Private Walking Tour: Jingshan Hill, Beihai Park, Old Beijing, Lunch/Dinner

The journey, in full

Jingshan Park Meet your guide in the hotel lobby at your preferred time and begin by climbing Jingshan Hill, the highest point along the central axis of Beijing. Made from soil dug during the building of the moat at the Forbidden City, this artificial hill was located according to the dictates of Feng shui: to protect the imperial palace from the evil wind from the north. Today, the hill is best-known as a place to enjoy outstanding panoramic views over the walled palace and downtown Beijing. Bell and Drum Towers Then walk to the Bell and Drum Towers and head inside to watch a traditional drum-beating ceremony in the Drum Tower. You will also go up the Bell Tower to have a panoramic view of the old Beijing neighborhood, and where the old and modern combines. Yandai Xie Street Continue to walk to Yandaixie Street, one of the oldest streets in Beijing which is named after a store selling giant smoking pipes in the Qing dynasty. Today it is a popular place with locals and tourists full of shops, cafés, restaurants, local snacks, and bars, in reconstructed Ming and Qing dynasty era buildings. Back Lakes (Hou Hai) Walk into the hutongs around Houhai area, one of the two most popular pub streets in Beijing. Admire the traditional buildings lined along the beautiful lake. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, many high-ranking officials and even princes used to live here. Beihai Park and Imperial Cuisine Experience Next, walk to Beihai Park, an imperial garden to the northwest of the Forbidden City. Visit some major sites, such as the White Pagoda, Nine Dragon Screen, and Tuancheng. Savor a delicious meal of imperial-style cuisine at the Beihai Fangshan Restaurant, a famous establishment open since 1925.