Your tour kicks off with a pickup from your downtown Beijing accommodation, where you’ll meet your private guide and start your evening exploration of Tiananmen Square and its surroundings. Stroll through the illuminated Gate of Heavenly Peace, admire the lit-up bridges and columns, and experience Tiananmen Square’s breathtaking sparkle after dark. Flag-lowering ceremony viewing is available upon advance reservation. Please note that security checks for square entry can take 1–3 hours depending on the day; our guide will tailor the itinerary accordingly. As you wander the square, your guide will also share fascinating historical insights into the surrounding iconic buildings.

From here, stroll to Qianmen Street and the Dashilan commercial district—once Beijing’s busiest thoroughfares during the Ming and Qing dynasties, showcasing traditional local architecture and time-honored merchant culture. Revered as a symbol of old Beijing for its grandeur and unique design, Qianmen Street has thrived as a commercial hub for nearly seven centuries. Wander its bustling lanes to admire well-preserved classic buildings and iconic vintage "dangdang" trams. Explore renowned century-old shops like Quanjude (roast duck) and Liubiju (traditional pickles), then dive into the lively snack streets—where you can try adventurous local treats like fried scorpions and silkworm pupae (self-paid). Continue to Dashilan’s ancient alleyways to soak up the authentic charm of old Beijing’s commercial heritage.

Lao She Teahouse, named for the renowned 20th-century Chinese writer Lao She—his classic play Teahouse remains beloved across China. Step inside to soak up its elegant, unfussy atmosphere, evoking 1930s Beijing’s golden era, while sipping authentic Chinese tea and sampling local desserts. En route to the teahouse, we’ll make a stop at the National Centre for the Performing Arts. By night, this iconic landmark shines with scattered "mushroom lights" across its smooth ellipsoid shell, resembling twinkling stars against the sky, with its reflection dancing on the surrounding lake for a magical photo backdrop . The teahouse’s highlight is its traditional variety show, featuring crowd-pleasing acts like Sichuan face-changing, Beijing opera, acrobatics, hand shadow puppetry, kung fu, magic&tea ceremony performances . Your guide will depart after seating you.