Tour UNESCO Beijing Central Axis by Bike

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. The Yongdingmen Gate, also referred to as Zhengyang Outer Gate signifying "eternal stability," boasts an impressive history. The Yongdingmen Gate Tower, established during the 32nd year of the Jiajing Period in the Ming Dynasty, served as the primary entrance to the outer city of Beijing's ancient city wall. This structure exemplifies grand architectural design and symbolism from the Ming Dynasty era.

   1 h

2. Sanlihe Park is located on the east side of Qianmen Xianyukou Hutong. After passing Qianmen East Street, it starts and goes south along Beiluyuan and Nanluyuan Hutong.There are many koi and pairs of mandarin ducks in the river, and there is a section full of reeds, which is full of wild interest.

   40 min

3. It's about a 15-minute ride from Sanlihe to the Qianmen and Dashilan area. Qianmen Street is one of Beijing's most famous commercial streets, home to many time-honored shops. Stepping into Neiliansheng, you'll find yourself in a traditionally decorated space filled with various styles of cloth shoes. You can watch the masters craft shoes, from material selection and cutting to sole attachment, with each step embodying the artisans' dedication. You can try on shoes yourself and select a pair as a memento. In Dashilan, explore other traditional establishments like Ruifuxiang Silk Store and Zhang Yiyuan Tea House to experience the charm of traditional commercial culture.

   1 h

4. The Beijing Drum Tower, initially constructed in 1272 and later rebuilt in 1420 and 1539, along with the Bell Tower, reconstructed in 1745, served as timekeeping centers in the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The Drum Tower stands at 46.7 meters tall, painted striking red, with a double-eave wooden design and 25 large drums. Complementing this is the grey brick and stone Bell Tower, both integral to Beijing's central axis.

   30 min

5. Shichahai, situated in Beijing's Xicheng District, was historically known by various names such as Bailiantan, Jishuitan, and Haizi before adopting its current name in the Ming Dynasty. It served as a significant dock for the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal during the Yuan Dynasty and marked the endpoint of water transportation. The northern and eastern shores of Houhai Lake are vibrant urban hubs within the city.

   50 min

6. A 20-minute ride from Qianmen leads to Dongjiaomin Lane. This area, once the diplomatic quarter of modern China, preserves many European-style buildings. Walking through Dongjiaomin Lane, you can appreciate the foreign architectural styles and sense the historical changes. The cafes and restaurants along the street add a romantic atmosphere. You can take a break here, enjoy a cup of coffee, and listen to street performers.

   30 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 1 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Beijing

• Its from-price is close to the median of the 3624 experiences we list in Beijing.
• It is shorter than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 1446 of 3624.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Beijing

Beijing, China's capital for centuries, holds imperial palaces, sacred temples and stretches of the Great Wall within reach of its modern boulevards.

At the city's heart, the Forbidden City spreads behind vermilion walls, a labyrinth of halls and courtyards that housed the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Tiananmen Square lies to its south, and the hill of Jingshan Park to its north gives the finest view over its golden roofs. The Temple of Heaven, set in a park where locals practise tai chi and dance, is a masterpiece of imperial design.

Top-ranked sights in Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City (Palace Museum), Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang).

See all 3624 experiences in Beijing