A land of grandiose and deep-rooted traditions

From an epic, cascading stone wall built to ward off Mongol hordes to a chilling and historic city square guarded by one of the most famous leaders of all time, China is full of the recognizable. But with back alley shops full of curious commodities and a strong agricultural tie to the land, this powerhouse country also holds surprises in its narrow streets and epic grasslands. Its breadth of experiences all orbit the capital city of Beijing, where succulent Peking duck is married with traditional tea ceremonies and hoards of bicycles ride alongside tuk-tuk pedicabs.

Plan to Roam

Day 1 - Canada - Beijing

Day 2 - Beijing

Day 3 - Beijing (B/L/D): Tian An Men Square, Forbidden City, Yindian Bridge

Day 4 - Beijing (B/L/D): Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace

Day 5 - Beijing (B/L): Great Wall

Day 6 - Beijing - Chengde (B/L/D): Silk Market, Royal Summer Resort

Day 7 - Chengde - Beijing (B/L/D): Waibamia

Day 8 - Beijing - Tianjin - Beijing (B/L/D): Tianjin Food Street and Culture Street

Day 9 - Depart Beijing (B): Capital Museum

View a more detailed itinerary here

Slumber like a member of the Imperial court

As you're whisked to and fro through Beijing's exquisite cultural landscape, find solace in the fine properties chosen for you to rest your travel-weary bones. Enjoy pristine comfort in contemporary refinement at the Mercure Wanshang Beijing or a similar 4-star hotel. Gather your calm after an exuberant day of touring in the sauna, or keep your blood pumping vigorously with a raucous game of tennis.

Entrancing ancient architecture

Brush your fingers against the relic stone of the inspiring Great Wall, an impressive structure that proudly sports the mantle of being one of the Seven Wonders of the world. Take an aimless wander around the majestic Temple of Heaven, erected during the Ming Dynasty, and gaze upward at its unique blue umbrella roof.  Get lost in the enormous compound of the Forbidden City, which once served as a home to a variety of dramatis personae of Emperors and their massive entourages.

Appease your inner culture hound and epicurean sensibilities

Pass by the Olympic Park and imagine the erupting cheers and hollers that might have sounded from the intricately designed tangle of the Bird's Nest. Stroll through the fervor of Silk Street to pluck golden robes from eager vendors, sample the country's most venerated commodity at a traditional tea house, and experience the unnerving accuracy of traditional Chinese medicine. Taste your way through Tianjin's illustrious Food Street where you can seek out steamed pork buns, barbequed squid, or candied fruit skewers.

B= Breakfast  L=Lunch   D=Dinner