How to Plan Your Private Customized Shopping and City Sightseeing Tour in Beijing

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Beijing, why not combine sightseeing with shopping during a private customized tour? You can explore the top Beijing attractions and visit the best shopping streets at your own pace, all while enjoying the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off and a delicious lunch. In this article, we’ll show you how to plan your private customized shopping and city sightseeing tour in Beijing to make the most of your time in this fascinating city.

Step 1: Choose Your Beijing Attractions

The first step in planning your private customized tour is to decide which Beijing attractions you want to visit. You can choose between top sights like the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) and Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang), or ask your guide for personalized recommendations based on your interests. Be sure to factor in the amount of time you want to spend at each attraction and plan accordingly.

Step 2: Select Your Shopping Destinations

Once you’ve chosen your Beijing attractions, it’s time to plan your shopping itinerary. Beijing has plenty of designer boutiques and souvenir shops, so take time to research the ones that interest you the most. Some popular shopping streets include Wangfujing Street, Qianmen Street, and Hongqiao Market. Your guide can also recommend specialized stores like the Pearl Market or Panjiayuan Antique Market if you’re looking for something specific.

Step 3: Plan Your Lunch

No private customized tour would be complete without a delicious lunch. Fortunately, this tour includes a meal at a local restaurant, so you don’t have to worry about finding a place to eat. Make sure to let your guide know if you have any dietary restrictions or preferences so they can choose a suitable restaurant for you.

Step 4: Book Your Tour

Now that you have your itinerary planned, it’s time to book your tour. You can easily book this private customized shopping and city sightseeing tour online through the Viator website. Hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, bottled water, entrance fees, and gratuities are all included. Remember to choose your pickup location and time when you book your tour.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Tour

On the day of your tour, your guide will pick you up at your hotel at the scheduled time. They will accompany you throughout the day, providing insider knowledge and tips along the way. You can expect a full day of exploring Beijing’s sights and shopping destinations, with plenty of time for photos and souvenirs. At the end of the day, your guide will drop you back at your hotel.

Book Your Tour Now

A private customized shopping and city sightseeing tour in Beijing is a unique way to see the city and experience its culture. By following these simple steps, you can plan a tour that is tailored to your interests and preferences, while enjoying the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and a delicious meal. Book your tour now and get ready to explore the best of Beijing’s attractions and shopping streets. Book the tour here

FAQ about Beijing

Beijing is the capital city of China, and one of the most visited cities in the world. It is a city steeped in history and culture, and offers visitors a wealth of fascinating attractions to explore. In this FAQ, we’ll cover some of the most commonly asked questions about Beijing, including its history, culture, and where to visit.

1. What is the history of Beijing?

Beijing has a rich and ancient history that dates back some 3,000 years. It has been the capital of several Chinese empires, including the Qing, Ming, and Yuan dynasties. It has undergone many changes throughout its history, with significant cultural and political developments taking place over the centuries.

2. What are some of the must-visit attractions in Beijing?

There are many incredible attractions to visit in Beijing, but some of the most popular include:

• The Great Wall of China
• The Forbidden City
• The Temple of Heaven
• The Summer Palace
• The National Museum of China
• The Beijing Zoo

3. What is the food like in Beijing?

Beijing cuisine is a blend of different regional Chinese cuisines, with a focus on bold, hearty flavors. Some of the most famous Beijing dishes include Peking duck, zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste), and jiaozi (dumplings). Street food is also a big part of Beijing’s food culture, and you can find a range of delicious snacks and meals served up by street vendors across the city.

4. How do I get around in Beijing?

Beijing has an extensive public transport system, including a subway, buses, and taxis. The subway system is modern, efficient, and relatively cheap, making it a popular choice for tourists. You can also rent bicycles or take a pedicab to tour around some of the city’s more historic neighborhoods.

5. What is the weather like in Beijing?

Beijing experiences four distinct seasons, with cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers. The best time to visit is in the spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild and comfortable. Just be prepared for crowds during the popular tourist season.

6. Can I get by with English in Beijing?

English is not widely spoken in Beijing, particularly outside of the tourist areas. It is helpful to learn some basic Chinese phrases before you go, or bring a translation app to help you communicate with locals. Many signs and menus may also have English translations, but some may not.

