Private Layover Tour of Cultural Beijing with Silk Alley Market

Begin your day with a pickup from the baggage claim area of the airport by a private guide. They will be holding a sign with the lead traveler's name printed on it as they await your arrival. Transfer directly to the Yonghe Lama Temple, the the largest lamasery in Beijing built during the Qing Dynasty. Spend time observing the beautiful architecture of over 300 years. Next, walk along the 700 year old east-west Chengxian Street, also known as Guozijian Street, where you will see the Temple of Confucius. It is the second largest temple constructed for Confucius, who is considered the greatest thinker and educator in ancient China.

Continue on your walk until you meet the Drum Tower, initially built in 1272, during the reign of Kublai Khan. On the second floor, there originally were 25 drums composed of one big drum and 24 smaller drums. There is now one big drum that rests in the entire tower that is beaten 4 times a day for 15 minutes at a time. Come the afternoon, walk through the famous Yandai Xiejie, well-known for sellers of long-stemmed pipes and whose shape is very much like a traditional Chinese tobacco pipe. Afterwards, head to the Silver Ingot Bridge, then later the typical hutongs of the Shichahai area. Spend time in the Silk Alley Market and enjoy leisurely shopping before making your return to the airport for your departure flight.