Gay China Travel: Purple Dragon's Ultimate Beijing Tour

Private transportation from the airport to your hotel. If you arrive early in the day, consider taking one of our side trips such as a half-day visit to the fascinating hutongs, maze-like ancient neighborhoods filled with charming sights, traditional architecture and specialty shops. Otherwise, you are free to explore on your own for the remainder of the day. Our guide is available to join you for dinner and introduce you to Beijing's gay scene tonight or on another night during your stay (Friday or Saturday nights are best).

Breakfast at your leisure. Your guide will collect you around ten o'clock. First stop is the humongous Beihai Pleasure Palace, a picturesque Xanadu of wooden pavilions and pleasure gardens built around a breezy lake. Once the playground of Emperors and their concubines, it is now a public park. It is fascinating to mingle with the locals as they go about their morning routines: practicing graceful Tai Chi, airing their songbirds, singing inspiring anthems, writing calligraphy, or choreographing sword fights! After lunch, stroll through the impressive Tiantan Gongyuan, the superlative Temple of Heaven, showcasing the pinnacle of Ming Dynasty architecture. This immense precinct is designed as an astrological stage for mystical rites to ensure the harmony of the universe. Stand in the very center of the imposing three-tiered Yuanqiu (Round Altar) and your voice will be mysteriously amplified into that of The Son of Heaven (try it!). The Huiyinbi (Echo Wall), will throw your disembodied whisper to the opposite side of a circular compound -- truly uncanny. Rising above all is the Qinian Dian (Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests), one of the architectural wonders of the ancient world. Mysteries remain to this very day, including locals who walk through the temple compound backwards! Your evening is free, or consider an optional outing in the company of our guide to see Beijing's famous acrobats, Chinese opera, or martial arts exhibition (see below).

Depart with your guide at ten to visit Yonghe Gong, the Lama Temple. This small and vividly colored compound, home to practicing Tibetan Buddhist monks, is a great introduction to the layout of traditional temples that you will see in much magnified form later this afternoon. After lunch, enter the spectacular Forbidden City, former abode of the Ming and Qing Dynasty courts. Travel first through imposing plazas, grand gateways and gilt reception halls. Next, wander through the intimate recesses of royal residences, dance theaters, and gardens as you explore the palaces of the ruling elite ruling. Cross the historic Tiananmen Square where the National Museum and Mao's Mausoleum are located (if you wake very early you can come here to watch a stimulating flag raising ceremony performed by hundreds of well-drilled soldiers). Our guide knows a traditional herbal medicine clinic if you'd like to check your yin-yang. End the day in a charming tea house where aging Chinese opera stars come to perform for each other and their fans.

Today is free to explore Beijing on your own, take our popular day trip to visit the Great Wall & Ming Tombs, or experience the grandeur of the splendid Summer Palaces. You can also spend a great evening enjoying Beijing's famous acrobats or a performance of traditional Chinese opera.

Free time until your private car to the airport. Of course, you may add extra nights if you want to experience more of Beijng. We can help you combine this itinerary with our programs in Xian, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Macau or one of our custom tour destinations to create your own custom "Grand Tour" of China.

choose from these fine gay-friendly BEIJING HOTELS   Superior: Novotel Xinqiao   Deluxe: Novotel Peace   Faaabulous: Hotel G   Superlative: The Emperor Delectable: Grand Hotel Beijing VIP: Grand Hotel Beijing Ultimate: Grand Hotel Beijing You can take an instant discount when you combine two or more Purple Dragon China packages. More details are on the Club Sanook website.

Includes: gay-friendly hotel accommodation, tax, service, nightlife guide on one night during stay, two days touring with private guide, admission costs to places mentioned in the itinerary above. Optional Chinese Acrobatics or Chinese Opera shows include guide and admission. Not included: airfare, local transportation, other admissions, meals or beverages, gratuities, features not specifically mentioned in the itinerary, or items of a purely personal nature. Please buy lunch for your day guides and soft drinks for your night guide at clubs you visit. Where We Shine: Purple Dragon is the oldest and largest resource for gay tourism in Asia, and gay China travel specialists. We save our guests precious time by finding the best, newest, and most popular venues in the city. This Ultimate Beijing tour is private and you have the undivided attention of our private guides. You'll never be herded around on a bus with 40 strangers. Our guests often remark that the highlight of their holiday was the charming company of our guides and their unique insights into local culture.

Custom vacations are our specialty. If this travel package is not exactly what you are looking for, we may be able to modify it to make it a perfect fit.