CN-PEKBLT4 – Hutong & Lama Temple, Panda House, Bird’s Nest, WaterCube and Jingshan Park (Private)

Your day begins at 8:00 AM with a warm pickup from your hotel by your local English-speaking tour guide and private driver.

First, step into the heart of old Beijing with a visit to the historic Hutongs. The word “Hutong” comes from Mongolian, meaning “water well,” and refers to the narrow lanes that first appeared during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). At around 9 meters (30 feet) wide, these charming alleyways are now cherished symbols of Beijing’s local life and heritage—making them the perfect introduction to authentic Chinese culture and history.

You’ll then enjoy a special home-hosted Chinese lunch with a local family—an intimate opportunity to experience daily life, flavors, and hospitality in a traditional courtyard home.

After lunch, visit the serene Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple), one of Beijing’s most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, famed for its towering statues, incense-filled halls, and spiritual atmosphere.

Next, head to the Beijing Zoo, home to over 16 exhibition zones—and most famously, the beloved Giant Pandas. The highlight is the Panda Hall, built in 1989 and spanning 2.5 acres (10,000 sq m). Designed to blend beauty and function, its interior mimics a traditional Chinese garden and is uniquely shaped like a Tai Chi diagram, offering both comfort for the pandas and an unforgettable visual experience for visitors.

From there, travel to the iconic National Stadium, affectionately known as the “Bird’s Nest.” Located in the Olympic Green Village in Chaoyang District, this architectural marvel—built for the 2008 Olympics—offers a stunning photo opportunity from its dramatic exterior.

Just across the plaza lies the National Aquatics Center, or “Water Cube.” This groundbreaking structure blends modern engineering with ancient Chinese philosophy: its design reflects the traditional belief in a square Earth and round Heaven, while its cube form echoes classical urban architecture. Co-designed by Chinese and Australian architects, it’s the world’s first building based on the “soap bubble” theory, featuring a futuristic polyhedral steel-framed structure that’s both poetic and innovative.

Your day concludes with a peaceful visit to Jingshan Park, a historic imperial garden overlooking the Forbidden City. The park features five man-made peaks, each crowned with an elegant pavilion once used by officials for leisure and gatherings. These peaks also mark the central historical axis of old Beijing—offering panoramic views and a quiet moment to reflect on the city’s grand past.

At the end of this immersive journey through culture, nature, and architecture, you’ll be comfortably transferred back to your hotel.