Meet your guide at 8:00 am and drive about 1.5 hours to see the Great Wall at Huanghuacheng. It is one of the most ruined sections of the Great Wall in Beijing which was first built from 1404 to 1592 and divided into three parts by a reservoir built in 1970s. You will cross the dam first then take a boat to the small island which is the best location to appreciate the beauty of the Great Wall combines with water. Walk another 15 minutes to cross the Ming Chestnut Orchard to get on the actual Wall. After 1-1.5 hours hiking on the Wall, you will take a speed boat to leave.
Lunch will be served in a cozy local restaurant. Then drive back the city to embark on a canopy boat and take the scenic 40-minute cruise along the Imperial Waterway to the South Gate of Summer Palace. The Imperial Waterway is also called Waterway of Empress Dowager Cixi, because she took it to the Summer Palace 32 times in her lifetime. With a history of more than 700 years, it is the only waterway in Beijing that related to the imperial families.
Then explore the gardens, pavilions, temples and halls of the UNESCO-listed Summer Palace and learn about the life and legacy of Empress Dowager Cixi. She used her cunningness and connections to rule China from behind the throne for nearly 48 years.
