Overview

Climb Jingshan for the iconic Forbidden City rooftop view, then walk Beihai Park and the Shichahai lake hutongs while experiencing tea ceremony and Chinese calligraphy with a local English-speaking guide.

Itinerary

Beijing: Jingshan, Beihai & Shichahai Tea Calligraphy Tour

Half-day private cultural walk through three of Beijing's most beloved imperial-era public spaces. Start at Jingshan Park, the artificial hill built from soil dug to make the Forbidden City moat, where the central Wanchun Pavilion gives you the postcard view of Beijing's central axis and the gold-tiled rooftops below. Cross to Beihai Park, the 1,000-year-old imperial garden with its dramatic White Pagoda. Walk on to Shichahai's hutong lakes — Qianhai, Houhai, Xihai — for the rhythm of old Beijing courtyards, drum tower silhouettes, and willow-lined waterways. Mid-tour, sit down with a Chinese tea master for a 30-min gongfu tea ceremony, then try Chinese calligraphy with a brush and ink. English-speaking guide, all entrance tickets, tea & calligraphy session included.

Meeting & Pickup

Jingshan Park South Gate

📍 44 Jingshanqian St, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100009, CN

What's Included

✓ Included

English-speaking private guide; All entrance tickets (Jingshan, Beihai); Tea ceremony with master (30 min); Calligraphy class with materials; Bottled water

✕ Not included

Hotel pickup/dropoff (meet on site); Lunch and personal expenses; Gratuities; Souvenir purchases

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.

Traveler Reviews

4.9★★★★★Based on 7 reviews

Hugo T.🇮🇪 Ireland★★★★★2024-07

Honestly, I booked with two dishes in mind and left with a longer list. The Forbidden City gave the route a clear sense of place rather than feeling like random snacks.

Aisha A.🇫🇷 France★★★★★2025-04

The Beijing meeting point was simple to find, and the food stops came at a sensible pace. There was time to ask what we were eating rather than just moving to the next plate.

Emma L.🇸🇬 Singapore★★★★★2025-09

A practical note: one Beijing dish was outside my comfort zone, which was half the reason I booked. Asking how locals eat it made the stop much more interesting. My only advice is not to shorten the time at the Forbidden City.

Andreas Y.🇿🇦 South Africa★★★★★2026-02

In hindsight, not every minute was engineered into a “moment.” There was time for coffee, questions and simply watching Beijing go by.

James J.🇧🇷 Brazil★★★★☆2025-11

In short, the guide knew when to explain and when to stop talking. Rare, and appreciated. I would keep the Beijing outline as it was.