1-Day Beijing Subway Tour: Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, and Hong Qiao Market
Prepare for an insightful full-day excursion in Beijing with a professionally guided tour to the distinguished Temple of Heaven, the revered Lama Temple, and the bustling Hong Qiao Market (Pearl Market). Your adventure commences with a convenient hotel pick-up by our experienced tour guide.
Tour Duration: Maximum 8 hours
Price Per Person in US Dollars
- 1. Book now and benefit from our free cancellation policy: receive a full refund if you cancel up to three days before the experience starts (local time).
- 2. You will receive your booking confirmation email within 24 hours of us receiving your payment.
Highlights
- Enjoy the company of a knowledgeable and experienced tour guide throughout the day!
- Immerse yourself in the local lifestyle by using the Beijing subway system — a unique and authentic way to travel around the city and experience daily life like a local.
- Discover the bustling market scene at Hong Qiao Market, where you can shop for affordable electronics and traditional souvenirs.
Tour Itinerary
Meet your guide in the morning at your hotel lobby, the walk to the closest subway station to the Temple of Heaven.
Experience the profound historical legacy at the Temple of Heaven, a place of great reverence where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties conducted rituals to ensure prosperous harvests. Delve into the intricate architectural wonders and soak in the spiritual ambiance of this esteemed destination.
Getting to the Temple of Heaven by Subway
Take Line 5 of the Beijing subway to Tiantan Dongmen Station. Exit A1 (Northwest Exit) leads directly to the East Gate of Tiantan Park, which is about a 5-minute walk away. The approximate cost is 3–6 CNY, depending on your departure point..
Then, take subway Line 5 to Lama Temple, which is the largest and most famous Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet.
Travel by Subway
If you are near the east gate of the Temple of Heaven, enter the subway station via the A1 exit at Tiantan Dongmen Station and board a train heading for Tiantongyuan North. Get off at Yonghegong Station. The total trip takes about 25 minutes and passes through seven stations.
After exiting the train, you can reach the Lama Temple by walking approximately 133 metres.
Have lunch in a local restaurant near Lama Temple and try Beijing-style snacks. Your knowledgeable guide will take you to a nearby restaurant offering authentic Chinese cuisine. Enjoy the rich flavors and lively atmosphere of Beijing while relishing a delicious meal.
After a lunch near the Lama Temple, your next stop, Hongqiao Market, is just a subway ride away.
What to Buy in the Hongqiao Airport
- Pearls: Find a stunning collection of freshwater and cultured pearls in different colors and sizes.
- Jewelry: Explore a wide range of traditional and modern jewelry pieces such as necklaces, rings, and bracelets.
- Electronics: Discover affordable electronic gadgets like portable CD players, cameras, and accessories.
- Silk items: Browse through silk scarves, clothing, and other silk products known for their quality.
- Souvenirs: Pick up traditional Chinese handicrafts, trinkets, and unique gifts.
Getting there by Subway from Lama Temple
- Exit the Lama Temple area and head towards Yonghegong Station, as it is a major subway interchange for Lines 2 and 5.
- Board Line 5 heading towards Songjiazhuang at Yonghegong Station.
- Alight at Tiantan Dongmen Station after passing 8 stations and use exit B at Tiantan Dongmen Station, where Hongqiao Market is within a 5 to 10-minute walk.
Hongqiao Market
Depending on your schedule, you can either return to your hotel by subway or end the tour at the site.
What's Included
- Entrance fees
- Lunch
- Subway transfers
- Private English-speaking guide
- Service charge & taxes
Important Info
- Operates: This tour is not available on Mondays due to the closure of key attractions like the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace on that day. Visitors planning to take this tour should consider alternative days to ensure they can fully experience these.
- 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 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 (Your guide will call you at around 18:00. If you missed your guide’s phone call, he or she will send you a short message) before your tour and confirm the exact pick-up time according to your preference.
- Your guide will pick you up in your hotel lobby on the tour date at the appointed time.
- The meal (if included) is in a Chinese restaurant, and your guide will help you order the dishes according to your taste.
- There is absolutely no forced shopping.