Beijing Highlights

The venerated Chinese history has strewn the land of Beijing with sites of cultural and historical interest. Some of them, such as the Great Wall, former Imperial Palace, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and the ruins of Peking Man at Zhoukoudian, are UNESCO-endorsed world cultural heritage sites. Imperial palaces, mansions, gardens and tombs are epitomes of classical Chinese architecture. Among the massive number of ancient buildings that have remained to this day are quite a few Buddhist monasteries, Taoist temples and Catholic churches, such as Yonghegong Lamasery and Big Bell Temple. There are 120 museums, including Museum of Chinese History and China Art Gallery. Over 100 gardens are open to the public. As behooves an international metropolis, Beijing's skyline looks splendid with a jungle of tall buildings in varied and distinct styles.

Tour Operator

All local tours, evening program, and pre- and post-congress tours are operated by Beijing Harmony International Travel Service Ltd. After making reservation, please pay directly to the tour operator. For inquiry and revision, please contact them at:

Beijing Harmony International Travel Service Ltd.
Attention: Ms. Michelle Feng
A702, Nanxincang International Tower
A 22 Dong Si Shi Tiao, Dongcheng District
Beijing 100007, China
Tel: +86-10-5169 0509 / 5169 0016 ext. 136
Fax: +86-10-5169 0221
Mobile: +86 13501124301
E-mail: michelle@h-travel.com

Payment for Local and Pre- and Post-Congress Tours

Payment for all tours should be made to Beijing Harmony International Travel Service Ltd.

• Bank Transfer:
  Name of Account: Beijing Harmony International Travel Service Ltd
  Account number: 800115612108091001
  Name of Bank: Bank of China, Beijing Branch
  Address of Bank: Metro World Center, N0.2, Chaoyangmennei Street, Beijing, China
  SWIFT Code: BKCHCNBJ110
• Credit Card:
  Please download a tour payment form and fax to +86-10-5169 0221.

Local Tours (LT) and Evening Program (EP)

All tours and the evening program start in front of Beijing International Convention Center; please meet with the guide 15 minutes before departure.

The costs for all LT tours include English-speaking tour guides, admissions to the main entrance, air-conditioned coach, and Chinese lunch. These tours will leave at 8:30 am and return approximately at 5:00 pm if traffic is normal.

The costs of the EP program include English-speaking tour guides, admission tickets, and the air-conditioned coach. The coach will leave at 6:00 pm.

The local tours and the evening program are subject to a minimum of ten participants. Insufficient bookings will cause cancellation. If this happens, full refund will be made.

Please download and read the Terms and Conditions for the Local Tours and Evening Program before you make the bookings of local tours and the evening program.

LT1 Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass and Ming Tombs

8:30-17:00, August 10 and 13. Cost: CNY 330

As an emblem of Chinese civilization, a cultural phenomenon of world caliber, and another UNESCO-endorsed world cultural heritage site, the 6350km Great Wall was in China's feudal years a mammoth defense bulwark that serpentines its way across mountains and valleys in the northern part of the country. The Great Wall came under construction in the 7th century BC. But it was Qinshihuang, the founding emperor of the Qin, who brought it to completion. Repeated extensions were done in later dynasties until the Ming. The 600-year-old Badaling Fortification in Yanqing county in northwest Beijing is representative of Ming sections of the Great Wall. The Great Wall looks equally breathtaking at such sections as Jinshanling, Mutianyu and Simatai.

50 kilometers northwest from Beijing lay the Ming Tombs - the general name to the mausoleums of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The mausoleums have been perfectly preserved, as has the necropolis of each of the many emperors. Because of its long history, palatial and integrated architecture, the site has a high cultural and historic value.

LT2 Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven

8:30-17:00, August 11. Cost: CNY 350

Large enough to hold 1 million people, the 440,000-square-metre Tian'anmen Square in the center of Beijing is the world's largest city square. Tian'anmen Gate on the northern edge of the square used to be the front gate of the Ming and Qing Imperial Palace. The rostrum atop the gate, where national leaders review mass rallies or gala celebrations on important occasions, is open to tourists. The night scene of Tian'anmen Square is definitely a MUST for any visitor to Beijing.

The 720,000-square-metre Palace Museum, better known as "Forbidden City", was the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing. Built during the 1406-1420 period, it is the largest royal palatial complex in existence in China; ranging from the majestic to the exquisite, they bear witness to a nation in transition. Other tourist attractions on the premises include a huge stone ramp carved with intricate dragon and cloud patterns, Imperial Garden and Nine-Dragon Screen Wall. An immense trove of cultural artifacts and treasures of various dynasties, some of them on display in the Treasure Hall and the ceramics, painting, bronze ware galleries, are reason enough for UNESCO to adopt the Former Imperial Palace as a world cultural heritage site.

