China's capital is an ancient city that dates back to more than three millennia. Its famous sites speak to its long history, including the Confucius Temple, the nearby section of the Great Wall of China, and the vast Forbidden City, its palace complex for the Ming and Qing dynasties. The city is also known for its traditional courtyard houses, or Siheyuans, and hutongs, the narrow alleyways that crisscross between them. Beijing was drastically transformed under Communist rule in the 20th century, and the city's famous Tiananmen Square—home to Mao Zedong's mausoleum and, later, democratic protests against the regime—symbolizes this transition. Immerse yourself in Beijing's past and present with Context's Beijing private tours and small group guided tours. 

From language barriers to cultural confusion, Beijing can be a challenge to visit as an independent traveler. Don't worry – with our arsenal of local experts, our Beijing private tours and Beijing small group tours will help you make sense of this amazing city, from its astonishing archaeological history to radical redevelopment. Let's start off with some basic history on our Forbidden City Tour, led by a sinologist (expert on Chinese history). This is an excellent way to get your feet wet, delving into (some of) the 9,999½ rooms of the complex, emerging with a comprehensive understanding of this central monument in Beijing, from its architectural importance to the imperial legacies it represents. Thanks to length and proximity, it also pairs well with our Tiananmen Square Tour, which considers the state of modern China, beginning with the rise of Mao Zedong and Communism up until the present day. Looking to get out of the city? Take an excursion with our Beijing private guides to Jinshanling, a far less frequented location for a Great Wall of China Tour, in which we not only learn about the Wall's history and construction, but marvel at the magnificence of this testament to the human will.