Your tour guide will meet you at exit of the airport with the welcoming board on which your name will be written at 08:30 a.m.. Then, we will transfer to the Ming Tombs by private transportation for 1.5 hours and start the layover tour. The Ming Tombs are a must-see for history buffs. A series of temple-like structures and burial mounds, the Ming Tombs contain the remains of 13 of the 16 emperors who ruled China during the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644). Of the 13 tombs, three are open to the public and accessible via a statue-lined path called the Sacred Way, where the carvings of mythical animals and legendary figures are believed to ward off evil spirits. The Ming Tombs Museum sits just behind the ticket office and offers a short introduction to each of the 13 entombed emperors. According to your preference, your guide will recommend a place to eat, which could be a small local eatery or elegant cuisine restaurant. After lunch, we will drive back to Beijing downtown and visit Summer Palace and Jingshan Park.

The Summer Palace is the largest and best-preserved of the surviving imperial garden, rich in history and culture. Once a summer retreat for emperors, this 716-acre park is still a retreat for tourist, who can relax here or stroll around ancient pavilions, mansions, temples, bridges and huge lake, stopping occasionally at a shop or tea-house. Much-loved summer retreat of the Imperial families, the lovely landscaped gardens, halls, pavilions and corridors are set around the lake and rivers in natural harmony. Long Corridor at the Summer Palace The paths beside the lake lead you under shady trees, or along the roofed colonnade known as the Long Corridor, with its magnificently painted ceilings. Bridges, boats, willows, lotus flowers, and other attractive landscaping make this a pleasant place to soak up the atmosphere and in the views. Then, we will pass by Niaochao National Stadium and stop to take some pictures.

The Beijing National Stadium, more commonly referred to as the Bird’s Nest, was built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games at a cost of $423 million. Since the Olympics and all its fanfare, the stadium has become a major landmark and tourist attraction, as well as a venue for both international and domestic sporting competitions. Though relatively new to the Beijing landscape, the National Stadium has become a must-see attraction. Then, we will transfer to Jingshan Park and enjoy panoramic view of Forbidden City from Jingshan.

Jingshan Park is superbly landscaped with hills to ascend by steps, clear lakes and dignified ancient buildings. It used to be one of the ancient imperial gardens in Beijing, and now has developed as a peaceful public park. Vigorous cypresses are planted widely in the park, creating a quiet and solemn atmosphere with the golden-glazed ancient pavilions. Because of close to north of the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park is the best place for a bird's eye view of the Forbidden City and central Beijing. At dusk, the Forbidden City is particularly beautiful, palace eaves decorated with golden rays of the setting sun. Afterwards, enjoy comfortable transfer back to Beijing Capital International Airport to catch your flight or your hotel. Wrap your memories and say good-bye.