Beijing to Ulan Butong Winter Tour

Itinerary:
Morning: Set out on a scenic drive to Ulan Butong, a snow-covered steppe that remains untouched by heavy tourism.
Afternoon: Travel through the sprawling Saihanba National Forest Park, and appreciate the magnificent scenery where the vast grassland and forest interweave.  Continue to Ulan Butong Grassland, a picture-perfect area of rolling meadows, gentle hills, and historic battlegrounds. You’ll also visit the Aobao Tu Grassland, where you’ll dive into Mongolian folk culture through immersive traditional experiences.

Attractions:
Mulan Weichang (Free entry): Once the royal hunting preserve of the Qing emperors, Mulan Weichang is today known both for its natural beauty and its use as a filming site for historical TV dramas like My Fair Princess. It spans the border of Hebei and Inner Mongolia, covering Saihanba, Yudaokou, Hongsongwa, and Ulan Butong.
Saihanba National Forest Park (Scenic drive): With its patchwork of forests, meadows, lakes, and hills, Saihanba offers breathtaking vistas in every season.
Ulan Butong Grassland (Free entry): Celebrated for its majestic, film-worthy views and deep historical roots, this grassland combines the rugged beauty of the north with the elegance of the south.
Aobao Tu Grassland (Free entry): This open prairie is ideal for taking in panoramic views and experiencing traditional nomadic culture during the warmer months.

Included Cultural Experience: Snowland Nomadic Adventure & Folk Experience 
Step into Mongolian heritage with these unique experiences:
· Welcome Wine Ritual(下马酒): A traditional Mongolian greeting ceremony of toasting to the sky, earth, and ancestors.
· Camel Sled Ride(骆驼爬犁): A fun, wintry ride across the snowy plains.
· Camel Parade Through Snow(驼队冲雪): Watch as camel teams gallop across snowfields, creating an awe-inspiring scene.
· Galloping Horses in Snow(马踏雪花): Capture the raw power of horses dashing across the white landscape.
· Fire-Worship Ceremony(祭火大典): Join Mongolian hosts around the sacred fire, dancing and singing in tribute to the fire god.
· Visit a Yurt(蒙古人家): Step inside a traditional felt tent and savor warm salty milk tea, watch the scenes of the Mongolian people's life on the grassland and experience the Mongolian life on the grassland.
· Folk Performances(蒙古族表演): Enjoy captivating Mongolian songs, dances, throat singing, and morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) performances.

Dining:
Breakfast: Included at your hotel
Lunch: Independent lunch at a local town en route (own expense)
Dinner: Local specialties (own expense)

Hotel: Narada Hotel Weichang or similar

Itinerary:
Morning: After breakfast, head into the breathtaking Ulan Butong Scenic Area—often called the “Grassland of Poetry and Painting.” Hop into an off-road vehicle for an exhilarating ride across rolling snow-covered hills and open plains. As you speed through this pristine winter wonderland, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a living landscape painting.
Afternoon: In the afternoon, visit the Ewenki Reindeer Tribe, a rare living remnant of China’s reindeer-herding tradition. Get up close with tame reindeer—feed them, take photos, and learn about the tribe’s deep bond with these majestic animals. You’ll also meet playful fallow deer, alpacas, and fluffy white snow foxes, creating a magical, interactive experience.

Attractions:
Ulan Butong Scenic Area (Free entry): Located in southwestern Hexigten Banner, Ulan Butong is known for its untouched grassland beauty, historic battlefields, and rich Mongolian culture.
Ewenki Reindeer Tribe (Ticket included): This is one of the last places in China where the Ewenki people still follow their traditional way of life with reindeer. Step inside their iconic birch-bark tents, warm up with a cup of local herbal tea, enjoy grilled snacks, and hear heartfelt stories from the herders. If you're lucky, you may even track reindeer through the forest, following their footprints in the snow as the locals call to them in their native tongue.

Included Activity: Off-Road Snowfield Adventure ( ~3 hours)
Explore the vast snowy plains in a off-road vehicle—an unforgettable way to experience the wild charm of northern China in winter.
Ewenki Reindeer Tribe Included Experience:
· Reindeer Encounter: Feed, photograph, and connect with these calm and gentle animals.
· Fallow Deer: Friendly and curious, perfect for hands-on interaction.
· Alpacas: Soft, quirky, and full of personality.
· Snow Foxes: Adorably fluffy winter creatures, perfect for a fairytale setting.

