Day 2: BEIJING – Life of the Emperor

Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City – Temple of Heaven

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world and the geographic center of Beijing, past and present. In the middle of the square stands Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum, facing the Gate of Heavenly Peace.

Then discover the famous Forbidden City. With over 900 halls, it includes 6 major buildings: the Hall of Supreme Harmony where official ceremonies took place, the Hall of Complete Harmony used for banquets, the Palace of Heavenly Purity (the throne room), the Empresses’ residences, the concubines’ quarters (now museums), and the imperial gardens.

Lunch at a local restaurant followed by a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a majestic rotunda with a triple blue-tiled roof. The emperor used to come here twice a year, during solstices, to pray for good harvests.

Return to the hotel. Dinner on your own.

Optional: Circus show