Explore Beijing's spiritual and philosophical soul: incense spiralling in the Lama Temple's gilded halls, contemplative silence in the Confucius Temple's stele forest, then climb the Bell Tower at dusk as the ancient bronze bell rings out across the hutong rooftops — a sound unchanged for six centuries.
What to expect
Enter the Yonghe Lama Temple through a haze of juniper incense, where Tibetan monks in saffron robes circle a 26-metre sandalwood Buddha — the world's tallest indoor wooden statue. Cross the narrow lane into the Confucius Temple, where 198 stone stelae record the names of imperial scholars and the ancient cypress trees are older than most European nations. As evening approaches, climb the Bell Tower and stand beside the 63-tonne bronze bell cast in 1420 as it booms across the grey-tiled hutong sea below. Your guide narrates six centuries of Beijing life with every step.
Good to know
This tour works best as an afternoon excursion, ideally combined with a morning Great Wall or Forbidden City visit. Transfer from Tianjin by high-speed train (CNY 55–65 each way) or private car. Bell Tower closes at 17:00 (last entry 16:30) — time your arrival carefully. Book at least 5 days in advance.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Beijing — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.