Follow the Torch to Viator.com for Winning Activities in Beijing

“One World, One Dream” – the official slogan of the Olympic Games being hosted in Beijing in August 2008 – speaks of the unity underlying the historic games. It is also reflective of Viator’s own vision of helping travelers learn more about their destinations while creating unforgettable experiences every time they travel.

Travel expert Rod Cuthbert, Viator.com founder and chairman, recommends a trip to Beijing this year, commenting the city is “one of those large-scale destinations where everything is worth seeing,” from the Great Wall to the locals who take their birds for walks (in their cages). (Photos: Beijing & the Great Wall on Viator’s Flickr site.) The unique culture and language make it even more important to work with a reputable and knowledgeable local operator while traveling in China.  Viator.com has a selection of pre-screened activities that provide the perfect introduction to the city playing host to this year’s Olympians (examples below) as well as experiences in other popular destinations in China including Shanghai, Xian and Guilin.

More information: Beijing tours & things to do; China: Tours, Sightseeing and Things to Do
Viator blog entry: Beijing Tours and Day Trips

• Great Wall at Badaling and Ming Tombs Full Day Tour from Beijing – This 8-hour tour (from $55) combines a visit to the  Great Wall of China at the Badaling section (including an opportunity to climb the famed wall), with a visit to the sacred Ming Tombs, burial ground to 13 of 16 Ming emperors.  Lunch is included along with shopping at the renowned Longdi Jade Factory.
• Classic Beijing - Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven Explore Beijing during this 9-hour tour (from $61) that starts off at Tian’anmen Square and moves onto the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven (China’s largest temple and altar complex), before concluding at the Summer Palace and surrounding park.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         Historic Beijing I - Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple Of Heaven – Begin this 7-hour tour (from $49) exploring Tian’anmen Square and the cultural revolution of Chairman Mao Zedong. Continue to the Forbidden City and learn about the history of every Chinese dynasty and after lunch, visit the Temple Of Heaven, which dates back to the 15th century.<!--[endif]-->

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         Historic Beijing II - Summer Palace, Lama Temple Panda Garden – Part two of the Historic Series, this 7-hour tour (from $45) begins at Yonghe Lamasery, a sacred temple, with an impressive 60-foot Maitreya Buddha. Visit the Beijing zoo and its frolicking pandas, the Emperors retreat (historic Summer Palace), and conclude at the Tianhou Silk Market<!--[endif]-->

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·         Capital Museum and Hutong Tour – Kick off this 7-hour tour (from $69) at the Capital Museum to learn about Chinese customs and culture and view historic collections. Attend an elegant tea ceremony before lunch, then onto the gardens at Prince Gong’s mansion. Take to the streets of old Beijing by rickshaw and stop for a visit in the home of a real Chinese family.<!--[endif]-->

• Peking Duck Banquet and Chinese Acrobatic Show – Dine and be entertained in traditional Chinese fashion during this 4-hour experience (from $65). Enjoy traditional fare such as Peking Duck and discover the culinary secrets in carving and eating the duck "Beijing style." Dinner is followed by exotic entertainment by a Chinese acrobat troupe.

Viator will be blogging on Beijing and the summer Olympics on its award-winning travel blog as the August 4 opening ceremonies draw near. Check the site regularly for updates, and please do not hesitate to contact us at any time for more information on these and other activities in Beijing, throughout China or in hundreds of other cities around the world.