Tours and Travel Arrangements

China Star Ltd, the official housing and tour agency of the IRC2014, would like to help you experience Beijing’s rich culture and history. A number of tours are offered to the city’s most cultural and historical sights. Descriptions, the tour schedule and conditions are indicated below.
If there are any requirements for private touring, transportation or hospitality services, or interest in other parts of China (such as Xi’an to see the Terra-cotta Warriors, Chengdu to see Pandas, Shanghai or Tibet), please contact the official appointed ground agent, China Star Ltd, who will be pleased to assist with any arrangements.

Morning of Sep 16^th
08:30               Meet at the lobby of BICC
08:30-10:00     Transfer to the Great Wall at Badaling Section
10:00-11:30     Climb up the Great Wall
11:30-13:00     Transfer back to each of the hotels

Remarks:

• Price is based on the group of 10 pax and up.
• Price includes: Entrance fee to the Great Wall at Badaling Section; Private air-conditioned coach with English speaking guide.
• Tour quotations and operation are based on minimum group size of 10 people. If bookings received below 10 people, the tour will be canceled. 

Located more than 40 miles northwest from the center of Beijing City, Badaling Section of the Great Wall occupies a commanding and strategic position. It is called “Bada” as it stretches in all directions. Badaling is the best-preserved section of the Great Wall. It was built in 1505 as defense to the northern nomadic tribes. Chairman Mao’s saying “You are not a hero until you climbed up the Great Wall” is still popular today.

Half Day Tour to the Tian’anmen Square and Forbidden City (US$ 45 per person)

Morning of Sep 17^th
08:30               Meet at the lobby of BICC
08:30-09:10     Transfer to the Tian'anmen Square
09:10-10:00     Visit the Tian'anmen Square
10:00-10:15     Walk to the Forbidden City
10:15-12:15     Visit the Forbidden City
12:15-13:00     Transfer back to each of the hotels

Remarks:

• Price is based on the group of 10 pax and up.
• Price includes: Entrance fee to the Forbidden City; Private air-conditioned coach with English speaking guide.
• Tour quotations and operation are based on minimum group size of 10 people. If bookings received below 10 people, the tour will be canceled.

Located in the centre of the city, Tian’anmen Square is the biggest Square in the world. It is surrounded by the Forbidden City in the North, China National Museum to the East, Chairman Mao’s Memorial Hall to the south and the Great Hall of the People to the West (right behind you can find the National Grand Theatre). On the Square, the Monument to the People's Heroes can be found. Thousands of people come to the square every day. For Chinese people, Tian’anmen Square bears special meanings. On holidays, the whole square will be decorated with fresh flowers and red flags.

Forbidden City was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In total 24 emperors ruled and lived here until 1911. Since its construction in 1420, the complex has survived intact for nearly 600 years. Covering about 180 acres, it can be divided into the Outer Court and the Inner Court. The Forbidden City is also known as the Palace Museum, housing numerous rare treasures and curiosities. When walking through it, you will marvel at the beauty of Chinese architecture and the long history

Half Day Tour to the Temple of Heaven with Taichi Workshop and Shopping at the Pearl Market (US$ 45 per person)

Morning of Sep 18^th
08:30                Meet at the lobby of BICC
08:30-09:30      Transfer to the Temple of Heaven
09:30-10:10      Taichi Workshop about 30 minutes
10:10-11:25      Visit the Temple of Heaven
11:25-11:30      Walk to the Pearl Market
11:30-13:00      Free shopping time at the Pearl Market
13:00-13:45      Transfer back to each of the hotels

Remarks:

• Price is based on the group of 10 pax and up.
• Price includes: Entrance fee to the Temple of Heaven; Cost of Taichi Master; Private air-conditioned coach with English speaking guide.
• Tour quotations and operation are based on minimum group size of 10 people. If bookings received below 10 people, the tour will be canceled.

Built in 1420, the Temple of Heaven was designated for the Emperors to worship the god of heaven. Covering an area of 270 acres with many old pine trees and the
most magnificent buildings inside, such as the Circular Mound Altar (Yuanqiutan), Imperial Vault of Heaven (Huangqiongyu) and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest
(Qiniandian) from south to north. It has evolved into a place where locals can enjoy themselves doing morning exercises and various forms of local entertainments in nowadays.

Tai-Chi is definitely a window for you to know ancient Chinese philosophy. It is best be thought of as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined. Many of the movements are originally derived from the martial arts (and perhaps even more ancestrally than that, from the natural movements of animals and birds) although the way they are performed in Tai Chi is slowly, softly and gracefully with smooth and even transitions between them.
In Chinese philosophy and medicine there exists the concept of 'chi', a vital force that animates the body. One of the avowed aims of Tai Chi is to foster the circulation of this 'chi' within the body, the belief being that by doing so the health and vitality of the person are enhanced. This 'chi' circulates in patterns that are close related to the nervous and vascular system and thus the notion is closely connected with that of the practice of acupuncture and other oriental healing arts.
Pearl Market is a great place to shop, especially if you are looking for some handicrafts or unique souvenirs. There is a wild mix of merchandise here, everything you can buy in Beijing can be found in this market, but the claim to fame is pearls. Here you will find the Tahitians, or South Sea saltwater pearls at prices you won't believe.