Walking Tours in Northern China

Explore a range of historic Pingyao buildings and structures on this brisk half-day walking tour. If you're new to this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, this private tour is a great way to get acquainted with Pingyao and learn more about its ancient roots without the rigid time pressures of a big group tour. Visit highlights like Rishengchang (the first bank established in China) and the Pingyao Confucian Temples, with your guide on hand to explain the history behind each well-preserved landmark.

Learn about Beijing's history through the ages - and visit some of its most significant, centuries-old landmarks - on this small-group tour. Meet your guide in the morning and venture first to the Temple of Confucius (among the largest Confucian temples in China) and the Guozijian Museum (once used as an imperial college). Learn more about China's dynastic past from your historian guide before ambling down the city's winding hutongs: traditional alleyways that reflect a bygone side of Beijing life.

This 3-hour tour is perfect for people who want a in-depth tour in the the Tian'anmen Square area. Learn the fascinating history from your expert guide while exploring some of the most impressive landmarks, such as Monument of The People's Heroes, Old Beijing Railway Station, Qianmen or based on your interests. Choose to visit the National Museum of China, Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall, Great Hall of the People, Chairman Mao's Memorial Hall or  Gate of the Heavenly Peace based on the attraction availability.

Explore a hutong (traditional neighborhood) with a private guide who introduces you to the old ways of Beijing on a 3-hour walking tour. Visit the Shijia Hutong Museum, which is dedicated to preserving the history of Beijing's hutongs. Then walk along small alleyways of a lesser-known hutong, learning about the area's architecture and culture as you go. You'll stop into a private home for a glimpse of local life, and walk the same paths that the locals take for an immersive experience of traditional Beijing.

Hear the stories behind Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square during a 5-hour, small-group walking tour in Beijing. After exploring the famous square, which is one of the world's largest, you'll make your way into the Forbidden City using a prebooked ticket to avoid any long entrance lines. Explore all the key sites including the Imperial Garden, and discover fun facts about the Ming and Qing dynasties from your guide. Numbers are limited to just 12 people, and you can rest assured that no unwelcome factory or tourist shop visits are planned.

It can be hard to know where to start with the Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Imperial Chinese design that covers over 1 square mile (2.9 square kilometers). On this small-group walking tour, let your guide introduce the highlights and explain the colorful characters who shaped the garden - particularly the powerful Empress Dowager Cixi. See the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, the Marble Boat, and so much more.

Beijing is one of the world's busiest urban centers, but the Chinese capital also has some beautiful green spaces to escape to. This 2-hour private walking tour explores two of Beijing's imperial gardens, Jingshan (Coal Hill) Park and Beihai Park, including landmarks such as Five Dragon Pavilion, Jade Island, and Nine Dragon Screen.

Explore Beijing's highlights in the company of a private guide on this flexible, half-day tour. Pick a start time that works best for you, and meet your guide directly at your hotel. Then, travel on foot, or via taxi or public transportation (own expense), to the iconic Tiananmen Square. Head next to the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City, where skip-the-line tickets will help you beat the crowds. Finally, admire Jingshang Park before returning to your hotel.

Beijing's hutong feel much more atmospheric with a private guide on hand to tell their stories and answer all your questions. Experience big-ticket highlights such as the Bell and Drum Towers, Yandai Xie Street, Back Lakes, and Yinding Bridge alongside lesser-known courtyards on this door-to-door tour. Along the way, try bubble tea, red bean dessert, and "mantou" buns, then dine (or lunch) on the best dim sum in town.

Beyond the crowded attractions, see a side of Beijing that many tourists overlook on this intimate history tour. Meet your private guide at your local accommodation, and travel via public transportation. Venture first to Prince Gong's Mansion: dating to the Qing Dynasty, it's one of the best-preserved imperial mansions in the city. You'll also discover the city's hutongs (centuries-old alleyways and courtyards), will see a live drumming performance at the Drum Tower, and more.

Combine culture with cuisine and a relaxing spa treatment on a private 7-hour walking tour of Beijing. Focusing primarily on Qianmen Street - a vibrant commercial street established during the Ming and Qing dynasties - you'll explore traditional Beijing 'hutongs' (alleys) and visit stores selling everything from Chinese silk and artisan shoes to pickles and steamed buns. Plus, you'll receive a relaxing foot spa treatment and enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup.

Discover the incandescent beauty of Beijing by night on this 3-hour evening walking tour. See the city sparkle as you explore glimmering waterways, vibrant parks and narrow 'hutongs' (alleys) under the cover of darkness. Led by an accomplished guide, sample sublime specialties at the busy Wangfujing Snack Street; browse stalls bursting with exotic ingredients at the Donghuamen Night Market; and stroll amid the ancient and illuminated structures of Imperial City Park for a unique sightseeing experience. Conclude your tour with a tranquil wander around Houhai Lake and enjoy an intimate atmosphere on this small-group tour.

Delve into the backstreets of Beijing on a 6-hour walking tour that reveals sights off the beaten path. Begin at the Red Building of old Peking University where students started the May Fourth movement in 1919. Meander along Wusi and Wenjin streets, passing the Forbidden City moat, Beihai Park and Zhongnanhai Lakes. Arrive at the majestic old palace buildings that hold the National Library of China. Then visit the North Cathedral (Cathedral of Our Saviour) and walk around the hutongs before ending your tour.

If Jet lag bothers you, this interesting early morning tour is a good fit for you. Experience the China's National Flag Raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang), and followed by a easy walk at Qianmen Dashilan Hutong to see the old Beijing neighbor. Get to know the local culture and the people from your friendly private guide.