Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Great Wall

 

Enter the gate of heavenly peace to penetrate the secrets of the ancient Chinese emperors of old and discover the forbidden city on this informative full-day tour. Spend some time wandering Tiananmen Square before entering through the great red Tiananmen gate into the Forbidden City. In the afternoon, discover the Great Wall of China, and learn more about the precious pearls and jade so beloved by the emperors. Begin your tour at Tiananmen Square, the gigantic ‘heavenly peace’ square famous for the pro-democracy protests of 1989. Then pass under the imposing Tiananmen Gate from 1415, and enter the Forbidden City. This vast site was the Chinese Imperial Palace for over 500 years. Unesco declared it a World Heritage Site in 1987 and it’s easy to see why. The 980 buildings dating back to 1406 make the Forbidden City the largest collection of ancient wooden structures in the world. Before you catch your breath over a delicious traditional Chinese lunch, take a short tour of a jade carving factory in ChangPing County, an hour outside Beijing. Jade ornaments and jewellery are a quintessentially Chinese gift, so don't forget to pick up some souvenirs. Dine at a traditional Chinese restaurant, and then make your way to the perfectly preserved Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, the greatest marvel of ancient engineering. Built to protect the nascent empire from the warlike intentions of their northerly neighbours, these massive fortifications stretch for thousands of miles across stunning mountain scenery. Climb the mighty stone steps or ascend by cable car, and then stand atop this incredible structure and admire the view. On your way home, you will have a chance to visit a market famous for the beautiful pearls traded there.