2-Day Beijing Sightseeing Highlights Combo Package with Lunch

Exploring Beijing in just two days? Yes, it’s possible—and surprisingly rewarding—with this 2-Day Beijing Sightseeing Highlights Combo Package. Combining iconic landmarks like Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of China’s capital, all arranged with comfort and convenience. The fact that transport, entrance fees, and even lunch are included makes it a smart choice for first-time visitors eager to maximize their limited time.

What we particularly love is how seamlessly the tour guides you through Beijing’s most significant sites without the stress of planning your own logistics. Plus, the option to skip long queues at popular attractions saves valuable sightseeing time. A minor consideration? The tour can feel quite rushed, especially if you like to linger at each site or read every plaque—one reviewer even mentioned it didn’t leave much room for that.

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free overview of Beijing’s highlights in a short window, particularly first-timers or those with limited days in China’s capital.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Convenience: Entrance fees, transport, and lunch are included, reducing planning stress.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides help deepen your understanding of the sites.
• Efficient Itinerary: Covers major attractions but can feel rushed for some.
• Comfortable Transport: Avoid the hassle of figuring out local transportation; everything is arranged.
• Authentic Experiences: Includes visits to notable landmarks and cultural sites like the Summer Palace and Ming Tombs.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (max 15) ensure more personal attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

A Deep Dive into the 2-Day Beijing Tour Experience

Day 1: From Tiananmen Square to the Summer Palace

Your adventure kicks off bright and early—around 7:00 am—when a guide will pick you up from your hotel. This early start is worthwhile, giving you a full day of sightseeing without feeling rushed. The first stop is Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest city square, filled with history and a sense of grandeur that’s hard to miss. Here, you’ll get a feel for Beijing’s scale and significance, though some travelers note that the visit is quick—about 30 minutes—so don’t expect to soak in every detail.

Next, you walk into the Forbidden City, the massive imperial palace complex that once housed China’s emperors. With an informative guide, you’ll hear stories behind the ornate halls and grand courtyards. An interesting insight from a reviewer is that their guide made the experience engaging, helping to make sense of the sprawling grounds in just 1.5 hours. The inclusion of tickets means no hassle, but some found the limited time a bit rushed for reading plaques or exploring at their own pace.

Moving on, the tour visits the Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO site, known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance. Here, you’ll absorb the peaceful aura of the site, which contrasts with the bustling city. Afterward, a Chinese-style lunch is served—an opportunity to try local cuisine without leaving the group.

The afternoon continues with a visit to the Summer Palace, which many consider a highlight. The gardens and lake provide a tranquil escape with beautiful Qing-style architecture. The boat ride on Kunming Lake is a special feature appreciated by travelers, offering lovely views and a taste of imperial leisure. Be aware that the visit lasts only about an hour, so you might not see everything in detail, but it’s enough to appreciate the grandeur.

Before returning to your hotel, the day finishes with a visit to the Ming Tombs, specifically Changling Tomb, where you can witness majestic architecture and learn about feng shui principles influencing imperial mausoleums. A stop at a jade carving factory is included, giving you a glimpse into China’s craftsmanship and jade culture.

Day 2: Ming Tombs, Great Wall, and Olympic Park

The second day begins with a drive to the Ming Tombs, home to 13 emperors, with the Changling Tomb being the focal point. You’ll enjoy grand grounds and learn about the emperors’ burial traditions. Some reviews mention that the visit is a bit brisk, but the guide’s commentary helps fill in the gaps.

Next, the tour treats you to a sumptuous lunch before heading to the Mutianyu Great Wall. This section of the Wall is less crowded than others, offering a more relaxed experience. You can hike or take the cable car—note that the cable car is not included, so be prepared for an additional cost if you want to ride up. The Wall’s views and ancient stones are as breathtaking as you’d expect, and the tea ceremony afterward provides a calming end to this impressive experience. Expect about 2 hours here, which is enough to enjoy the views without feeling overextended.

Finally, the tour passes by the Olympic Park, where the iconic Bird’s Nest and Water Cube stand as modern symbols of Beijing’s global stature. Although you only see these from the outside, it’s a neat photo opportunity and a chance to reflect on Beijing’s recent history hosting the Olympics.

Practicalities of the Tour

This tour operates rain or shine, so dress accordingly—comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you’ll be on your feet quite a bit. With a maximum group size of 15, it’s a relatively intimate experience, allowing guides to give more personalized insights, which many previous travelers appreciated. The tour starts promptly at 7:00 am, and the guide will confirm your exact pickup time a day prior, so staying flexible with hotel details is wise.

The inclusion of lunch and afternoon tea adds a nice touch, allowing you to sample local flavors without hunting for restaurants. The tour also provides a mobile ticket and pickup/drop-off service, making logistics straightforward, especially if you’re staying in central Beijing.

What Travelers Say

While most reviews rate the experience around 4.5 to 4.6, some mention it being quite rushed—“didn’t have time to read the plaques,” one traveler noted. Guides are often praised for their knowledge, with comments highlighting how the guides made the experience more engaging. The stunning views from the Great Wall and the tranquility of the Summer Palace stand out as major highlights.

The Bottom Line on Value

At $396 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive snapshot of Beijing, especially considering the inclusion of multiple entrance fees, transport, and meals. For first-time visitors with limited time, it cuts down on planning and maximizes sightseeing. While it’s not a laid-back, leisurely exploration—more of a whirlwind—it covers the essentials and leaves you with a solid impression of China’s imperial and modern grandeur.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers eager to see Beijing’s top sights in a condensed schedule, especially those new to the city or with only a few days available. It’s perfect if you value expert-guided commentary and want to avoid the hassle of figuring out transportation or tickets. It’s less ideal if you prefer to linger longer at each site or enjoy a slow pace—be prepared for a full, sometimes hurried, but highly efficient excursion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it easy to start your day without logistical concerns.

How much time do I get at each site?
You’ll spend about 30 minutes at Tiananmen Square, 1.5 hours at the Forbidden City, an hour at the Temple of Heaven, and roughly an hour at the Summer Palace. On Day 2, expect about 1 hour at the Ming Tombs and 2 hours at the Great Wall, plus some external time at the Olympic Park.

Are entrance tickets included?
Yes, all major sites like the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Ming Tombs include admission. This saves you the trouble of queuing or buying tickets on-site.

Can I participate if I have limited mobility?
Most travelers can participate, but be prepared for some walking and uneven surfaces, especially at the Great Wall and Summer Palace.

What about meals?
Lunch and afternoon tea are included—try the Chinese-style dishes and enjoy the tea ceremony after the Great Wall.

Is the group size small?
Yes, a maximum of 15 travelers, which allows for a more intimate experience and better interaction with guides.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day Beijing tour presents a well-rounded and convenient way to see the city’s most famous sites without the stress of logistics or long lines. The included transport, tickets, and meals make it a practical choice for travelers with limited time or those wanting an overview without the hassle of planning every detail. The guides are knowledgeable, and the sites are truly stunning, especially the Great Wall and Summer Palace.

While it’s a busy schedule and some may find it rushed, the value for what’s included is hard to beat. It’s best suited for first-time visitors or those who prefer a guided experience that covers the essentials efficiently. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, hassle-free peek into Beijing’s imperial and modern highlights, this tour makes for a strong choice.

Whether you’re marveling at the grandeur of the Forbidden City or gazing across the ancient stones of the Great Wall, this tour offers a memorable taste of Beijing. Just pack comfortable shoes, keep your camera ready, and prepare to walk through history—even if it’s a bit quickly.