Dining:
Breakfast: Included at your hotel
Lunch: Local specialties (own expense)
Dinner: Local specialties (own expense)

Hotel: Chengde Imperial Palace Hotel or similar

Itinerary:
Morning: Begin your day at one of Chengde’s most iconic landmarks—Puning Temple, affectionately known as the “Little Potala Palace of China.” Commissioned by Emperor Qianlong to mark both his 60th birthday and his mother’s 80th, this grand Tibetan-style temple is a spectacular fusion of imperial architecture and Buddhist devotion.
While here, take part in a meaningful cultural ritual: the Tibetan Prayer Flag Ceremony. Write your name and heartfelt wishes onto vibrant prayer flags, then hoist them high above the temple grounds. As the wind carries your prayers skyward, spin the prayer wheels and sound the blessing drum, allowing the sacred chants to echo across the hills and bring a sense of peace and renewal.
Afternoon: In the afternoon, head to the picturesque Gubei Water Town. Please choose to visit by yourself: troll along peaceful canals and cobbled streets, soaking in the rich atmosphere of a bygone era. Stop by the Simaxiang Distillery, where master brewers still craft traditional Chinese baijiu using centuries-old techniques. Watch the process unfold and sample a bold shot of this warming local spirit. Next, visit the Yongshun Dyehouse for a hands-on workshop in traditional plant-based fabric dyeing. Guided by expert artisans, you’ll create a piece of handmade textile to take home. Then explore the Eight Banners Guild Hall, which vividly showcases the lives, customs, and military heritage of the Manchu people. Enjoy traditional performances such as Peking Opera, Sanxian, acrobatics and Hebei Bangzi in Sun & Moon Island Plaza. Walk up to the Hilltop Chapel—a peaceful sanctuary offering sweeping views over the entire water town, especially breathtaking at sunset.
Evening: Unwind beneath the stars with a rejuvenating soak at Gubei Water Town Hot Springs. It’s the ideal way to soothe your body and mind after a full day of sightseeing.

Attractions:
Puning Temple (Ticket included): Set on the hillside north of the Mountain Resort, this majestic structure was modeled after Lhasa’s Potala Palace, also known as the "Little Potala Palace”. With its dazzling gold roofs and intricate details, it stands as one of the largest and most revered temples among Chengde’s Eight Outer Temples.
Gubei Water Town (Ticket included): Located northeast of Beijing in Miyun County, Gubei Water Town is a scenic village rebuilt on the foundations of an ancient settlement. Set along the river and backed by mountains, the town combines the grandeur of northern fortress towns with the charm of southern water towns.
Simaxiang Distillery (Free entry): Simaxiang Distillery is a well-known local distillery. Inside, you’ll find traditional brewing tools, fermentation pits, and skilled craftsmen producing baijiu (Chinese white liquor) using age-old methods. Watch the steaming, distilling process in action—and try a sample of their signature Simaxiang spirit, made from sorghum and millet.
Yongshun Dyehouse (Free entry): Step into a working studio of traditional Chinese fabric dyeing. Learn about eco-friendly dye methods using herbs and roots, and join a hands-on workshop where you’ll craft your own tie-dyed piece to take home—a fun and meaningful cultural souvenir.
Eight Banners Guild Hall (Free entry): Once the garrison of the Qing dynasty’s Plain Yellow Banner troops, Gubeikou played an important role in Manchu history. Today, this museum-style hall tells the story of the Eight Banners system, offering insights into the military life, folk customs, and heritage of the Manchu people—an equestrian warrior culture that once ruled the empire.
Sun & Moon Island Plaza (Free entry): During traditional festivals, this central plaza comes alive with street vendors selling candied hawthorn, dried fruits, steamed pastries, calligraphy scrolls, red lanterns, and festive decorations. Dressed in period costume and carrying shoulder poles, performers recreate scenes from old-time street markets, adding a joyful and nostalgic atmosphere.
Hilltop Chapel (Free entry): Perched atop a small hill within Gubei Water Town, this serene chapel features Jiangnan-inspired architecture.
Hot Spring Experience (Ticket included): Located at the foot of the Great Wall, The mineral-rich waters—sourced from 3,800 meters underground—are naturally heated to 60°C and packed with beneficial elements like iron, sulfur, and magnesium. This authentic spring meets therapeutic standards under Japanese classification and offers a luxurious escape in the heart of nature.

