The day
The Forbidden City rations entry with timed tickets that sell out days ahead — we pre-book yours, so your day starts at Tiananmen Square with everything already arranged. Enter the palace through the Meridian Gate as the morning crowd thins, then work through the great ceremonial halls to the quiet side courtyards most visitors never find.
After lunch in the hutongs, climb Jingshan Hill for the postcard view over the palace’s golden roofs, then wind down with a lakeside walk in Beihai Park and the snack stalls of Wangfujing.
Good to know
Hour by hour
Beat the queues — your driver drops you at the security check for Tiananmen Square.
The world’s largest public square: the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and the flag guard.
Through the Meridian Gate and the three great Halls of Harmony, following the emperors’ ceremonial route north.
The Six Eastern Palaces and the Nine-Dragon Screen — imperial life at human scale, away from the crowds.
Zhajiang noodles or dumplings at a family spot near Nanluoguxiang.
A short climb to the pavilion with THE view: the entire golden-roofed palace laid out below you.
Imperial lake gardens — the White Dagoba, willow banks, and pedal boats in season.
Beijing’s famous shopping street and snack alley for a browse before heading back.
Done — with tomorrow’s plan sketched out with your driver if you like.
This is a private trip — every timing above flexes to your pace, your appetite and your energy.
The fine print
Keep exploring
Tell us your date and hotel — we confirm your driver within hours. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup.