Beijing Central Axis Walking Tour
Explore Beijing's Central Axis, a 7.8 km historic route of vital importance, connecting imperial splendor, traditional life, and modern progress. Join us on a journey through millennia of history, from the heart of the city to its contemporary landmarks.
- Walking route: Tiananmen Square - Forbidden City - Jingshan Park - Shichahai Yandai Xiejie - Bell and Drum Towers
- Time needed: 8 hours
- Walking distance: 8 km (4.97 mi)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Transportation model: from the hotel to the starting point by taxi or subway
- Maximum number for your group: 5 persons
- Transportation model: Taxi or Subway
Price Per Person in US Dollars
Notes: Please contact us if you require a quotation for a group of more than 5 people.
Highlights
- The axis spans over 800 years of history, from the foundations of the Yuan Dynasty to modern landmarks.
- The route includes Tiananmen Gate, the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Drum and Bell Towers, and Nanluoguxiang alley
- Stroll through Yandai Xiejie, also known as Tobacco Pipe Lane, a charming alleyway lined with unique shops, local vendors, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Tour Itinerary
Start your journey through Beijing’s historic central axis at Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and the symbolic heart of the city. Stand before the iconic Tiananmen Gate with its crimson walls and golden eaves and admire the grandeur of the surrounding landmarks, such as the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.
From the Tiananmen Gate, enter the Forbidden City (also known as the Palace Museum) through the Meridian Gate, taking your first step into the imperial world of China’s Ming and Qing dynasties. Walk north along the palace’s central axis, passing ceremonial halls such as the Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Dian), where emperors once held coronations, and the Hall of Central Harmony (Zhonghe Dian), where rulers would rest before important rituals.
Continue through the Hall of Preserving Harmony (Baohe Dian) and into the Inner Court, home to the imperial family, featuring the Palace of Heavenly Purity (Qianqing Gong) and the Hall of Union (Jiaotai Dian).
Exit the Forbidden City via the Gate of Divine Might (Shenwu Men), then cross Jingshan Front Street and climb up to Jingshan Park. Ascend to the Wanchun Pavilion at the park’s peak, the highest point on the central axis, to enjoy a panoramic view of the golden rooftops of the Forbidden City stretching south, with Tiananmen Square visible in the distance. This vantage point reveals the symmetry and grandeur of the axis, a masterpiece of ancient urban planning.
Treat your taste buds to a genuine slice of Beijing's culinary, where every mouthful tells the story of a tradition that spans from imperial kitchens to hutong hearths.
After Lunch, continue the trip to the Drum Tower (Gulou). Climb its wooden stairs to see the massive drum that once marked the hours and listen to the rhythmic beats echoing through the surrounding hutongs.
Next to the Shichahai street is one of the oldest and most popular Hutongs in Beijing. It covers an area of 147 hectares and has a history dating back to the Jin Dynasty as indicated by the engraving on the walls of the Hutong and the Siheyuan courtyard houses.
Continue the walk to Yandaixiejie Hutongs, where visitors can explore quaint shops selling traditional handicrafts, tea houses, and various local delicacies.
What's Included
- Entrance fees.
- Meals are listed in the itinerary.
- Public transport by Taxi or Subway
- Private English-speaking guide.
- Service Charge & Taxes.
Important Info
- Operates: Tuesday to Sunday
- Departure point: Hotel in Beijing
- Return details: returns to the original departure point
- Guide languages: English
- The price of this tour will rise during the China National Day holiday (September 30th to October 7th) and the Chinese New Year holiday.
Good to Know
- This is a private Guided tour. The local private English-speaking guide will serve your group only.
- You will receive a confirmation letter within 24 hours of making your payment.
- Your guide will contact you in the evening (approximately 18:00) to confirm the exact meeting time, as per your preference. If you miss the phone call, they will send you a brief message.
- Your guide will meet you in your hotel lobby on the tour date at the appointed time.
- The meal (if included) is served at a Chinese restaurant, and your guide will assist you in ordering dishes to suit your taste.
- There is absolutely no forced shopping.