Beijing tours

Things to do in Beijing

In Beijing, the pulse of China echoes through ancient alleyways and modern skyscrapers, weaving a tale of past and present. Picture standing in the shadow of the Great Wall, feeling the stories embedded in its stones. Your local guide in Beijing tours is your key to these secrets, offering a gateway to the city's soul. Beyond the gleam of the Forbidden City, your guide takes you to hidden teahouses and bustling markets where locals barter over bright silks and spices. Whether it’s a walking tour through old neighbourhoods or a culinary journey tasting Peking duck and savory dumplings, your guide helps you dive straight into the heart of Beijing. Let your senses lead you in this city of contrasts, where every corner has a new story waiting to unfold. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Beijing. Explore Beijing your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Beijing tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Beijing for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Hike the cedar-lined trails of Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan) to a summit lookout, then wander the Beijing Botanical Garden as your guide points out seasonal blooms and the tropical conservatory. Birders can head to Yeyahu National Wetland Park near Yanqing to spot herons and grebes with a scope, paired with a simple countryside lunch. Day trip tours: Beat the crowds at the Mutianyu Great Wall with a first cable car up, a quiet tower walk, and a toboggan ride down, followed by homestyle lunch in a village courtyard. Or go farther to the wilder Jinshanling section for a ridge hike and photo stops, then visit the Ming Tombs’ Sacred Way on the return. Art and Culture tours: Explore 798 Art District with stops at UCCA and small studios, hearing how artists turned former factory halls into galleries. In the hutongs near Nanluoguxiang, try a hands-on paper-cutting or calligraphy lesson in a courtyard home and finish with a tea tasting on Maliandao Tea Street. The subway network is extensive and reliable, and many tours can be done mostly on foot around stations. For longer distances or a quicker day, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide to arrange private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Beijing inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Embark on a private walking tour to dive deep into Beijing's vibrant life and explore its diverse neighborhoods with a local guide. There's no better way to truly understand a neighborhood than by having someone who knows it well by your side. - Hutong District: Discover Beijing's traditional alleyways where history whispers from every corner. Perfect for cultural tourists and those eager to see the city’s ancient architecture and experience local life. - 798 Art District: This creative hub is where contemporary art thrives. Ideal for art enthusiasts and those looking to engage with Beijing's modern cultural scene. - Sanlitun: Known for its lively nightlife and modern shopping experiences, Sanlitun caters to multi-generational groups seeking a taste of Beijing’s cosmopolitan side. - Qianmen: A historical area offering a blend of traditional shops and modern eateries, perfect for families wanting to explore a mix of old and new. - Wangfujing: One of the most famous shopping streets in Beijing, offering a wide array of local snacks and international brands, appealing to those who enjoy bustling markets and diverse culinary experiences. Day trip ideas from Beijing Base yourself in the capital, then use a day trip tour to reach the Great Wall, old villages, and even a seaside city by fast train, keeping Beijing day trips straightforward and efficient. Mutianyu Great Wall: Walk restored ramparts with forested ridgelines and solid watchtower views, choosing easy stairs or steeper stretches for a bigger workout; your tour can focus on photo stops, a cable car up to save time, or a longer ridge walk for hikers. Gubei Water Town and Simatai: Stroll cobblestone lanes, canals, and courtyard houses before climbing the dramatic Simatai section for cliffside views; this pairing fits you if you like a balance of culture, snacks from street stalls, and a classic Wall ascent in the same day. Ming Tombs and Juyongguan Pass: Follow the Spirit Way lined with carved stone animals, learn about emperors at one of the tomb complexes, then continue to the Wall at Juyongguan for fortress gates and valley scenery; history lovers get clear timelines here with easy walking between key sites. Tianjin by high-speed rail: Ride 30 minutes to a port city with European-style streets along the Hai River, try jianbing and local seafood, and step into modern museums or quiet neighbourhoods; this suits architecture fans and food explorers who want a change of pace from the capital. These tours keep travel times tight while giving you space to focus on walking, photos, and local food without rushing between stops. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Beijing most travellers miss.