Beijing in a Day: Olympic Park, Beijing Zoo, Hutong, and More
You will be picked up by your English-speaking guide and air-conditioned coach from the lobby of the hotel where you stay in downtown Beijing between 7:00am-7:30am.
Firstly, visit the Beijing Zoo, other than all the animals you will usually see in a zoo, at here, you can see the cutest pandas. In 1906, during the Qing Dynasty, the Experimental Farm was set up here in order to learn the advanced western farm technology and a zoo was also attached to this Experimental Farm. In 1990, the Panda House was built inside the zoo and open to public in celebration of 11th Asian Game successfully held in Beijing. In 2008, the Panda House was expanded before the Olympic Game opening.
Arrangements will be for you to take pictures at the Bird's nest and water cube. If you are interested in the inner structure of the stadiums, the tour guide will assist you in buying the tickets, and you could enter in the stadiums for a visit yourself.
Continue to visit Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong). Here had once been the residence of the emperor Yong Zheng and his son -the emperor Qian Long. So this place is also called as “Auspicious Land for Hidden Dragon”. Once entering the temple, you will be surrounded by the aromatic smell of incense and the sound of candles fluttering in the breeze.
In the afternoon, you will be arranged to have lunch with locals in a typical Beijing resident's house. Then visit the old Beijing lanes (Hutong) by taking rickshaws. The history of Hutong was even longer than the city of Beijing. Some of the city’s most emblematic spots in the Hutong symbolize Beijing’s long history. As an important part of Beijing's culture, the lifestyle of ordinary Beijing residents are completely reflected here, and you will be able to see it. To understand the hutongs culture and soak up the authentic Beijing atmosphere, there is no better way than riding a traditional rickshaw(gratuities recommended).
After the Hutong, you will be drived to the Jingshan park. It is an former imperial garden, lies to the east of Beihai Park. The mid summit of Jingshan is the highest point in Beijing. Looking from the peak, you are able to get a full and clear view of the Forbidden City.
Finally, stop to take a visit to a Silk Shop to enjoy Chinese Traditional Silk Arts, and you will be transferred back to your hotel in Beijing.