4 Day Discover Beijing E-Bike Tour

Tiananmen Square, located in the heart of Beijing, China, is one of the largest city squares in the world. Its name comes from the Tiananmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace) to its north, which leads to the Forbidden City.

Covering roughly 44 hectares, the square is one of the great open spaces of any world capital, flanked by the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China. Early risers can watch the daily national flag-raising ceremony performed by an honor guard at dawn. For riders on our route, the square is the natural gateway to the Forbidden City, whose entrance lies just beyond the Tiananmen Gate to the north.

The Forbidden City is an expansive imperial palace complex in Beijing, China, that served as the home and political center for Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years. Constructed from 1406 to 1420 by the Ming dynasty, it was the residence of 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Its name comes from the severely restricted access; ordinary people were forbidden to enter. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the world’s largest preserved royal palace complex and houses the Palace Museum. It remains a supreme example of traditional Chinese palatial architecture.

Nanluoguxiang is one of Beijing’s oldest and most vibrant historic alleys, dating back over 700 years to the Yuan Dynasty. Stretching about 800 meters from east to west, this iconic north-south lane is famous for its well-preserved hutong grid and traditional courtyard houses (siheyuan).

Once home to high-ranking officials and literary elites, today it serves as a lively cultural hub where imperial history blends seamlessly with modern creativity. The main alley and its branching hutongs are lined with trendy boutiques, artisanal cafes, craft breweries, and local street food vendors. Despite its popularity among visitors and locals alike, it retains a distinct bohemian charm. Visitors can explore traditional crafts, sample local delicacies like sugar-coated hawthorn skewers, or simply wander the quiet side alleys to experience the authentic rhythm of old Beijing.

Houhai is one of Beijing’s most scenic and vibrant historic districts, centered around a picturesque lake that forms the northernmost part of the city's ancient Shichahai water system. Dating back to the Yuan Dynasty, this historic neighborhood once served as a bustling commercial port and a favored retreat for imperial royals and poets.

Today, Houhai seamlessly blends traditional old Beijing charm with a lively nightlife and leisure scene. Lined with weeping willows and historic courtyard homes (siheyuan), the waterfront area features traditional teahouses, boutique shops, and popular bars and live music venues. Visitors can rent traditional paddle boats or take a leisurely cruise on the lake during warmer months, or experience the atmospheric winter ice rink. By day, it offers a peaceful escape with local residents playing chess and practicing tai chi; by night, it transforms into an energetic cultural hub glowing with colorful lanterns.

Siji Minfu (四季民福) is one of Beijing’s most celebrated and beloved dining institutions, renowned for serving some of the finest Peking duck in the city. Famed for bridging the gap between time-honored imperial traditions and everyday local dining, it has become a must-visit destination for both international travelers and local food connoisseurs.

The restaurant's crown jewel is its signature roast duck, expertly roasted to a golden crisp over fruitwood. Skillfully carved tableside, the duck features shatteringly crisp skin that melts in the mouth—traditionally dipped in fine white sugar—alongside tender, succulent meat to be wrapped in thin wheat pancakes with sweet bean sauce and scallions. Beyond its legendary duck, Siji Minfu excels in classic Beijing comfort foods and appetizers, such as crispy-sweet glazed prawns, savory sliced mutton (Beile roast meat), and silky almond tofu. Combining exceptional culinary craftsmanship, warm hospitality, and often picturesque views near historic landmarks like the Forbidden City, it offers an authentic and unforgettable taste of Beijing's culinary heritage.

Nestled within a historic Beijing siheyuan courtyard near Nanluoguxiang, Hetang Palace (荷唐·殿) is a high-end, boundary-pushing Chinese restaurant that redefines traditional dining. Housed in a former princely mansion setting, the venue blends classical imperial architecture with contemporary elegance, offering an atmosphere of refined tranquility amidst the bustling city.

Helmed by renowned culinary masters, the restaurant proudly defies rigid culinary classifications, specializing in creative, fusion-driven gastronomy. Its signature dish is an innovative take on Beijing roast duck, uniquely marinated in Madeira wine and cold-smoked with aged Pu'er tea, then served over heated sea salt and jasmine-infused wrappers. Other imaginative creations include foie gras roujiamo and artistic, handcrafted dim sum. By merging deep-rooted heritage with playful modern techniques, Hetang Palace delivers a memorable sensory journey that satisfies both purists and adventurous food lovers alike.

