Forbidden City to Sunset: Cycling Through Imperial Beijing

Important Note

 • Duration: ~6 hours

Several breaks included + traditional Chinese snacks provided

 • Cycling required

The best way to explore Beijing’s old city is by bike

 • Small group only (max 5 people)

Ensuring a relaxed pace, personal interaction, and more time to explore each site properly.

 • Photography included

I’ll capture your experience during the tour

 • Tickets not included

I can help you purchase them in advance if needed

 • Cancellation: 24h notice required

Last-minute cancellations are difficult to manage due to travel distance

Why this route?

As someone who grew up in Beijing, I’ve always felt that the city can be understood through two worlds: the imperial city and the neighborhoods where ordinary people have lived for generations.

This tour is designed to help you experience Beijing not just as a collection of famous landmarks, but as a capital that has shaped China for more than 600 years.

After spending over a year exploring the Forbidden City dozens of times, I gradually created this six-hour route that combines imperial architecture, hidden gems, cycling, and sunset views. Each stop naturally leads to the next, allowing the atmosphere of this 3,000-year-old city to unfold step by step before our eyes.

What you’ll experience

We’ll begin at a hidden gem where you can actually step inside a magnificent imperial hall—something that’s no longer possible inside the Forbidden City itself. It’s the perfect place to experience the scale and craftsmanship of traditional imperial architecture.

Then, as the nearly 40-meter-tall the main gate of the Forbidden City comes into view, you’ll immediately feel the grandeur and authority of China’s imperial palace. Even after more than 600 years, its presence is still breathtaking.

Inside the Forbidden City, we’ll go beyond simply looking at beautiful buildings. Using historical photos, visual reconstructions, traditional building materials, and objects preserved inside the palace, I’ll explain how this enormous complex was designed, built, and used. By connecting what we see today with the history behind it, you’ll begin to understand the logic of imperial architecture instead of just walking through it.

After leaving the Forbidden City, we’ll continue by bike through the heart of Beijing—and even the heart of China. Along the way, we’ll see how the political center of imperial China naturally meets the political center of modern China. 

In just a few minutes, we’ll go from avenues more than 100 meters wide to hutong lanes only about one meter across, experiencing how history and everyday life exist side by side.

Finally, we’ll climb to the highest viewpoint in Beijing’s old city to watch the sun set over the Forbidden City. From here, you’ll see not only the palace itself, but the entire ancient capital stretching out before you.

People have watched this same view for centuries, and countless more will see it in the future. For one evening, we become a small part of Beijing’s long story—standing between its past and its future.

Additional costs (not included)

Taimiao ticket 2+15 RMB, Forbidden City ticket 60 RMB, Jingshan Park ticket 2 RMB, Shared bike rental usually under 10 RMB

Weather notice

The tour may be adjusted or canceled in case of heavy rain or extreme weather conditions.

After the Tour
Several popular areas are within 1–2 km:
Shichahai (Houhai)
Lakes, hutongs, cafés, restaurants, and Beijing’s famous bar street.
Nanluoguxiang
Beijing’s most famous hutong area, perfect for food, shopping, and exploring side alleys.
Wangfujing
Beijing’s most famous shopping street, with local snacks, souvenirs, and modern malls.