This 4-day private Beijing tour from Shanghai was exactly what we wanted: a deep, unhurried dive into the city’s culture, made perfect by the tour company and our guide, Lisa. From booking, the company was responsive—they customized the itinerary to skip crowded group spots and added a private silk-weaving workshop at our request, confirming details via email within hours.

Lisa was outstanding: fluent in English, with a passion for Chinese history that shone through. At the Forbidden City, she took us to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, explaining how it was used by Qing emperors, and pointed out hidden carvings that most visitors miss. At the Temple of Heaven, she taught us about the “Heavenly Circle, Earthly Square” design philosophy, making the architecture feel meaningful, not just beautiful.

The driver and car were top-notch: spotless, spacious, and the driver drove steadily, even in busy areas. He always opened the door for us and waited patiently if we wanted to snap extra photos. The itinerary was smartly crafted: we explored imperial sites, joined a private calligraphy class, visited a hutong family for lunch, and ended with a sunset walk along the Summer Palace’s Kunming Lake. There was no wasted time—every activity felt purposeful and intimate.

Lisa’s little touches made it special: she brought us local snacks (like candied hawthorns) to try and translated for us during our hutong lunch, helping us chat with the family about their daily life. This tour wasn’t just sightseeing—it was a genuine cultural connection. We left with a new appreciation for Beijing’s heritage and will absolutely book with this company again.

Reviewed to: Cultural Deep Dive In 4 Days Beijing Private Tour From Shanghai with Exclusive Experiences