The CycleQuest Mentougou Base serves as the ultimate gateway for your Beijing cycling adventure. Strategically located at the foot of the Western Hills, this hub is designed for "Industrial Chic" utility, offering premium bike rentals, professional mechanical support, and a community lounge for riders. From here, you have immediate access to Beijing’s premier climbing routes, including the legendary Miaofeng Mountain, or the scenic Yongding River Greenway. Whether you are picking up high-end gear or fine-tuning your itinerary, the base provides a seamless transition from the city to the mountains, ensuring you start your journey fully equipped and inspired.

The Shuiguan Great Wall is a less-crowded, yet historically significant, section of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, located near the Badaling section in Beijing’s Yanqing District. Its name, "Shuiguan" (Water Pass), derives from its original function as a crucial military pass built across a valley to control water flow and provide strategic defense.

Constructed during the Ming Dynasty, this part of the wall showcases impressive architecture, including beacon towers and battlements, often winding steeply up mountain ridges. It served as a critical defense line protecting the capital from northern invasion.

The Great Wall Ring Trail at Huanghuacheng (环黄花古道) is a premier scenic outdoor route nestled in the rugged mountains of Huairou District, just north of Beijing. Centered around the historic Huanghuacheng and Xishuiyu villages, this ancient trail network traces the historic military pathways and patrol tracks once used by Ming Dynasty garrison soldiers.

The route is celebrated for its dramatic fusion of history and natural beauty, offering hikers and cyclists close-up views of wild, un-restored stone wall remnants, crumbling watchtowers, and the famous "Water Great Wall" where ancient ramparts plunge directly into the clear reservoirs below. Traversing deep wooded valleys, ancient chestnut groves, and sweeping ridge lines, the trail delivers a peaceful yet exhilarating escape from the city. It stands as a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic historical exploration amid breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Toudaoguan (头道关), also known as the Huanghuacheng First Pass, is a strategically vital historical gateway of the Ming Great Wall located in Beijing's Huairou District. Serving as the outermost line of defense in the ancient Huanghuacheng military garrison system, this defensive complex was ingeniously engineered to protect the capital from northern incursions.

The pass is uniquely integrated into the local topography, historically anchoring defense lines that span across rugged mountain ridges and deep river valleys. Today, the site is famously associated with the picturesque Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall (Shuichangcheng), where the construction of a modern reservoir merged with historical geography, placing parts of the defensive walls and surrounding valley structures right at the water's edge. Retaining its rugged, uncommercialized charm, Toudaoguan offers visitors a striking glimpse into ancient military architecture seamlessly harmonized with dramatic mountainous and aquatic landscapes.

Heshi Villa is located in Xishuiyu Village, Jiuduhe Town, Huairou District, Beijing, right next to the famous Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall scenic area.

Nestled between the mountains and the water, the property offers a peaceful and picturesque retreat. It serves as an ideal base for travelers looking to explore the unique "Great Wall in the Water" landscape, hike the ancient trails, take in the surrounding reservoir views, or enjoy a relaxing rural getaway.

Whether you are looking for comfortable accommodations, local farm-to-table dining, or a convenient starting point for your sightseeing adventures, Heshi Villa provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere right at the doorstep of nature.

Established in 1994, Nanmen Shuanrou (originally Hongyuan) is a legendary Beijing dining landmark famous for authentic copper-pot mutton hot pot. Its iconic flagship sits just outside the South Gate of the Temple of Heaven, inspiring its beloved name. The restaurant's special appeal lies in its commitment to time-honored Beijing traditions. It exclusively uses traditional copper pots heated by burning wood charcoal, paired with a simple, clear broth that highlights the exceptional quality of its hand-sliced, premium mutton. The experience is elevated by its legendary proprietary sesame paste dipping sauce, perfectly balanced with fermented bean curd and chive flower paste. Complementing the meal are freshly baked, sesame-topped flatbreads (shaobing). Combining warm hospitality, nostalgic ambiance, and rich culinary heritage, Nanmen Shuanrou remains an essential, deeply authentic taste of old Beijing's vibrant dining culture for locals and visitors alike.

