Beijing Private Tour: Temple of Heaven, Peking Duck & Acrobats

Summary

Temple of Heaven Visit & Red Theatre Acrobatic Show in Beijing

If you want to see Beijing’s real spirit in an afternoon—history, food, and live performance—this private tour covers it all. You’ll get local stories at the Temple of Heaven, taste classic Peking duck where locals eat it, and catch an acrobatics show that’ll leave you grinning.

What’s the experience like?

The air felt crisp when we stepped out of the hotel lobby at 2 pm—just enough chill to make a walk through the Temple of Heaven grounds feel refreshing. Our guide, Ms. Li, greeted us with a quick smile and a story about how locals come here early for tai chi or to play cards under the cypress trees. The temple itself is huge—those blue-tiled roofs really stand out against the sky. We wandered past groups of retirees singing folk songs (they sounded pretty good, honestly), and I caught a whiff of incense near the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Ms. Li pointed out some tiny details on the marble railings that I’d never have noticed on my own.

Later, we found ourselves in front of the Red Theatre’s glowing entrance lights. Inside, the acrobatic show was wild—think spinning plates, gravity-defying jumps, and more than one gasp from our group. Afterward, dinner was at this no-frills spot tucked down a side street; their roast duck came out glistening, sliced right at our table. The crispy skin with just a dab of plum sauce? Worth every calorie. By the time we got back to our hotel, my feet were tired but my head was buzzing with everything we’d seen—and tasted—in just one afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Temple of Heaven & Acrobatic Show

• Visit Temple of Heaven
• Watch Chinese Acrobatic Show and enjoy Peking Duck dinner

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Absolutely! The pace is relaxed and there are places to sit along the way. The guide can adjust based on your group’s needs.

Can I request vegetarian options for dinner?

Yes, just let us know ahead of time and we’ll arrange vegetarian dishes alongside the main meal.

How long does the whole experience last?

The tour usually runs from 2 pm until after dinner—expect about 6 hours total including transfers.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Beijing, all entrance fees (Temple of Heaven and Red Theatre), an English-speaking guide who knows their stuff, tickets to the Chinese Acrobatic Performance, a proper Peking roast duck dinner with drinks, plus private transport throughout. Just bring comfy shoes—and maybe an appetite!