Beijing Journey

Can you keep a secret?

Want to know the complete program of "The city of a Thousand Faces" including dates or receive more information or speak informally with one of our travel consultants? Contact us immediately.

Are you really sure you know how much beauty the capital of China holds?

“Hidden Beijing” is a journey of transformation and culture; a journey that is not content with simply the "great classics" like Peking duck or the Great Wall, but will lead you along paths untrodden by mass tourism towards an authentic beauty that will forever mark your heart.

Let's take a look at some of the destinations.

Relaxation and the White Waterfall Temple.

Upon arrival in Beijing, we will go to the hotel to enjoy some relaxation at the spa and a massage, then we will visit the White Waterfall Temple: a Buddhist temple well-known to Master De Santis, located in the village of Yubai, in the city of Yanchi, in the Mentougou district, near Beijing.

The temple was built at the beginning of the Qianshou period of the Liao dynasty (1101 AD) and was originally known as the Zen Temple of the White Waterfall and the Peak of Long Life. During its heyday, the temple was very popular and served as a center for the Huayan method of Buddhism during the Liao and Jin dynasties.

Curiosity: why is the White Waterfall Temple considered an "evil temple"?

Those who say they know the answer, in reality do not know the traditional Taoist culture: the temple is not evil at all; on the contrary, the menacing statues of the Buddha's protector, exceptionally placed even outside the temple (difficult to find in other sacred places), as well as the representations of apparently fierce warriors, serve precisely to keep negative energies away.

Forbidden City.

Also known as the Imperial Palace, the Forbidden City is a palace complex located in the center of Beijing. This imperial city in the middle of the modern city was the main residence of the emperors of China for almost 500 years, from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) to the Qing dynasty (1644-1912). The complex comprises over 9,000 rooms and is considered one of the largest and most important palaces in the world. The Forbidden City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will tell you interesting stories and anecdotes about this structure. 

Tian'anmen Square:

Tian'anmen Square is the largest public square in the world and has been the site of some of the most important events in Chinese history, including the proclamation of the People's Republic of China in 1949. The square is dominated by the Monument to the People's Heroes, a 38-meter-tall obelisk, and the Great Hall of the People, a building where the sessions of the National People's Congress are held.

Definitely a must-see. 

Houhai:

Houhai is one of the many renovated and revalued complexes linked to the ancient tradition. It is a lake located northwest of the Forbidden City, one of the most famous lakes in Beijing and is a popular place for relaxation and entertainment. The lake is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and shops, and it is possible to rent boats to explore its waters, take beautiful walks, and visit the narrow streets with traditional houses called Hutong. There are also 2 beautiful temples to visit in HouHai.

The Hutongs of Houhai:

Hutongs are narrow, winding alleys found in many Chinese cities, and each city has a different style. In Houhai, the hutongs are lined with traditional Chinese houses, courtyards, and shops. They are a great way to experience local life and escape the chaos of the city.

HouHai is a place of relaxation within the great metropolis of Beijing. One moment we are among skyscrapers and the next we can be by the lake among the alleys of HouHai. 

Qianmen:

Qianmen is a historical area located south of Tian'anmen. It was the main gate of the city of Beijing during the Qing dynasty. The area has recently been renovated and is now a popular place for shopping and entertainment. Qianmen is a great place to find souvenirs, taste local cuisine, and see some of the traditional Chinese buildings. In the past, those entering Beijing had to pass through the Qianmen gate, and you can still feel the energy of commerce and the coming and going that could be tasted at the time of the Emperor.

Yonghegong:

Also known as the "Lama Temple" or "Palace of Peace and Harmony", it is a Tibetan Buddhist temple located in the center of Beijing. It was built in 1694 by the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing dynasty as a residence for his fourth son, Prince Yonghe. In 1723, after the death of Prince Yonghe, the temple was converted into a place of Buddhist worship. The temple is famous for its large statue of Maitreya, the Buddha of the future, standing 18 meters tall. The beauty of this temple is that you can see many young people who come to pray and meditate. A fantastic energy that gives inspiration, confidence, and joy.

Nanluoguxiang:

Nanluoguxiang is an ancient hutong. Its history dates back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and it has been an important commercial district for centuries. In recent years, Nanluoguxiang has become a popular place for tourists and locals alike, with a variety of shops, bars, restaurants, and cafes.

A traditional area composed of a long main street full of people where you can stroll and admire the traditional architecture and customs of the local inhabitants.

Wudao Ying:

Wudao Ying is a historical district located in the center of Beijing. It was built during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) as a residence for government officials. The district is famous for its traditional courtyards and its peaceful atmosphere.

Tiantan:

Also known as the Temple of Heaven, Tiantan Park is a magnificent religious complex located in the southern part of Beijing. It’s a place of immense energy, built entirely based on Feng Shui principles. Constructed in 1420 by the Yongle Emperor of the Ming dynasty, it served as a place of worship for Heaven and Earth. The temple is renowned for its imperial architecture and natural beauty.

Within the temple complex, you can find: 

• The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
• The Circular Mound Altar
• The Imperial Vault of Heaven
• The temple gardens

YiHeYuan:

The Summer Palace is a truly unique and extraordinary structure. To construct it, a vast pit was dug to create a lake, and the excavated earth was used to form a hill to shield the concubines from the northern winds.

Built in 1750 during the Qing dynasty, the palace was largely destroyed during the Second Opium War (1856-1860) but was partially rebuilt between 1886 and 1894. It served as a summer residence and recreational retreat for the Qing dynasty emperors.

In 1998, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

YiHeYuan Curiosity:

It's the largest existing imperial garden in China. Three-quarters of its total surface area (2.9 km²) is covered by water, forming the Kunming Lake. Longevity Hill (60 meters) is the highest point in the garden, offering numerous historical buildings and breathtaking views.

The Seventeen-Arch Bridge is an iconic zigzag structure that crosses the Kunming Lake. It's said that the palace has over 3,000 structures, including pavilions, throne halls, gardens, and theaters. It was a place of leisure for the emperors, where they enjoyed activities such as opera, painting, and poetry.

But that's not all! Other places we'll visit include:

Xiangtangshan Grottoes:

The Xiangtangshan Grottoes are the fifth largest grotto complex in China and one of the three main imperial grotto complexes in China.

The grottoes have a 1500-year history and house a vast collection of Buddhist statues, murals, and other works of art. 

Yuanguan Ancient Town:

The ancient hot spring town of Yuanguan near the Western Fortress of Dashen.

And then you'll also see: Yuhuangge-Gulou-Nanansi:

• Jade Emperor Pavilion 
• Drum Tower 
• Nanan Temple
• Jingxian Gate 
• Songjia Village 
• Feihu Valley 
• Shangsu Village

At this point, you'll have a clear idea of what the Beijing area, the capital of China, is all about. History, culture, tradition, modernity, and food.

Want to know the complete program of "The city of a Thousand Faces" including dates or receive more information or speak informally with one of our travel consultants? Contact us immediately.