This trip gives visitors a glimpse of Beijing and Baoding, two cities from two 
different eras. China’s current status as an economic and world superpower can truly be felt while walking the streets of Beijing, the country’s capital. Whether you are in the financial district, meandering through the old alleyways, or walking from Tian’anmen Square to the Forbidden City, it’s easy to feel the awesome power that this city exudes. Baoding, on the other hand, is one of China’s many cities with a glorious past that has changed over time. As the former capital of Hebei Province, Baoding (which means, “protecting the capital,” due to its close proximity to Beijing) served as a center of culture in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. A little more than an hour away from Beijing, Baoding provides a great contrast to the current capital.
| Schedule of Activities | Meals Included | Accommodation | Transportation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Beijing. After arriving you’ll check into your hotel in the Hou Hai area, one of the sections of Beijing with old alleyways and neighborhoods still remaining. After touring this area and the Drum/Bell Tower, we’ll have a meal in a nearby restaurant for dinner. | Lunch (depending on flight time) and Dinner | Hotel in Hou Hai Area | Transportation from airport to hotel |
| Day 2 | In the morning we’ll wake up early and visit Beihai Park where you can see locals doing their daily Tai Chi and exercise routines. Afterwards we’ll view Tian’anmen Square, the world’s largest public square. Adjacent to this square is the Forbidden City. In the afternoon, we’ll go to visit the Olympic Park, Bird’s Next and Water Cube. This is a day to see China’s past, present, and future architecture. | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Hotel near Hou Hai | Transportation to Olympic sites and back |
| Day 3 | In the morning we’ll have another early start so that we can have time to visit the Great Wall. We’ll hike the ancient and un-restored Jinshanling and Simatai sections. In the evening we’ll go to a local’s home for a home-cooked meal. | Breakfast, Lunch (picnic on Great Wall), and Dinner (at local’s home) | Hotel near Hou Hai | Transportation from Beijing to Great Wall and back. |
| Day 4 | Today we’ll get out of Beijing to visit Baoding, the former capital of Hebei Province. Known for its large concentration of Catholics, we’ll spend the evening in the local Catholic Church’s dormitory. We’ll visit with the local priest and residents in and near the Cathedral. We’ll also visit the famous Lotus Garden across the street from the cathedral. Although only an hour away from Beijing, Baoding feels like a place a world away. | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (we’ll be sure to eat Baoding’s specialty of donkey meat) | Stay in Catholic Church’s dormitory or in a local’s home | Transportation from Beijing to Baoding |
| Day 5 | After saying our farewells to our now friends in Baoding, we’ll board a train bound for Beijing, arriving in mid afternoon. Upon checking into your hotel, we’ll go and visit Jingshan Park, just behind the Forbidden City. From here you can get a wonderful view of the entire complex. In the evening we’ll host a party in our office with you as the guest of honor. | Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Hotel in Hou Hai | Transportation from Baoding to Beijing |
| Day 6 | The final day of the tour, we’ll accompany you to the airport to return safely home. We hope you have a pleasant journey. | Breakfast | - | Transportation to airport |
Price (2 people): US$ (call or email)
Price includes:
- Transportation to and from airport
- Transportation to sites visited in Beijing
- English speaking guide at all times
- Map of Beijing
- Beijing transportation card
- Transportation to and from Baoding and back to Beijing
- Accommodation in Beijing and Baoding
- Tour of Bell and Drum Tower
- Meals on itinerary (including one homecooked meal)
- Entrance fee to Forbidden City, Bird’s Nest, Water Cube, Beihai and Jingshan Park
- Transportation to Great Wall
- Tickets to Jinshanling and Simatai sections of Great Wall
- Tickets to Baoding Lotus Garden Park
- Farewell Party
Price does not include:
- Insurance
- Tips to China Reflection staff and/or drivers
- Cigarettes and alcohol
- Meals not scheduled on itinerary
- Taxis taken individually
Note that we have a rough schedule listed for this trip. Please keep in mind that China is a large, developing country, and schedules are subject to change. Flexibility is greatly appreciated.