Top Beijing On the Water

Swap bustling Beijing for two of northern China’s greatest attractions on this private day trip. Visit the underground Dingling Tomb, the mausoleum of 16th-century Emperor Zhu Yijun, and learn about the Ming dynasty’s imperial history. After a Chinese lunch, take a cruise along Longqing Gorge, admiring emerald peaks, cliffs, and blue-green lakes. Entrance fees, boat trip, and private transport included.

The Great Wall at Huanghuacheng is one of the wall’s most beautiful stretches, with ancient ramparts meeting reflecting lakes. It’s hard to reach from Beijing on public transportation, but this tour makes it easy, with round-trip transfers, tickets, and a scenic boat ride, plus an escort on the bus. An early start allows for a generous amount of time discovering the wall and nearby attractions independently.

Make the most of your time and enjoy three experiences in one night, without having to make separate arrangements, on this private guided tour in Beijing. Dine at a local Yunnan restaurant near the Forbidden City, then head to Shicha Lake Park to board your chartered boat. Sip tea and indulge in light snacks while floating along Houhai Lake. Finish the evening with a walk among the unique shops of Yandai Xie Street hutong.

Options for visiting to the Great Wall are often limited: group tours are impersonal while private tour can be pricey. On this small-group tour, capped at nine travelers, you get a personalized experience and a great value, plus you get to visit the Summer Palace as well. Spend a couple of hours hiking on the wall, enjoy a Chinese lunch, drive by the Bird’s Nest Olympic Stadium, then explore the Summer Palace.

Buy your ticket in advance to The Tiananmen tower in Beijing and guarantee your admission on your chosen day and time without the risk of the tickets being sold out.

Royal Canal Cruise: The Empress’s Path Skip Beijing traffic and travel like Qing royalty. Retrace the historic waterway once reserved exclusively for Empress Dowager Cixi. This 35-minute cruise is the most elegant, scenic way to reach the Summer Palace. Highlights Historic Start: Depart from Ziyu Bay Pier in Zizhuyuan Park after a peaceful stroll through bamboo groves. Imperial Scenery: Glide 6.5km along the Changhe River. Pass the iconic Wanshou Temple and listen to royal history via onboard audio. Elite Arrival: Dock at South Ruyi Gate Pier. A short bridge crossing puts you right at the Summer Palace entrance—no transfers or long walks. Why Book This? Beat the Crowds: Avoid subways and road congestion. Living History: Travel the exact route used by emperors for centuries. Pure Scenery: Enjoy willow-lined banks and classical Chinese beauty. Arrive at the Summer Palace refreshed and ready to explore.

When your cruise ship reaches Tianjin cruise port, explore Beijing and the Great Wall of China on this private 2-day shore excursion. With hotel and transportation to the sites included, discover must-see attractions including Tiananmen Square and the UNESCO–listed Forbidden City, and the Mutianyu section of the world-famous Great Wall.

Beijing is one of the largest cities in the world, so it’s no surprise that the Chinese capital can be overwhelming to first-time visitors. This private 3-day combo tour takes all the hassle out of sightseeing, including highlights such as Tian’anmen Square, the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, the traditional Hutong neighborhoods, and the Mutianyu Great Wall. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.