7 3-Hour Experiences in Beijing to Build a Day Around

1.3-Hour Private Night Tour: Beijing Foodie Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 53 reviews · from $79Our pick

Spend three hours tasting Beijing street food and regional dishes in Dongsi Hutong and nearby streets. Your private guide arranges stops for lamb skewers, jianbing, sesame cakes, baozi, tanghulu, Yunnan noodles, and more, while explaining local customs. Vegetarian options are available with advance notice.

“This was truly a unique but mot pleasant experience. Jimmy made it a very enjoyable memory.”

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2.3-hour Morning/Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street & Dimsum

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $99

Meet guide Renny near Wanzi Subway Station for a three-hour visit to Maliandao Tea Street. Taste eight teas in two shops, watch a tea ceremony, then eat soup buns, rice rolls, chicken feet, shrimp raviolis, and more.

“Excellent experience with Renny, who was very warm, friendly and helpful. Started at the really vast and interesting "tea city" and had a lovely and peaceful time trying lots of teas in a tea tasting ceremony. Then had some delicious food including pork dumplings and hand pulled noodles. Left very happy and full! Would definitely recommend.”

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3.3-Hour Private Tour: Amazing Beijing City Highlights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $188

Spend three hours with a private English speaking guide at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Guides such as Maggie and Sunflower Li provide strong historical context, while included entry fees and taxi transfers within Beijing’s 4th Ring Road keep the visit simple. Book at least eight days ahead.

“This is such informative trip. We were very lucky to have an experienced guide called Miss Maggie. She had such detailed knowledge from the start to the end of our trip. Would thoroughly recommend.”

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4.Summer Palace 3 Hours Guided Tour with Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4 reviews · 3 hours · from $33Best value

Meet your English-speaking guide at Xiyuan Subway Station and spend three hours exploring the Summer Palace, Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, the painted Long Corridor, and Marble Boat. Guides such as Gary and Yang bring Qing Dynasty stories to life, while your entry ticket is included.

“We had an incredibly special day with Gary on our very first day in Beijing. It was absolutely worth it and even more than we hoped for. Gary is a true fan of history, and you can really feel that in everything he shares. His knowledge goes deep, and he takes the time to explain even the smallest details. We could ask him anything, and every question was met with thoughtful, passionate answers. A perfect way to start our time in Beijing. Highly recommended.”

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5.3-Hour Private Beijing Night Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $159

Begin with hotel pickup inside Beijing’s 4th Ring Road, then ride in a private air-conditioned van to Olympic Park, Tiananmen, the Forbidden City corner tower, CCTV Tower, and Houhai. Your English-speaking guide handles the route while you enjoy night views, hutongs, and Houhai’s bar scene.

“Jessica was amazing. She was knowledgeable and very kind!!!! I definitely recommend this tour guide and the tour.”

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6.3-Hour Private Walking Tour including Monk Blessing Ceremony at Lama Temple

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $85

Start with hotel pickup and head to Lama Temple for a short monk blessing ceremony. Your private guide then leads you to the Temple of Confucius, Imperial College, and Wudaoying Hutong. Tickets are included, but you pay your own taxi or subway fares.

“Lili was very knowledgeable and gave us the best recommendations for food and tea! Highly recommended!”

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7.3-Hour Private Tour: Temple of Heaven and Lama Temple

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $168

Spend three hours with a private English-speaking guide at the Temple of Heaven, Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, Lama Temple, and Wudaoying Hutong. Hotel pickup is offered, taxi fare within Beijing’s Fourth Ring Road is included, and Maggie is a guide worth requesting if available.

“Really good tour! We had the pleasure to have Maggie as our guide and she was super! Amazing person, very kind and knowledgeable about everything. She knows Beijing inside out and went out of her way to show us extra attractions and was always willing to explain further. Ask specifically for Maggie !”

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