7. What is the currency used in Beijing?

The currency used in Beijing (and throughout China) is the Chinese yuan (CNY), also known as the renminbi. You can exchange currency at banks and currency exchange booths throughout the city, or withdraw cash from ATMs. Major credit cards are also widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

8. Is Beijing safe for tourists?

Beijing is generally a safe city for tourists, with low rates of violent crime. However, tourists should be aware of pickpocketing and other petty thefts, particularly in crowded areas. It is also recommended that you avoid drinking tap water, and stick to bottled water to avoid the risk of illness.

9. What are some cultural customs to be aware of in Beijing?

When visiting Beijing, it’s important to be respectful of local customs and cultures. Some things to be aware of include:

• Removing your shoes before entering someone’s home
• Using both hands to offer or receive something, such as a business card
• Avoiding the number four, which is considered unlucky
• Respecting elders and authority figures

10. What else can I do in Beijing?

Aside from the main tourist attractions, there are plenty of other things to see and do in Beijing. Some additional options include:

• Visiting the 798 Art District for contemporary art galleries and studios
• Exploring the city’s hutongs (narrow alleys) for a glimpse of traditional Chinese life
• Taking a day trip to the nearby Great Wall sections that are less crowded and more authentic such as Jiankou, Jinshanling or Gubeikou.

Beijing is a fascinating and dynamic city that has something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or cuisine, Beijing offers a wealth of incredible experiences that will leave you with memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Beijing

Beijing is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With a rich cultural history, a vibrant nightlife, and plenty of attractions, there is no shortage of things to see and do. Whether you are interested in history, art, or just want to experience the local culture, Beijing has something for everyone.

1. Visit the Great Wall of China

A trip to Beijing would be incomplete without visiting the Great Wall of China. You can reach the Great Wall of China by taking a bus, taxi, or opting for a private tour. It is recommended to visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall which is around 70 kilometers away from Beijing. This section is less crowded than other sections and offers breathtaking scenery.

2. Explore the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, was once the imperial palace of China’s emperors. The palace was home to 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties. You can explore the Forbidden City and learn about Chinese history and culture by walking around the palace complex. There are many guided tours available, or you can opt to explore on your own.

3. Visit the Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings located in southeastern Beijing. The temple was built in the 15th century during the Ming dynasty and was used by emperors for annual ceremonies of prayer to heaven for good harvests. The temple complex consists of several buildings and pavilions, including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Circular Mound Altar.

4. Explore the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a beautiful imperial garden located in Haidian District, northwest of Beijing. This ancient garden was once a summer retreat for emperors and is now a popular tourist attraction. The palace has a vast collection of lakes, buildings, and gardens that you can explore while enjoying the scenic views.

5. Watch a Kung Fu Show

Kung Fu is an ancient Chinese martial art that has become famous all around the world. Watching a Kung Fu show is an exciting way to learn about Chinese culture and history. You can watch Kung Fu performances at the Red Theatre or Beijing Opera House.

6. Try Local Cuisine

Beijing is famous for its delicious food, including Peking duck, Beijing hotpot, and jianbing (Chinese crepes). You can find many local restaurants to try these dishes, including street food vendors or high-end restaurants.

7. Roam Around Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is the largest city square in the world and also the symbolic heart of China. The square is surrounded by many historical sites such as the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China. You can also witness the daily flag raising and lowering ceremony.

8. Watch a Beijing Opera

Beijing Opera is a traditional Chinese theatrical performance that combines singing, music, and acrobatics. It is a unique experience that showcases the art and culture of China. You can watch different Beijing Opera performances at the Beijing Opera House.

9. Visit the Lama Temple

The Lama Temple, also known as the Yonghe Temple, is a Tibetan Buddhist temple located in Beijing. The temple was built in the 17th century and is a popular tourist attraction. You can explore the different halls and buildings of the temple and learn about Tibetan Buddhism.

10. Experience the Nightlife

Beijing has a vibrant nightlife with many bars, pubs, and nightclubs. You can enjoy live music, karaoke, or dance the night away in one of the many clubs. One of the most popular areas for nightlife is Sanlitun, which has many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Book Your Tour Now

Beijing is a fascinating city that has something to offer for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, culture, food, or nightlife, Beijing has it all. The above-listed activities are just a few of the many things you can see and do in Beijing. By exploring Beijing, you can learn about Chinese history and culture while having a fantastic time.