Multidimensional Full-Day Tour of the Inner City

Centered around the Forbidden City, this area was once home to countless influential figures, as well as ordinary commoners and street vendors. Their stories are deeply connected to the imperial court, yet distinctly different. Can you imagine that the most classic court music from 500 years ago is still performed in the eunuch’s private temple? Do you know how many years of study and examinations ancient Chinese scholars had to go through to rise from humble villagers to high-ranking ministers? Join me in this one day tour and immerse yourself in its profound historical heritage and authentic everyday life. As a history enthusiast, I have many moving stories that I’m eager to share with you!

- Departure time: 9:00AM. Meeting point: Chaoyangmen Station Exit H, subway line 6. (Zhihua Temple opens at 9:00 and the court music performance starts at 10:00. ) - Zhihua Temple, the private Buddhist temple of eunuch Wang Zhen, enjoy a rare performance of authentic court music dating back 500 years. - Lunch break. After lunch, I will take a taxi to the next stop. - Explore the Confucian Temple and gain insight into the Imperial Examination system that shaped ancient China’s scholar-official class. - Walking tour through traditional hutongs to discover the authentic everyday life of Beijingers, visit the Drum Tower and Bell Tower (We won’t climb the towers) and wander along Yandai Xie Street. - Conclude our tour around 16:00 at scenic Houhai Lake.