Beijing Highlights - Tian An Men Square and the Forbidden Palace

Serving as the capitals of Ancient China of different dynasties, Beijing and Xian tells of different stories across time. Lying on the eastern end of China Silkroad, Xian is a kaleidoscope of culture and history to some of the most impressive sites of China, while Beijing is known for the best preserved imperial palaces and sections of the Great Wall. Unravel the tales of the two capitals in this week long itinerary.

With a fabulous central Beijing location close to the Forbidden City, The Peninsula Beijing is the place to stay. It has contemporary guest rooms, fantastic facilities, luxury surrounds and exemplary Peninsula service.

Uniquely poised between the Forbidden City and WangFuJing, the Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing offers state-of-the-art accommodation blending China's rich heritage with modernist elements.

Located in the historic centre of Beijing, the Waldorf Astoria provides the perfect fusion of modern luxury and the traditional orient. With a brilliant mix of contemporary art pieces and classic architectural elements the hotel encapsulates Beijing.

Modern and spacious, the Rosewood Beijing is truly an oasis of calm, not your ordinary city hotel. With its sleek design and homely atmosphere, feel instantly welcomed here in the midst of buzzing Beijing.

Sitting approximately 45 minutes from Beijing's city centre, in the small village of Beigou, Brickyard is an extraordinary boutique retreat with just 34 rooms and private houses. It was once a factory producing glazed tiles and is full of character.

Located in the city centre, just a short walk from Wangfujing Street, and very close to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the 389 rooms of Novotel Beijing Peace Hotel are in a prime location for getting to know the city.

Located at the foot of Jingshanling Great Wall, Dhawa Jinshanling is ideal base to explore the world's longest man-made structure without the relative crowd typical of Great Wall areas near Beijing.

A luxurious sanctuary at the heart of bustling Beijing, the Regent Beijing seamlessly blends modern opulence with China’s historic elegance. With a myriad of facilities and a central location, it is the perfect retreat after a day exploring Beijing’s high

With exclusive access to the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Aman Beijing is a unique experience due to its stunning location, traditionally influenced design and unbeatable Aman service.

Visit The Temple of Heaven and The Summer Palace on this full day tour. The Temple of Heaven is one of China's most iconic sacrificial monuments meanwhile The Summer Palace, a World Heritage Site, was built as a luxurious royal garden for royal families.

Get away from the crowds as you trek a remote section of the Great Wall of China with a guide, along crumbling ramparts and past watchtowers with exceptional views over the surrounding rugged countryside.

Discover the enchanting Summer Palace, one of the most well-preserved of palaces in Beijing. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and take a shared boat ride on Kunming Lake.

Enjoy a half day tour of Beijing's most well-known landmarks. Start with a trip to Tian'ammen Square before heading onto The Forbidden City, a former imperial palace which was the residence to twenty-four different Chinese Emperors.

Enjoy a half day tour to The Great Wall of China. This visit will take you to Mutianyu and although further from the city it offers a much more natural Wall experience as it is less visited, enabling one to appreciate the stunning countryside.

Works started on the Great Wall of China as early as 200 B.C and it now stretches from Shanhaiguan by the Yellow Sea to Jiayuguan in the Gobi Desert. Sections of wall have been restored and repaired, offering fantastic walking opportunities.

Tai Chi and Qigong are two fascinating physical exercises which Chinese people often like to practice in preparation for the day ahead. During this short class, understand the history and health benefits of this morning ritual and learn some basic moves.

Today, visit the restored section of the Great Wall - Mutianyu. Take a cable car ride up and go for an easy walk before riding down on a toboggan!

Beijing balances its ancient history with its 21st century lifestyles and this experience is a chance to explore both of these with a visit to the ancient Forbidden City and a chance to meet a local family and join them for lunch in their home.