As someone who’s traveled to Beijing twice before but never truly “known” the city, this five-day tour from Shanghai turned out to be a revelation—all because of our guide Autumn and the impeccable organization of the travel company.

Day 1 set the bar high. We arrived in Beijing by flight, and driver Mr. Chen was already waiting at the airport with a sign, his car spacious enough for our luggage and spotlessly clean. Autumn greeted us with a warm handshake saying, “A sweet start to your Beijing journey!” That afternoon, she took us to explore hutongs and a siheyuan courtyard home—instead of just walking through, she introduced us to the courtyard’s owner, an 80-year-old grandma who shared stories of growing up there. Autumn translated every word patiently and even taught us how to greet locals in the Beijing dialect. The Peking Opera performance that night was made magical by her pre-show explanations: she pointed out the meaning of different face paints and told us about the opera’s history, so we didn’t just watch—we understood.

The next three days were a masterclass in balanced exploration. At Tiananmen Square on Day 2, Autumn didn’t just list facts—she connected the square’s landmarks to China’s modern history, making every monument feel alive. In the Forbidden City, she knew all the “secret” spots: a hidden corridor with exquisite murals, a corner where the sunlight hits the roof tiles just right for photos. She even timed our visit to Jingshan Park perfectly, so we caught the sunset over the Forbidden City. On Day 3, the Tai Chi session at Temple of Heaven was a highlight—Autumn joined in with us, correcting our postures gently, and later at Yonghe Palace, she explained the significance of each ritual item in detail. Day 4’s trip to Mutianyu Great Wall was seamless: Mr. Chen drove smoothly, and Autumn brought snacks and water for us, knowing the climb would be tiring. At Dingling Tomb, her storytelling made the ancient burial site feel less eerie and more fascinating.

The travel company’s logistics were flawless. Every day, Mr. Chen picked us up on time, and the routes were planned to avoid traffic. Lunch and dinner were always at local spots—Autumn recommended dishes like Peking duck at a family-run restaurant on Qianmen Street and lamb hotpot near Yonghe Palace, explaining the origin of each cuisine. On our last day, she took us to the Summer Palace early to avoid crowds, pointing out the stories behind the Long Corridor’s paintings.

This tour wasn’t just a trip—it was an education. Autumn’s passion for her city, her deep knowledge, and her thoughtfulness made every day special. The company’s professionalism, from Mr. Chen’s reliable driving to the well-planned itinerary, took all the stress out of traveling. By the end, we didn’t just see Beijing’s attractions—we felt its soul. It’s the best travel experience I’ve had in years.

Reviewed to: Fast Track to History: 5-Day Beijing Private Tours from Shanghai