Included Experience: Tibetan Prayer Flag Ritual
Participate in a guided cultural experience: raise prayer flags, spin sacred wheels, strike the blessing drum, and send your good wishes into the mountain air—a spiritually enriching highlight of the day.

Dining:
Breakfast: Included at your hotel
Lunch: Local specialties (own expense)
Dinner: Local specialties (own expense)

Hotel: Gubei Watertown Hotel Beijing or similar

Itinerary:
Morning: Free time to relax. We recommend exploring more of Gubei Water Town. Enjoy the freedom to soak in the tranquil charm of this water town.
Afternoon: In the afternoon, we’ll travel back to Beijing and check into the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city or simply relax and unwind.

Dining:
Breakfast: Included at your hotel
Lunch: Local specialties (own expense)
Dinner: Recommended foodie picks Local specialties (own expense):
·Peking Duck: Siji Minfu, Quanjude
·Spicy Crayfish: Huda
·BBQ & Hot Pot: Dahuaishu, Nanmen Hotpot, Manhengji, Xin Jingxi
·Beijing Cuisine: Xiaodiaolitang
·Creative Desserts: Gùgōng Xiàwǔ Cài (Palace-style sweets)
·Sichuan Cuisine: Maliji, Yibin Guesthouse

Hotel: Beijing Palace International Hotel, Wanda Realm Beijing, or DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring or similar

Itinerary:
Morning: Start your day at Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of modern China. Feel the solemn atmosphere of this vast public space as you visit the Monument to the People’s Heroes and Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, gaining insight into the country’s revolutionary past.
Next, dive into imperial history at the Forbidden City. Admire the palace’s grand architecture and explore priceless artifacts in the Hall of Clocks and the Treasure Gallery. Step into the Hall of Central Harmony and Palace of Heavenly Purity to experience the royal ambiance.
Afternoon: In the afternoon, stroll through the serene grounds of the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of worshipping heaven that integrates the philosophy of heaven and earth. Visit the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, where emperors once prayed for prosperity. Whisper across the Echo Wall, an ancient acoustic wonder, and step onto the Circular Mound Altar, where emperors made winter sacrifices to Heaven.

Attractions:
Tiananmen Square (Free entry): One of the largest city squares in the world, Tiananmen can host up to one million people. Located along Beijing's central axis, it features iconic landmarks like the flagpole, Monument to the People's Heroes, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, and Zhengyangmen Gate Tower. The founding ceremony of the People’s Republic of China was held here on October 1, 1949, making it a central site for national celebrations and diplomatic events.
Monument to the People's Heroes (Free entry): A granite and marble obelisk at the heart of the square, this monument honors those who gave their lives in the struggle for national liberation. Located just north of Mao's Memorial Hall, the monument attracts countless visitors paying their respects.
The Forbidden City (Palace Museum) (Ticket included): Once the royal residence of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City is a marvel of ancient Chinese architecture and culture. Walk through its majestic halls and courtyards to uncover centuries of imperial history.
Hall of Clocks (Ticket included): Located in the Hall of Ancestral Worship, this collection showcases ornate timepieces primarily from Britain, France, and Switzerland. Many feature moving figurines, animals, and flowers—demonstrating extraordinary craftsmanship.
Treasure Gallery (Ticket included): Situated in the Palace of Tranquil Longevity (Ningshougong), this gallery houses imperial treasures crafted from gold, jade, pearls, and gemstones. These ceremonial and decorative items represent the pinnacle of Qing-era artistry.
Hall of Central Harmony (Free entry): Located between the Hall of Supreme Harmony and Hall of Preserving Harmony, the hall is one of the three main halls of the Outer Court. Originally built during the Ming Dynasty, it symbolizes Confucian ideals of balance and order.
Palace of Heavenly Purity (Free entry): This was the emperor's main residence during the Qing dynasty. Built in the early Ming period and reconstructed in the Qing era, the palace name reflects the ideal of pure and righteous rule.
Temple of Heaven Park (Ticket included): An imperial altar complex used by Ming and Qing emperors to offer sacrifices and pray for good harvests. The layout follows the ancient belief in "heaven is round, earth is square," with famous structures located in the inner altar.
Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (Ticket included): Built in 1420, this triple-gabled circular building is the earliest building in the Temple of Heaven. As the most iconic symbol of the Temple of Heaven, it is also the one of Beijing's must-see landmarks.
Echo Wall (Ticket included): A circular wall enclosing the Imperial Vault of Heaven, famous for its acoustic properties. A whisper spoken near one end can be clearly heard at the opposite side—an impressive example of acoustic phenomena.
Circular Mound Altar (Ticket included): Built in 1530, this altar was used by emperors to conduct winter solstice ceremonies. The Circular Mound Altar is circular, symbolizing the "Heavenly Garden". Its three-tiered platform is richly detailed with white marble railings and exquisite carvings.

