Ideal for those who are short of time, but want to see the highlights of Beijing in just one day, this small group coach tour starts with a hotel pick-up between 07:00 and 08:30, for the air-conditioned drive to Tiananmen Square. You will have about 40 minutes to marvel at the sheer size of the world’s largest public square and its imposing monuments and buildings, such as Tiananmen Tower, the Great Hall of the People and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum. Gateway to the Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved palatial complex of imperial China is your next stop. Walk the central axis of ornate palaces of the Ming and Qing dynasties. For almost 500 years, the Forbidden City served as home to emperors and their households, as well acting as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government.
Next, drive towards the Badaling section of the Great Wall of China, about 1-hour north of the city. Stop en route at a Jade Carving Factory to see the ancient art of jade carving in action. A traditional Chinese lunch will be served at the popular Jindian Restaurant, before continuing to Badaling, where you can admire up-close the most famous and best-preserved section of the Great Wall of China. The highest point of the wall is about 2,600 feet (800 meters) above sea level, and a cable car up is available if you prefer