Meeting Point

Nanluoguxiang Metro Station Exit E

Visit Nanluoguxiang Hutong District

Nanluoguxiang is a representative Yuan-Dynasty hutong residential zone on the northern section of Beijing Central Axis World Heritage Site. Its unique "centipede alley" grid layout was fully formulated under urban planning in the 13th century, built following rigid Yuan street width standards.

Visit a well-preserved traditional Beijing courtyard compound

Few regular tours get access to an authentic, well‑preserved Beijing courtyard house. This private visit takes you inside a genuine historic courtyard residence. Observe how gate structures, room layout and multi‑jin courtyards reflect ancient Confucian social hierarchy and family ethics. You will see the spatial rules for elders and younger family members, and gain first‑hand insight into real daily life of old‑Beijing residents,

Walk Along Yu‑he River & Explore Grand Canal Heritage

Walking along the Yu‑he River channel, we explore a key section of the Grand Canal, the world’s longest artificial waterway. As a critical northern terminus segment of the Grand Canal World Heritage Site, Yu‑he once served as a vital water transport gateway for ancient Beijing. It linked the capital to the vast inland water‑transport network, bringing grain, goods and cultural exchanges into the city. You will see remaining original riverbank relics, learning how water‑transport engineering shaped Beijing’s urban layout and supported the capital’s prosperity for centuries.

Visit Historic Wanning Bridge

We visit Wanning Bridge, a pivotal ancient stone bridge sitting right on the Beijing Central Axis World Heritage Site. Built over 700 years ago in the Yuan Dynasty, it functioned as both a key land passage and a water‑gate for the Grand Canal. Cargo‑carrying canal vessels sailed under its arch and arrived at Shichahai, the final terminus of the Grand Canal’s northern section. Unlike crowded landmark spots, many regular tours only pass by without stopping. You will get up‑close views of the original stone water‑harnessing beasts carved on the bridge piers, as well as relics of the ancient canal lock. Learn how these hydraulic facilities operated, and understand how the bridge ties together the Central Axis urban planning and Grand Canal water‑transport history.

Visit Shichahai Lake

Shichahai marks the northernmost terminus of the Grand Canal. In Yuan‑Dynasty times, countless grain and merchant cargo ships sailed through Wanning Bridge and docked here. This vast water hub stored supplies for the imperial capital and fostered bustling waterfront markets, bringing merchants and cultural exchanges to old Beijing. Walk along the lake shore to imagine the busy ancient dock scenes.

Visit Drum and Bell Towers Square

Standing at the northern end of the Beijing Central Axis World Heritage Site, the Drum and Bell Towers were the official timekeeping facility for ancient Beijing. Most regular tour groups only pause briefly for photos without thorough explanations. During our visit, we will focus on two major themes: their vital functions in imperial urban management and the full ancient timekeeping system, alongside an analysis of their unique architectural design techniques. This special insight lets you learn how state-mandated time order shaped the daily lives of local residents.

Climb the Drum Tower

We will step inside the massive interior space of this well-preserved Ming-dynasty building after climbing the Drum Tower. You can view its complete set of 25 timekeeping drums preserved in their original historical layout. From this elevated vantage point, look south to catch sight of Wanchun Pavilion atop Jingshan Hill and enjoy an unbeatable panoramic overlook of the entire northern section of the Central Axis. This unforgettable view serves as the perfect closing highlight of our full heritage walking tour.

Ending Point

the Drum Tower