The 2008 Olympics and Paralympics will certainly be in the forefront of the news this summer, but the games won’t be the only major attractions worth seeing in Beijing. Long after the Olympic athletes have gone home, the rich and beautiful historic and cultural landmarks throughout the country will remain in tact. You’ll want to plan your time wisely in order to make the most out of your trip to Beijing as possible.

Exploring Beijing with China Highlights

Beijing is a major city, yet has somehow managed to hold onto the historic and cultural allure that so many other tourist attractions seem to lose. China Highlights is a group that puts together tour packages throughout all of the major cities in China.

If you’re only passing through Beijing, a day trip might be in order. Private trips and tours can be arranged for parties of two or more. Each trip includes a private vehicle and a guide who will help you navigate the countryside as you embark towards your intended destinations. Some of the personal trips offered by China Highlights include the following destinations:

• A full day trip to Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven.
• A full day trip to the Summer Place, Lama Temple, and Panda Zoo.
• A half day trip to the Mutianyu Section Great Wall.
• A half day tour of the Hutong

For those able to stay in the area longer, China Highlights offers a number of multiple day packages for groups ranging from 2 to 5 people:

• The 4-day Essence of Beijing Tour will take you past the Mutianyu Great Wall, The Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven, The Summer Palace, the Hall of Clocks and Watches, and many more. The tour includes your hotel stay and meals.
• The 6-day Olympic City Sights Package is designed for those visiting Beijing to see the Olympics. If you book this tour far enough in advance you’re guaranteed the ability to see the city’s culture up-close without having to fight for reservations or tours during what is to be one of the busiest times in history. The tour blends historical sights with a guide who will help you find your way to whichever sporting events you are waiting to see.
• The 5-day Great Wall Hiking Tour is an excellent choice for those visiting for a purely cultural experience. Your tour will take you through the Mutianyu Great Wall, Huangyaguan Great Wall, Jinshanling Great Wall, and more. Experience Beijing on foot with your trust worthy and knowledgeable guide.

Beijing Tours Offered by The China Guide

The China Guide is one of the oldest and most well known travel agencies in China. They are a formal branch of the China International Travel Service and are dedicated to helping visitors have the most pleasant and educational experiences possible.

The China Guide offers a wide variety of packages designed to meet the needs of ever type of traveler. They offer One Day Tours of Beijing for those who have other plans or who are just passing through:

• The Top Four Historic Landmarks tour will take you to the Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven. The tour includes admission to all of the attractions, lunch, and free bottled water.
• The other day tour includes a trip to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, but then detours to the Mutianyi Section of the Great Wall, which is less crowded than other sections. Your lunches will be served in authentic local restaurants that have not been designed to cater to tourists.

If you have more time to spend, you’ll want to consider one of Beijing’s Multi-day tours. Each is designed to show you as many landmarks as possible in the timeframe you have available. Each tour includes a trip to the Great Wall Mutianyu Section.

• 2 Full Days Beijing and Great Wall will take you to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Houhai Lake, the Olympic Venues, Ming Tombs, and a Kungfu show!
• The 3 day tour includes many of the same attractions but at a more relaxed pace. You’ll aos see the district of Qianmen and take a Hutong Tour with a Cycle Rickshaw Ride to Drum Tower.
• A 4-day tour starts out with a Tea Ceremony followed by a trip to the Temple of Heaven, Kungfu Show, Jinshan Park, Tianyi Wholesale Market, Summer Palace, Ming Tombs, the Lama Temple, and more.

Those who are looking to experience the actual culture will be interested in some of the Alternative Beijing tours offered by The China Guide. They include time spent in the parks watching locals practice tai chi, a traditional foot massage at a spa, a tea ceremony, a trip to the Beijing Planning Museum, and a stop at Baiyunguan (the White Cloud Taoist Temple).

Regardless of which way you choose to experience Beijing, you’re guaranteed to have one of the most memorable experiences of your lifetime. For the most up to date information on events and local life in Beijing, visit The Beijinger online. The detailed information they provide is valuable to both visitors and locals alike. Have a great trip!

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