CN-PEKBLT37 – Great Wall, Badaling, Ming Tombs (Changling), Sacred Way and Beijing Roast Duck Dinner – Private

Meet your English-speaking guide in the hotel lobby at 8:00 AM to begin your journey to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks: the Badaling Great Wall. As the most famous and well-preserved section of the Wall, Badaling embodies the essence of China’s ancient defense system, with its deep-rooted history, elegant mountain views, and complete military architecture. Hike the ramparts for a heroic, once-in-a-lifetime experience—or take the optional cable car to the highest point for a stunning bird’s-eye panorama of this UNESCO-listed wonder snaking across the ridges.

After your morning adventure, enjoy a delicious local Chinese lunch before heading to the historic Ming Tombs—China’s best-preserved imperial burial complex, with over 500 years of history. You’ll explore the Sacred Way of Changling, the grand ceremonial approach to the largest tomb. Stretching 7.3 kilometers, this awe-inspiring path—built in the early Ming Dynasty and completed in 1540—once featured a sequence of majestic structures: the stone memorial archway, Sankong Bridge, Great Red Gate, Holy Stele Pavilion, stone statues of officials and mythical beasts, Lingxing Gate, and a series of ancient bridges. Though some bridges have weathered time, the core tomb architecture remains remarkably intact.

You’ll then visit Changling itself—the head and largest of the Ming Tombs—built for the Yongle Emperor. Spend approximately 2 hours discovering its solemn grandeur, intricate design, and the legacy of China’s imperial past.

In the evening, return to the city center for a highlight of Beijing cuisine: an authentic Peking Duck dinner. Renowned as “the first dish to taste in China,” this legendary meal has delighted emperors, heads of state, and travelers for centuries. Once a royal delicacy of the Yuan Dynasty (first documented in 1330 by imperial kitchen inspector Hu Sihui), Peking Duck became a national symbol when Premier Zhou Enlai designated it as a signature dish for hosting foreign dignitaries in the 1970s. Savor the crisp, glossy skin and tender meat, wrapped in thin pancakes with hoisin sauce, scallions, and cucumber—a true taste of Beijing’s culinary soul.

At the end of this unforgettable day—spanning ancient fortresses, imperial tombs, and world-famous flavors—you’ll be comfortably transferred back to your respective hotels.