The Qianling Mountain North Gate serves as a scenic entry point to the Qianling Mountain Natural Scenic Area, located in Wangzuo Town, Fengtai District. With an altitude of approximately 400 meters, this area is deeply rooted in local religious history.

The scenic area centers on Buddhist culture and features over 30 historic caves of varying sizes, such as the Guanyin Cave, Jile Cave, and Guan Gong Cave. These ancient grottoes blend elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and folklore. The North Gate offers cyclists and hikers direct access to these cultural relics and the mountain’s natural beauty, providing a refreshing escape into Beijing’s western hills.

Dating back over 1,700 years (founded in 307 AD), Tanzhe Temple is the oldest recorded temple in the Beijing area. A famous proverb states: "First there was Tanzhe Temple, then there was Beijing City.”

Nestled in the Western Hills of Mentougou, its name comes from the Dragon Pool (Tan) and the surrounding Zhe trees. Historically a royal pilgrimage site favored by the Ming and Qing courts, the temple's halls, courtyards and pagodas follow the natural slope of the mountain, and its famous relics include the "Emperor Tree," a massive ginkgo over a millennium old.

Located in the hills near the historic Tanzhe Temple in Beijing's western mountains, the Tanzhe Pagoda Forest is one of the region's largest and most significant collections of ancient funerary stupas.

Spanning multiple dynasties—including well-preserved structures from the Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing periods—the site serves as the final resting place for eminent monks who once served at the temple. The cluster features dozens of pagodas varying widely in architectural style, ranging from multi-eaved brick structures and single-story square pavilions to Tibetan-style Lamaist bottle-shaped stupas.

Tucked away in a tranquil mountain setting, the pagoda forest offers a profound glimpse into centuries of Buddhist funerary traditions, architectural evolution, and the deep-rooted spiritual history of Beijing's oldest temple grounds.

Located in Beijing’s Shijingshan District along the Yongding River, Shougang Park is a world-class urban renewal landmark transformed from a century-old steel mill.

The sprawling park seamlessly blends raw industrial heritage with modern leisure, sports, and technology. Its iconic landscape features preserved blast furnaces, massive cooling towers, and elevated industrial walkways alongside the Big Air Shougang—the world’s first permanent Olympic big air venue.

Today, this dynamic district hosts major international events, immersive sci-fi entertainment hubs, stylish craft breweries, and luxury hospitality like the Shangri-La Hotel. Shougang Park offers a striking cyberpunk aesthetic where Beijing's heavy industrial history meets a futuristic vision of modern lifestyle and culture.

Na Jia Xiao Guan is a celebrated dining destination renowned for its refined, imperial-inspired Beijing cuisine. Blending historical heritage with cozy hospitality, the restaurant captures the essence of traditional Manchu and Qing dynasty court cooking.

The dining spaces are styled with vintage courtyard aesthetics, antique wooden furnishings, and warm lighting, creating an intimate, nostalgic atmosphere. The menu features exquisite heritage dishes masterfully crafted with authentic techniques. Signature highlights include their legendary crispy-skinned imperial roast duck, delicate traditional appetizers, and rich, slow-simmered stews that honor centuries-old culinary traditions.

Whether you are looking to experience authentic royal flavors or enjoy a memorable meal in a charming, culturally rich setting, Na Jia Xiao Guan offers a delightful journey through Beijing's storied culinary past.

Nestled right by the tranquil lakeside within Beijing's iconic Shougang Park, Su Xiao Ya offers a uniquely immersive dining experience with stunning views of the landmark Big Air Shougang.

The restaurant masterfully blends raw industrial aesthetics with modern culinary flair. Surrounded by exposed red brick walls and steel structures that pay homage to the area’s steel-making heritage, it serves as a stylish hub for food lovers. The kitchen specializes in exceptional Beijing roast duck—hailed for its crisp skin and tender, juicy meat—alongside a curated selection of refined Huaiyang and contemporary Chinese delicacies.

