Begin at the Forbidden City, the UNESCO-listed palace complex that served as home to 24 emperors across 500 years. With your English-speaking guide, explore the grand courtyards, throne halls, and the Royal Treasure Museum — a gallery of imperial jewels and artifacts that most visitors overlook.

After your rickshaw ride, sit down for an authentic Beijing roast duck lunch — the city's most famous dish, carved tableside with crispy skin, thin pancakes, and traditional condiments. Once you've eaten, your guide walks you through the charming alleyways around Nanluogu Xiang, a 740-year-old lane lined with courtyard homes, indie craft shops, and local street snacks. A perfect way to end the day with a full stomach and a feel for old Beijing life.