CN-PEKBLT23 – Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven Full Day Tour (Private)

Your day begins with a hotel pickup between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM by your local English-speaking tour guide and private driver.

First, step into the legendary Forbidden City—the imperial heart of China for over 500 years. Designed as the center of ancient Beijing, it lies within the Imperial City, which itself is enclosed by the historic Inner City, with the Outer City stretching to the south. The entire layout follows Beijing’s sacred central north–south axis—tilted just over two degrees—which extends from the Bell and Drum Towers in the north, through Jingshan Hill, across the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Gate, all the way to Tiananmen Square and Yongdingmen in the south.

Traditionally divided into two realms, the Outer Court (southern section) hosted grand ceremonies in majestic halls, while the Inner Court (northern section) served as the private residence of the Emperor and his family—and the nerve center for daily governance. The most important structures, including the Hall of Supreme Harmony, align precisely along the central axis, reflecting the cosmic order of imperial China.

After your morning immersion in imperial grandeur, enjoy a delicious authentic Chinese lunch at a beautiful local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the awe-inspiring Temple of Heaven—a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated as “a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design” that embodies China’s ancient cosmology. Here, the Emperor, revered as the Son of Heaven, performed sacred rituals to maintain harmony between heaven and earth—most importantly, prayers for bountiful harvests.

Twice a year—especially at the winter solstice—the Emperor and his entire court would process in solemn silence from the Forbidden City to encamp within this sacred complex, wearing ritual robes and abstaining from meat. Ordinary citizens were forbidden from witnessing the ceremony. At its climax, the Emperor would ascend the Earthly Mount to offer prayers directly to Heaven. It was believed that even the smallest mistake could bring disaster to the nation for the entire year.

Your guide will reveal the profound symbolism throughout the site: the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is supported by four dragon pillars (one for each season), twelve inner pillars representing the lunar months, and twelve outer pillars symbolizing the traditional two-hour divisions of the day. Just east of the hall, the Seven-Star Stone Group honors the seven sacred peaks of Taishan Mountain, a classical center of Heaven worship.

At the end of this deeply enriching journey through imperial power and spiritual ritual, you’ll be comfortably transferred back to your respective hotels—carrying with you a profound appreciation for China’s enduring cultural legacy.