Photo Tours to Beijing, China

Winter vacations are perfect for travel with guided tours. Of course, relaxing by an azure sea is pleasant any time of year, but last-minute February deals to China are a great opportunity to capture the East’s beauty on camera for relatively little money. Any journey through the Middle Kingdom begins in its capital — Beijing.

The first thing that will surprise and delight any photographer is the local cuisine. After a long trip, it’s essential to recharge. Enjoy fragrant Chinese tea, unusual appetizers, traditional noodles, or treat yourself to a feast with the city’s iconic specialty — Peking duck.

Beijing offers countless landmarks, temples, and fascinating locations ideal for photo sessions. A walk along the Great Wall alone is worth the trip to China. Every stone of this monumental structure breathes history.

And although only the foundation from Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s time remains (for example, the section open to tourists was largely rebuilt in the 20th century), the excursion amazes even the most seasoned travelers.

If Beijing is your base, don’t miss the palace complex of the Gugong. Hidden from outsiders for centuries, it is known as the Forbidden City.

Its former residents were soldiers guarding the emperor, doctors, officials, cooks, servants, and one hundred and twenty concubines. Today, this ancient ensemble functions as a museum that can easily fill an entire day.

The Gugong has several entrances and exits. In front of its southern gates stretches the world’s largest square — the famous Tiananmen. At 800 meters across and with a 38‑meter monument to the People’s Heroes, the scale is truly awe-inspiring.

Walking the sand-colored slabs across the entire square is worth it just to feel the magnitude and quiet power of China’s great constructions.

Another rewarding side trip is the Summer Palace, or Yiheyuan. Just 80 km north of Beijing and you’re at the imperial retreat. Winding park paths, pavilions, ponds, and classic Chinese architecture rival the famed gardens of Suzhou. A highlight is the 728‑meter covered corridor whose walls are richly painted.

Another major attraction is the iconic Temple of Heaven. In the adjoining park, you can stroll along the “Echo Wall” and discover the “Three-Time Echo Stone.” Visit at the right hour and you’ll likely witness open-air training sessions — qigong or taijiquan, depending on the group’s preference.

Winter is an excellent season for both sightseeing and shopping. Beijing’s main department store is three times larger than Moscow’s GUM, offering a vast range of high-quality goods.

If your goal is bargain hunting, set aside a full day for the main shopping street, home to around 50 major stores, hundreds of boutiques, countless eateries, and several banks.

Beijing is renowned for centers of traditional Chinese medicine. Health-focused trips to China are as popular as budget tours to Israel, where the standard of medical care is also very high. Centuries of practice show that acupuncture can alleviate many ailments. A journey to Beijing brings vivid impressions — and wellness.