Essence of Beijing

Day 01 (Fri, 17 Apr’26)
Singapore – Beijing
(-/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Grand Hyatt Beijing or similar 

Arriving in Beijing this afternoon, settle in at your hotel before taking an evening stroll along Wangfujing Street, one of the city’s most famous shopping and dining avenues. Lined with bright lights, bustling stores, and inviting food stalls, it is the perfect introduction to Beijing’s vibrant energy, from modern boutiques to traditional snacks that have been enjoyed for generations. 

Day 02 (Sat, 18 Apr’26)
Beijing
(Breakfast/Lunch/-)
Hotel: Grand Hyatt Beijing or similar 

Start your morning at the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its striking circular halls and symbolic architecture. Built in the 15th century, this was where emperors prayed for bountiful harvests, and today, its serene gardens come alive with locals practising tai chi, calligraphy, and traditional music. 

Continue to Qianmen Street, a lively avenue blending Ming and Qing-era facades with modern boutiques, before exploring the charming Dashilan Street, famous for its time-honoured tea houses, silk shops, and Beijing’s oldest pharmacies. 

Next, stand in the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, surrounded by monumental landmarks such as the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China. 

Move on to the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, once home to 24 emperors. Wander through its labyrinth of crimson walls, golden roofs, and opulent halls, uncovering centuries of imperial grandeur in the world’s largest palace complex. 

Day 03 (Sun, 19 Apr’26)
Beijing
(Breakfast/Lunch/-)
Hotel: Grand Hyatt Beijing or similar 

Begin the day at the Summer Palace, a breathtaking lakeside retreat once favoured by Qing emperors. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Chinese garden design, blending nature and imperial elegance. Stroll along its shaded promenades, cross the graceful Seventeen-Arch Bridge, and admire the sweeping views over Kunming Lake. 

Then, explore the Old Summer Palace at Yuanmingyuan. Once a sprawling complex of grand palaces, pavilions, and gardens before its destruction in the 19th century, the evocative ruins and tranquil landscapes hint at the splendour of its past. 

Make a stop at the Beijing Olympic Park, home to iconic modern landmarks such as the Bird’s Nest Stadium and the Water Cube. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the open spaces and admire the striking architecture that captured the world’s attention during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. 

Conclude the day in Sanlitun, one of Beijing’s most fashionable districts. From chic boutiques and designer stores to stylish cafés and bars, this lively area offers the perfect spot to unwind, shop, and soak in the city’s contemporary energy. 

Day 04 (Mon, 20 Apr’26)
Beijing
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Grand Hyatt Beijing or similar 

Venture beyond the city to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China, celebrated for its well-preserved fortifications, fewer crowds, and stunning mountain scenery. Ascend by cable car, gliding over verdant hills to reach the ancient ramparts. Walk along the wall’s winding pathways, exploring centuries-old watchtowers while taking in sweeping panoramic views. For an exhilarating finale, descend via the toboggan, a fun and memorable way to end your Great Wall experience. 

Day 05 (Tue, 21 Apr’26)
Beijing
(Breakfast/Lunch/-)
Hotel: Grand Hyatt Beijing or similar 

Today begins at Yonghe Temple, more popularly known as Lama Temple. Beijing’s most celebrated Tibetan Buddhist monastery, vibrant red-and-gold halls shelter ancient relics and the awe-inspiring 26m Maitreya Buddha, carved from a single sandalwood tree. Wander through incense-filled courtyards that exude serenity and devotion and immerse in the spiritual atmosphere. 

Later, escape into the timeless beauty of Beihai Park, one of the oldest and most well-preserved ancient imperial gardens. Admire its glittering lake, arched stone bridges, ornate pavilions, and the striking White Dagoba, set against willow-fringed shores. 

Move over to Shichahai, a charming historic and scenic district made up of three lakes. Dotted with historical structures, lakeside teahouses, boutique shops, and traditional courtyard homes, it is the perfect place for some quiet exploration. Here, hop on a rickshaw for an authentic ride through the city’s hutongs, where winding alleyways reveal centuries-old architecture, hidden temples, and the daily rhythms of old Beijing life. 

Day 06 (Wed, 22 Apr’26)
Beijing
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Grand Hyatt Beijing or similar  

Journey out to the foot of the Simatai section of the Great Wall of China and discover Gubei Water Town, a beautifully preserved ancient-style village with stone-paved lanes, tranquil canals, and traditional courtyard houses. Stroll along the waterfront, explore quaint shops, and soak in the old-world charm set against a backdrop of rolling hills. 

Afterwards, ascend to the Simatai Great Wall, famed for its rugged beauty and original Ming Dynasty architecture. This section is quieter and more authentic, offering breathtaking views of the wall snaking over steep ridges. 

Day 07 (Thu, 23 Apr’26)
Beijing
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Grand Hyatt Beijing or similar 

Free and easy 

Day 08 (Fri, 24 Apr’26)
Beijing – Singapore
(Breakfast/-/-)  

Flight back to Singapore