Whether you are wrapping up a day of exploring industrial heritage sights or seeking a scenic spot for a relaxed family meal, Su Xiao Ya delivers a memorable blend of local flavors and modern industrial atmosphere.

Prince Kung’s Mansion (Gong Wang Fu) is one of Beijing’s most exquisite and best-preserved imperial estates, offering a rare glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Qing Dynasty elite. Originally built in 1777, it served as the lavish residence of He Shen, a powerful official known for his immense wealth and influence. Later, it was granted to Prince Kung, a pivotal statesman in late imperial China. The mansion is a masterpiece of traditional Chinese architecture, featuring grand courtyards and a stunning 28,000-square-meter garden. Visitors can explore ornate pavilions, serene ponds, and the famous "Fu" (Fortune) stele, which is hidden in a secret cave.

The Yonghe Temple, also known as the Lama Temple, is one of the most significant Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. Originally built as an imperial palace for Prince Yong in 1694, it was later converted into a lamasery during the Qing Dynasty. This breathtaking complex features five main halls adorned with exquisite frescoes and intricate carvings. Its crown jewel is the 18-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha, carved from a single piece of sandalwood, a Guinness World Record holder.

Beijing Confucius Temple, located in the Guozijian area of Dongcheng District, is China’s second-largest temple dedicated to the veneration of the ancient philosopher. Originally built in 1302 during the Yuan Dynasty, it served as the imperial site where emperors and scholars paid homage to Confucius for centuries.

Spanning over 20,000 square meters, the sprawling complex features tranquil courtyards, grand ceremonial halls, and towering cypress trees that exude a solemn, scholarly atmosphere. Visitors can explore the Hall of Great Accomplishment, where sacred sacrificial ceremonies were held, and view the famous Jinshi Tablets, which record the names of more than 50,000 imperial scholars who passed the highest civil service exams.

Preserving a wealth of ancient stone steles, ancient chime bells, and traditional ritual artifacts, the temple offers a profound window into traditional Chinese philosophy, education, and imperial heritage.

Temple of Earth (Ditan Park), located in Beijing's Dongcheng District, is one of the capital's most historically significant and culturally rich imperial altars. Built in 1530 during the Ming Dynasty, it was historically used by emperors to worship the Earth god and pray for bountiful harvests.

Spanning over 40 hectares, the park offers a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling metropolis. It features classical Chinese architecture, traditional pavilions, and lush landscaping centered around the grand Altar of Earth. The grounds are especially renowned for their ancient flora, including centuries-old cypress trees and vibrant Ginkgo avenues that transform into a stunning golden canopy every autumn.

Today, Ditan Park serves as a beloved cultural and recreational hub for locals. Visitors can experience authentic Beijing neighborhood life—from morning tai chi and traditional folk dancing to peaceful walks along its shaded pathways—making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and casual travelers alike.

For a true taste of local life, we visit Xian Lao Man, a celebrated institution famous for serving some of Beijing’s most authentic dumplings. The name literally translates to "fillings are always full," a promise delivered through every handcrafted piece. This restaurant is a favorite among locals for its thin-skinned, juice-filled jiaozi and an extensive menu featuring dozens of unique flavor combinations—from classic pork and fennel to savory vegetarian blends.

Beyond its legendary dumplings, Xian Lao Man offers a variety of "Old Beijing" comfort foods in a bustling, unpretentious atmosphere. It provides the perfect culinary immersion, allowing you to refuel like a local while savoring the rich, hearty flavors that have defined the capital’s food culture for generations.

Nestled in a serene historic courtyard adjacent to the iconic Lama Temple in Beijing, King’s Joy offers an ethereal fine dining experience that redefines plant-based cuisine. Designed by renowned architect Yung Ho Chang, the restaurant seamlessly blends traditional courtyard aesthetics with modern Zen sensibilities, featuring a glass-roofed central atrium, bamboo groves, and ambient live harp performances.

Under the creative direction of Chef Gary Yin, the kitchen utilizes pristine, organic seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms to craft exquisite, health-conscious multi-course menus. Honored as a premier Michelin-starred and Green Star destination, King's Joy champions environmental sustainability, mindful living, and exceptional culinary artistry, making it one of the capital's most prestigious cultural and gastronomic landmarks.