

Chinese tourists( including Taiwan and Hongkong ) must book over 8 days in advance. Children must be accompanied by an adult Please note: Passport name and number is required at time of booking for “all participants” upon booking Passport is required for all travelers on the day of travel for direct entry. (not for Chinese tourist)
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