Spend 10 days exploring two of the most enigmatic destinations of East Asia – Beijing and North Korea. Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be greeted by a professional local English-speaking guide and transferred to the hotel.
The next day, visit Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world and known as ‘the gate of the heavenly sky’. Afterward, visit the Forbidden City, which was the political centre from 1420A-1911 and has 9,999 different rooms and was the residence of the last two dynasties. In the afternoon, enjoy a hutong tour by rickshaw including visiting a local home. A hutong is an ancient city alley or lane typical in Beijing, built during the Yuan (1206-1341), Ming (1368-1628) and Qing (1644-1908) dynasties.
On the third day, drive to The Great Wall at Mutianyu, which was built in 1569 and rebuilt in 1988. There is a cable car up and down or slide down is included. The main purpose of the wall was to protect China against the invaders coming from Mongolia and Manchuria. Afterwards, return to Beijing and visit The Summer Palace, which was built as a birthday gift from the Emperor Qianlong to his mother in 1752. End the day with a boat ride at Kunming Lake with the backdrop of Longevity Hill.
On day four, it’s time to travel across borders to North Korea. Fly from Beijing to Pyongyang. After transferring to the hotel, enjoy a welcome dinner at Koryo Hotel.
After breakfast the next morning, explore Pyongyang with stops at Kim Il Sung Square, a foreign language bookshop, the Grand People’s Study House and the Tower of Juche Idea, which is a memorial tower built to congratulate Kim Il-Sung on his 70th birthday. Built in 1982, the tower and its surrounding ancillary buildings occupy a total area of 150 thousand square metres. After lunch, walk around Moran Hill and Mangyongdae Native House, then go to the Mangyongdae Schoolchildren’s Palace to experience a special art performance.
The next day, drive to Mt. Myohyang (178 kilometres) to visit the International Friendship Exhibition displaying over 100,000 precious gifts from political parties, heads of state, social circles and politicians from five continents of the world to Comrade Kim Il-sung. The other halls display gifts for Comrade Kim Jong Il.
In the afternoon, visit Pohyon Buddhist Temple and hike to the Sangwon Hermitage.
On day seven, return to Pyongyang and enjoy a short rest at the tea house before continuing to Nampho. After lunch, visit the West Sea Barrage, Kanso mineral water factory and Chongsan Cooperative Farm then return to Pyongyang for the evening.
The following day, drive to Kaesong (160 kilometres) and visit Panmunjom. Panmunjom is located in the central and western part of the Korean Peninsula, July 27, 1953, the Korean Armistice Agreement signed here, Panmunjom is famous in the world. After the Korean Armistice, North and South Korea built 24 buildings in the “Joint Security Zone” about 800 meters in diameter. It is located 5 km south of the 38 degree north latitude line and 8 km southeast of Kaesong.
After lunch, visit the Concrete Wall, Mausoleum of King Kyonghyo (the 31st king of the Koryo Dynasty) and Koryo History Museum. Enjoy dinner in Pansanggi and spend the night at Kaesong Folk Hotel.
On the ninth day, after breakfast, walk from the hotel up to Chanam Hill then make your way back to Pyongyang. Visit the Mausoleum of King Tongmyong and the Monument to Three Charters for National Reunification. After lunch, visit the International Football School and Monument to Party Foundation then walk along Ryomyong Street. In the evening, savour a farewell dinner.
On the final day, fly back to Beijing for your onward departure.
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