China's largest temple and altar are found in Temple of Heaven, part of a 273 hectare park in Chongwen District today. Built in 1420, it was where Ming and Qing monarchs prayed for good harvests. Major structures are hall of Prayer for good Harvest, Imperial Vault of Heaven, Circular Altar, and Abstinence Palace. UNESCO endorsed Temple of Heaven as a world cultural heritage site in December 1998.

LT3 Summer Palace, Beijing Zoo (giant panda) and Beijing Capital Museum

8:30-17:00, August 12. Cost: CNY 290

The Summer Palace was so named because it served as the summer residence of the imperial households. It consists of the Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake with a total area of 290 hectares. It is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as "An outstanding expression of the creative art of Chinese landscape garden design, incorporating the works of humankind and nature in a harmonious whole."

You will spend a half hour to visit Beijing Zoo to see giant pandas.

Beijing Capital Museum houses 11 exhibition halls displaying ancient Chinese art: bronze statues, jade utensils, ancient calligraphy and paintings, restored old Beijing city views and precious relics of old Beijing operas. Two temporary exhibition halls on the first floor and basement level display artistic and cultural exhibits from around the world. Exhibitions of fine artistic collection include "Exhibition of Ming-Qing Classical Paintings", "Selected works of Ancient Calligraphy", "Selected works of Ancient Buddhist Statues", "Selected works of Ancient Porcelain Art", "Selected works of Bronze Art in the Beijing Area", "Selected works of Ancient Jade Art" and "Selected works of Ancient Stationary and other Study Utensils".

LT4 Chinese Cuisine Learning and 798 Art Zone Cancelled

LT5 Lama Temple and Hutong (Lane) Tour

8:30-17:00, August 15. Cost: CNY 360

The Lama Temple is a magnificent Tibetan Buddhist complex built around 1700. It is one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. There are five main buildings lying on the north-south axis in the temple. The temple is best known for its amazingly tall standing statue of Maitreya Buddha of the Future carved out of a single trunk of white sandalwood tree presented by the Seventh Dalai Lama. It is 26 meters high 18 meters above the ground and 8 meters under the ground and 8 meters in diameter.

The hutong tour is to let you know more about the city. You will visit the backyards of Beijing, on a pedicab, across the small zig-zag lanes in the old residential areas. The tour also includes a visit to the Prince Gong's Mansion and the Drum Tower.

LT6 Great Wall at Simatai

8:30-17:00, August 12 and 14. Cost: CNY 330

The Wall at Simatai is one of the World Cultural Heritage sites and is often described as perilous, dense, diverse, ingenuous, and peculiar, and the best of the Wall. It is one of the few sections to retain the original features of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. 120 kilometers from Beijing, Simatai Great Wall stretches about five kilometers. Recommended especially for those who like nature and hiking.

EP1 Taste Chinese Food and Take Foot Massage

18:00-23:00, August 11 and 13. Cost: CNY 500.

During the gourmet tour, you will have a chance to enjoy a typical carefully prepared Chinese dinner.

After the dinner, you will try the foot massage. Many Chinese believe that health of body comes from health of foot; foot massage is a kind of natural therapy for accelerating metabolism and regulating the body's immune system. Anyway, you will get relaxed after a day's meeting by foot message.

EP2 Taste Beijing Roast Duck and Take Foot Massage

18:00-23:00, August 12 and 14. Cost: CNY 500.

Beijing Roast duck is thought to be one of the most delicious dishes; most visitors coming to Beijing will never forget to have a try. Eating Peking duck is seen to be one of the two things you are absolutely supposed to do while in Beijing - the other is to see the Great Wall. You will taste this dish at one of the two famous roast duck restaurants, Quanjude, which has a history of over one hundred years.

After the dinner, you will try the foot massage. Many Chinese believe that health of body comes from health of foot; foot massage is a kind of natural therapy for accelerating metabolism and regulating the body's immune system. Anyway, you will get relaxed after a day's meeting by foot message.

EP3 Beijing Opera Show

18:00-21:30, August 11 and 13. Cost: CNY 220.

Beijing Opera is a form of traditional Chinese theatre which combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance and acrobatics. It has now become a symbol of Beijing's tradition. The actors and actresses wear elaborate and colorful costumes and use the skills of speech, song, dance, and combat in movements that are symbolic and suggestive. The different colors of painted faces represent different characters and personality.

EP4 Acrobatic Show

18:00-21:30, August 12 and 14. Cost: CNY 190.

Acrobatics is a pearl in the treasure house of the traditional Chinese performing arts. There is little emphasis on set, or music, and no plot. Chinese acrobatics form their unique artistic characteristics: much attention to the training of waist, leg and head feats; stability in dangerous movements, quietness in actions; producing something strange out of something plain; attention to both heavy and light, hard and soft skills; combination of much strength and spry and light somersault skills; and good adaptability. The program usually includes plate-spinning, contortionists, jugglers, bicycles, tight rope walking, and balancing on tubes, etc. Many Chinee acrobatic programs have won awards at international acrobatic competition.