Dining:
Breakfast: Included at your hotel
Lunch: Local specialties (own expense)
Dinner: Local specialties (own expense)

Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road, Wanda Realm Beijing, Palace International Hotel Beijing or similar

Itinerary:
Morning: Start your day with a visit to one of China's greatest icons—the Great Wall. Choose between two celebrated sections:
Walk along the well-preserved stone pathways of the Badaling Great Wall, known for its dramatic mountain views and deep cultural symbolism. Admire its dramatic mountain scenery and embrace the spirit of the old Chinese proverb: “You are not a true hero until you’ve climbed the Great Wall.”
Opt for a quieter and more scenic experience at Mutianyu, where closely spaced watchtowers and the rare three-tower Zhengguan Terrace showcase exceptional architectural design. Stand atop the wall and take in panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Afternoon: Continue to the Summer Palace, a masterpiece of imperial garden design and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander along Kunming Lake, climb Longevity Hill, and admire the perfect harmony between nature and traditional Chinese architecture. Next, enjoy a drive-by tour of either Tsinghua University or Peking University, two of China's top academic institutions, both renowned for their rich history and picturesque campuses. Continue driving to visit the Beijing's modern landmarks—the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, both architectural marvels built for the 2008 Olympic Games.

Attractions:
Badaling Great Wall (Ticket included): As one of the "Nine Fortresses of China," the Badaling Great Wall combines imposing terrain with lush greenery. It is the essence of the scenery of the Ming Great Wall.
Mutianyu Great Wall (Ticket included): Located in Beijing's Huairou District, Mutianyu is a quieter and more scenic section, known for its dense concentration of watchtowers and strategic significance in ancient times.
Summer Palace (Ticket included): Once the summer retreat of Qing emperors, the Summer Palace is China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Centered on Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, the estate showcases its refined landscaping and historic pavilions—earning it the title "Museum of Imperial Gardens."
Tsinghua University (Scenic drive): Founded in 1911, Tsinghua's campus is a blend of classical Chinese landscaping and Western architecture. Formerly an imperial garden, the site features serene lakes and shaded pathways, making it one of the most beautiful campuses in China.
Peking University (Scenic drive): Established in 1898, Peking University boasts elegant historical buildings, Weiming Lake, and the iconic Boyata. Its scholarly atmosphere and scenic surroundings reflect its century-old legacy.
Bird's Nest (National Stadium) (Scenic drive): This bold architectural landmark served as the centerpiece of the 2008 Olympics. Located at the northern tip of Beijing’s central axis, it has become a defining symbol of modern China.
Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) (Scenic drive): With a bubble-like exterior made from over 3,000 translucent panels, the Water Cube is one of the most unique Olympic structures. At night, its glowing blue lights make it a popular spot for photography.

Dining:
Breakfast: Included at your hotel
Lunch: Local specialties (own expense)
Dinner: Local specialties (own expense)

Hotel: Palace International Hotel Beijing , Wanda Realm Beijing, or DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East or similar

Itinerary:
Morning: Enjoy a relaxed morning at your own pace after breakfast. When it's time, a private transfer will take you to your departure point—Beijing Capital Airport, Daxing International Airport, or Beijing South Railway Station—bringing your unforgettable journey in Beijing to a close.

Dining:
Breakfast: Included at your hotel