For a good part of the last three decades, world headlines clamoured to announce emphatically that the sleeping dragon is awakening but now that we are firmly in the 21st century, predictions are pointing to a realised fact. The Chinese nation and its capital have finally awakened and it is no first-time novice caught in the headlights in the middle of all these rise and fall. Coveted and fought over by warring dynasties over a full millennium, Beijing was (and still is) a noble capital with a stunning wealth of gold, treasures, knowledge, philosophies, elegance and self-worth. No matter the soaring skyscrapers of its current reincarnation or the supreme relics of its imperial eras, Beijingers seem to place more pride in their premier birthright than any derived prowess gained from economic development. While the capital is leading the nation with its celebration of modern revelries, self-assuredly it is also brewing with a revival of all that was glorious when it was the world’s superpower the first time round. For a understanding of the Beijing psyche both of the 21st century and its majestic past, join Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours on your very own customised Beijing and China tour package and come to face to face with this dragon of a city.
Tombs of the emperors To get an insight into the legacies of the imperial Ming Dynasty that reigned largely from Beijing, a visit to the Ming Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most impressive way to do so. In a divinely selected site backed by Chinese fengshui (geomancy) traditions, the sprawling necropolis is surrounded by mountains on three sides with a river streaming through. Visitors enter via the Sacred Way, an avenue lined with massive human and mythological sculptures, connoting the ancient Chinese belief that emperors (sons of heaven) descended from heaven and have returned through this divine walkway upon death. While the entire site is enormous, Changling, the final resting place of Emperor Yongle is the most lavish with a breathtaking interior complete with marbles and cedar wood columns. Another worthy highlight is to go underground at Dingling to experience the size and form of the dynasty’s royal funerary traditions.
In search of the ultimate Peking duck To many, Peking duck is a familiar dish that appears regularly on Chinese restaurant menus worldwide in their different renditions but nothing beats hunting down the best bird in its original birthplace of Beijing. Watching the chef carve the roasted piece of goodness right in front of you with swift, delicate and measured knife strokes into slivers of crispy skin glistening against tender meat is a treat to all your senses. And finally when you savour the chewy crepe all in one bite, complete with sweet and savoury hoisin sauce and the fresh sharp note of scallions, there’s no wonder why this ranks amongst the most eminent dishes of traditional Chinese cuisine. There are numerous top specialty restaurants that serve this plateful of goodness but the longstanding and immensely popular Quanjude is a respected stalwart of all that is amazing about this classic and irresistible dish.
Bygone luxury Treat yourself to the ultimate experience in true splendour with a stay in the hallowed environs of Aman Summer Palace. Located just a few steps away from the vast Summer Palace grounds, this ultra-posh abode offers a selection of polished rooms surrounded by tranquil courtyards and dressed in ornate regalia reminiscent of the Ming Dynasty. In fact, some of these rooms and courtyards were once used by noble visitors awaiting an audience with the Empress so it really can’t feel any more royal than that. Privileged guests even have their own back door entrance to the Summer Palace where the sound of the daily Chinese opera recital each morning wafts over the walls while you have your breakfast right beside the royal garden. This dignified resort with a unique setting offers luxury of a bygone era and will instantly transport you straight back into the heyday of the Chinese empire.
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For an in-depth exploration into the complexities and intrigues of China’s capital, let Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours help you customise a Beijing and China tour package according to your preferences in which you will be able to indulge fully in both the imperial delights and modern charms of beguiling Beijing. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg for more information.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Dinner
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, head to Gubei Water Town. The scenic area is built on the former 5 sub-natural villages of Simatai Village. Thereafter, check in to Gubei Zhi Guang Hotspring Hotel, where you can immerse in an array of hot spring facilities.
Gubei Water Town
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
After breakfast, explore the ancient town and experience local customs as well as savour some local delicacies. In the afternoon, head to Jinshanling Great Wall. Ascend the Great Wall, which stretches across the land of northern China with an astonishing length of 6,100 kilometres. Then return to Beijing.
Jinshanling Great Wall
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today, embark on a full-day tour in Beijing. Pay a visit to Forbidden City and pass by Royal Palace and the royal residential area. Also, cross Wumen Gate and explore Taihe Palace, Zhonghe Palace and Baohe Palace, where emperors dealt with political affairs and held ceremonies. Other palaces you will see are Qinyang Palace as well as Chu Xiu Palace, where the concubines lived. Thereafter, head to Tiananmen Square and Heping Guoju. Next, visit Yan Dai Xie Street and experience the hutong culture before heading to Beijing’s famous Shichahai Bar Street.
Forbidden City
Breakfast/Lunch
This morning, visit Phoenix International Media Centre. The design of this building is inspired by the ecological function of a shell. In the afternoon, proceed to Summer Palace, the former royal garden and grand imperial palace of the Qing dynasty.
Summer Palace
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Today, visit Temple Of Heaven. Neither a single nail nor hammer was used in the building of this large complex of ancient sacrificial buildings. It is made up of wooden structures and formerly served as an important altar, where Qing and Ming emperors prayed for fair weather and good harvest. Then, tour the Echo Wall, also known as the outer wall of the imperial dome where emperors’ sacrifices were held. This afternoon, head to Taikoo Li Sanlitun and make a stop at Xiushui Street for shopping. This evening, enjoy a “Jinmian Huangchao” performance.
Temple of Heaven
Breakfast
After breakfast, spend some time at leisure before you transfer to the airport for your flight home.