EP5 The Legend of Kungfu - Theatre Show

18:00-21:30, August 13. Cost: CNY 200.

The show tells the story of a young boy, who in order to pursue spiritual and physical harmony, is apprenticed as a monk to learn Kungfu. Along the way he overcomes obstacles, is distracted and tempted, but ultimately achieves the designation of master who will enlighten the younger generations. The show is a combination of Chinese kungfu, acrobatics and dance. The best kungfu practitioners from all over China can be found for this production and it shows on the stage.

EP6 Evening Cruise on Shicha Lake

18:00-21:30, August 14. Cost: CNY 350.

Shisha Lake area is very popular among youngsters in Beijing. There is a blend of the old and modern in the area - arched stone bridges, animal sculptures, and old traditional houses, mingled with various bars, cafes and restaurants. The boat ride will be an unforgetable experience. The banks are lined by brilliant green willows. The view at sunset, when the evening clouds atop the Western Hills become tinged with color, is known as "Gazing at the mountains from the silver ingot." Among the trees on the southern bank are thatched pavilions, windbreaks of pine and flower beds, as well as swings, slides, seesaws and merry-go-rounds. A welcome breeze whispers across the lake, and the ruddy vestiges of sunset linger on roofs and treetops. A low hum emanates from bars on the lakeshore packed with young people chatting, drinking and generally relaxing. Meal will be provided after the boat ride.

Pre- and Post-Congress Tours

The costs for the pre- and post-congress tours include: inter-city air/rail transportation (20 kg luggage allowance), regular Chinese meals as indicated, three-star or four-star hotel accommodation as indicated (with breakfast in hotel), air-conditioned motorcoach, the main entrance tickets, an English-speaking local guide, and an English speaking national escort (except for PT2). They do not include: individual expenses, entrance fees for sites not listed in the program, tips to guides, drivers and porters, charges for excess luggage, and travel insurance. The tour participants are advised to purchase their insurance beforehand and arrange their accommodation before and after the end of the tour.

All the pre- and post-congress tours are subject to a minimum of ten participants. In case of insufficient bookings, either the cost will be raised, or the tour will be cancelled and full refund will be made.

B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner. The itineraries are tentative and are subject to change.

Please download and read the Terms and Conditions for PT1 and the Terms and Conditions for PT2, PT3 and PT4 before you make the bookings of pre- and post-congress tours.

PT1 Shanghai - Suzhou - Hangzhou - Beijing

August 5-9. Cost: Twin Occupancy: CNY 4200; Single Occupancy CNY 4900. Accomodation in Four-Star Hotels.

Wed August 5: Arrival in Shanghai by individual arrangement and transfer to the designated hotel.

Thu August 6 (B, L, D): Visit Shanghai Jiao Tong University for technical exchange, Yuyuan Garden, Town's God Temple, and the Bund.

Fri August 7 (B, L, D): Coach to Suzhou. Visit Humble Administrator's Garden, Garden of Master of the Nets, and the Lingering Garden. Coach to Hangzhou.

Sat August 8 (B, L, D): Visit a Soybean Research Institution, the West Lake and Lingyin Temple

Sun August 9 (B, L): Visit Hupao Spring and China Tea Museum. Air to Beijing. The tour ends.

Download the Itinerary for PT1.

PT2 Beijing - Xian - Beijing

August 16-18. Cost: Twin Occupancy: CNY 4300; Single Occupancy CNY 4650. Accomodation in Four-Star Hotels.

Sun August 16 (L, D): Early flight to Xi'an. Visit ancient city wall, Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi Historical Museum; dinner at a famous local dumpling restaurant and enjoy Tang Dynasty Dancing Show as evening entertainment

Mon August 17 (B, L): Visit Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum and the Grand Mosque. Taste local hot-pot. Return to Beijing by air.

Tue August 18 (B): Tour ends after breakfast.

Download the Itinerary for PT2.

PT3 Beijing - Xian - Luoyang - Zhengzhou - Beijing

August 16-20. Cost: Twin Occupancy: CNY 5100; Single Occupancy CNY 5750. Accomodation in Four-Star Hotels.

Sun August 16 (L, D): Early flight to Xi'an. Visit ancient city wall, Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi Historical Museum; dinner at a famous local dumpling restaurant and enjoy Tang Dynasty Dancing Show as evening entertainment

Mon August 17 (B, L, D): Visit Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum and the Grand Mosque. Taste local hot-pot. Rail to Luoyang (18:48-23:13).

Tue August 18 (B, L, D): Visit White Horse Temple, The Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin Temple. Coach to Zhengzhou

Wed August 19 (B, L): Visit Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences for technical exchange. Return to Beijing by air.

Thu August 20 (B): Tour ends after breakfast.

Download the Itinerary for PT3.

PT4 Beijing - Kiamusze - Harbin - Beijing Cancelled