6 3-Hour Experiences in Beijing to Book Before You Fly

1.3-Hour Private Night Tour: Beijing Foodie Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · from $79Our pick

Follow a local guide through Dongsi Hutong and nearby food streets for a three-hour private evening tasting. Expect lamb kebabs, Beijing snacks, savory pancakes, Yunnan rice noodles, and plenty of cultural context. Guides have included Lucy, Kevin, Miko, and Roy. Hotel-lobby pickup is offered, but transport costs may be extra.

“Fantastic sampling of many classic Chinese dishes! Our guide, Miko, taught us about the history of Beijing and the proper way to eat each unique dish. Good vegetarian options! Hotel pickup was convenient. Great option for first timers in mainland China!”

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2.3-hour Morning/Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street & Dimsum

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $99

Meet your guide near Wanzi Station on Line 7 for a three-hour visit to Maliandao Tea Street. Sample eight teas at two shops, take part in a tea ceremony, then eat dimsum such as soup buns, vermicelli rolls, chicken feet, shrimp ravioli, and spring rolls. Morning and afternoon departures are offered; a guide named Renny has led the tour.

“Excellent experience with Renny, who was very warm, friendly and helpful. Started at the really vast and interesting "tea city" and had a lovely and peaceful time trying lots of teas in a tea tasting ceremony. Then had some delicious food including pork dumplings and hand pulled noodles. Left very happy and full! Would definitely recommend.”

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3.3-Hour Private Tour: Amazing Beijing City Highlights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $188

Spend about three hours with a private English-speaking guide at Tiananmen Square and inside the Forbidden City. Your guide meets you at your hotel, and taxi fares within Beijing’s 4th Ring Road and entrance fees are included. Guides Maggie and Sunflower Li have been singled out for their thoughtful, informative approach, though a specific guide is not guaranteed.

“Maggie the guide was wonderful . She was thoughtful, insightful , very knowledgable and very helpful throughout . It was a hot day and the your was a little long for our 6 year old, but Maggie made is as comfortable as possible . Recommend 100%”

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4.Summer Palace 3 Hours Guided Tour with Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4 reviews · 3 hours · from $33Best value

Meet an English-speaking guide at Xiyuan Station for a three-hour walk through the Summer Palace. See the Long Corridor’s 14,000 paintings, the Marble Boat and the grounds around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. Gary and Yang are among the guides who have led the tour, though your guide may vary. Entry is included; a boat ride is not.

“We had an incredibly special day with Gary on our very first day in Beijing. It was absolutely worth it and even more than we hoped for. Gary is a true fan of history, and you can really feel that in everything he shares. His knowledge goes deep, and he takes the time to explain even the smallest details. We could ask him anything, and every question was met with thoughtful, passionate answers. A perfect way to start our time in Beijing. Highly recommended.”

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5.3-Hour Private Beijing Night Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $159

Ride in a private, air-conditioned van from your hotel to Beijing’s illuminated Olympic Park, then pass Tiananmen Square, the National Centre for the Performing Arts and the CCTV building. Stop at a Forbidden City corner tower and spend about an hour around Houhai’s hutongs and bars. Jessica has been praised for her kindness, though your guide is not guaranteed to be the same.

“Jessica was amazing. She was knowledgeable and very kind!!!! I definitely recommend this tour guide and the tour.”

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6.3-Hour Private Walking Tour including Monk Blessing Ceremony at Lama Temple

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $85

This private Beijing walk pairs the Lama Temple and its optional monk blessing ceremony with the Temple of Confucius, Imperial College, and Wudaoying Hutong. Your guide meets you at your hotel, then you travel to the first stop by taxi or subway at your own cost. Admission is included; food and transport are not.

“Lili was very knowledgeable and gave us the best recommendations for food and tea! Highly recommended!”

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