The Beijing Central Axis, now proudly listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, forms the historical and cultural backbone of China’s ancient capital. Stretching across the heart of the city, this grand axis links together centuries of imperial legacy and architectural brilliance.
To help travelers dive deeper into this magnificent cultural landscape, the Beijing Tourism Distribution Center has launched a special sightseeing service: Beijing Central Axis Bus Tour, officially known as the “Beautiful Central Axis Sightseeing Bus” (大美中轴线观光巴士). These charming replica trolleys offer both daytime and nighttime tours, each revealing a unique perspective of the city’s soul.
In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know to make the most of the Beijing Central Axis Bus Tour. We’ll walk you through how to hop on these retro-style buses, what to expect from the 15 cultural heritage sites along the route, where to taste authentic Beijing snacks, and how to book your tickets hassle-free. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a curious explorer, this tour will add a fascinating layer to your Beijing adventure.
Ready to roll back through time? Let’s begin!
✨Route Overview – A Journey Through Time on the Beijing Central Axis
Since its launch in August 2024, the Beautiful Central Axis Sightseeing Bus has quickly become a favorite for travelers. It’s specially designed for exploring the cultural heart of Beijing — the Central Axis. This unique route uses all-electric replica trolleys, modeled after Beijing’s very first tram from 1924. While the tracks and queues are gone, the old-time charm lives on.
The trolley’s retro look and cozy wooden interiors bring a touch of nostalgia. Yet, it’s also clean and green — a perfect mix of past and present.
Along the way, the bus passes 15 must-see heritage sites. These include Zhengyang Gate, Temple of Heaven, Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Wanning Bridge, and the iconic Bell and Drum Towers.
Even better, there are two tour options: a daytime ride for clear views and a night tour to see the city glow. Both include cultural narration (some in English), adding depth to the ride. The bus cruises at a relaxed 30–50 km/h, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the sights.
For travelers short on time, this 1–2 hour ride offers a rich, worry-free glimpse into Beijing’s history — no maps, no stress. Whether you’re solo, with family, or on a cultural tour, this route fits all.
☀️ Daytime Route – Discovering Beijing’s Historic Charm in the Sunlight
The Beijing Central Axis Day Tour is a perfect choice for travelers who want to explore Beijing’s heritage in broad daylight. This one-way route starts at Qianmen Arrow Tower and heads north for 12 kilometers, ending at the Drum and Bell Towers. The bus runs continuously from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, giving you the flexibility to ride when it suits your schedule.
Along the way, you’ll pass some of Beijing’s most iconic sites — Zhengyang Gate, Yongding Gate, the Temple of Heaven, Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, and Wanning Bridge. Although there are no stops in between, a professional guide onboard offers live commentary, including some English explanations. For example, they might say, “Look to the right — this European-style building is the former Zhengyangmen East Railway Station,” or “Ahead is Yongding Gate, once the southern gateway to Beijing’s outer city.”
The trolley itself adds to the fun. Red lanterns, palace wall designs, and photo panels above the windows make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. You can also shop onboard for creative Beijing-themed souvenirs.
Tickets cost 50 RMB per person and include the guided narration. Just hop on at Qianmen Arrow Tower — the green vintage-style trolley is easy to spot. Pay directly onboard via WeChat or Alipay.
The ride takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. It’s ideal for first-time visitors, families with kids, and photographers who love natural lighting. Plus, it’s more budget-friendly than the night tour. After the tour ends at the Drum Tower, you can explore nearby sights on foot to continue your adventure.
🌃 Nighttime Route – A Feast of Lights, Flavors, and Culture
If you’ve explored Beijing by day, it’s time to see it sparkle at night. The Beautiful Central Axis Night Tour offers a completely different experience. This 25-kilometer loop begins and ends at Qianmen, circling the Central Axis under dazzling lights. The bus departs at 7:05 PM, giving you the perfect chance to enjoy Beijing’s night vibes in comfort.
This isn’t just a ride — it’s a full cultural evening. The 268 RMB ticket includes a delicious roast duck meal or a light Western dinner, served in partnership with the renowned Siji Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant. While you dine, enjoy a lively crosstalk or clapper talk performance telling stories of the Central Axis. Additionally, a bilingual guide offers insights in both Chinese and English.
Inside the bus, the setup is cozy and stylish. There are five tables, comfy seating, and local snacks like pea cakes and glutinous rice rolls on each table. The atmosphere feels like a moving Beijing-style tea house.
What’s more, the night views are breathtaking. Landmarks like Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City’s turrets glow under warm light, offering perfect photo ops. The reflections and shadows bring new life to ancient architecture.
To join, book at least one day in advance through the official platform. Each tour runs with a minimum of 10 guests to ensure a great group vibe. Kids under 1.3 meters ride free if they don’t take a seat.
In short, this night tour blends food, performance, and city lights into one unforgettable evening. If you’re craving more than sightseeing — and love capturing moody night photos — this is your ride.
🛎️ Practical Info – Booking, Tips, and Nearby Attractions
Booking your spot on the Central Axis Sightseeing Bus is easy. First, you can follow the “Beijing Tourism Distribution Center” WeChat account. From there, go to the “Tourist Sightseeing Bus” section to make a reservation. For the day tour, you can simply hop on and pay onboard using WeChat and Alipay or cash. However, the night tour requires booking at least one day in advance, since it includes a meal and entertainment.
Keep in mind, the bus usually waits until it’s full before departure. So sometimes, you might need to be a bit patient, especially during off-peak times. But the wait is usually worth it!
Next, consider planning extra time for nearby spots. Around the Qianmen starting point, you’ll find Qianmen Street, the charming Dashilan shopping district, and several local snack stalls. At the Drum Tower end of the day tour, you can explore Yandai Xiejie (Smoking Pipe Lane), the scenic Shichahai bar area, and lively Nanluoguxiang.
For a deeper Beijing experience, try mixing the Beijing Central Axis Bus Tour with a walking trip. For example, after the day tour ends at the Drum Tower, take a stroll through nearby hutongs. Or after the night tour, grab a bite of local snacks around Qianmen. This “ride + walk” combo gives you the best of both worlds — sightseeing with stories, and slow-paced exploration with surprises.
The Beijing Central Axis Sightseeing Bus Tour is more than just a ride — it’s a journey through time, tradition, and the living heartbeat of the city. Whether you’re soaking in sunlight during the day tour or savoring roast duck under city lights on the night ride, this experience offers a unique window into Beijing’s soul.
So, next time you’re in the capital, skip the stress of planning every step. Instead, hop on this charming trolley, sit back, and let Beijing’s stories unfold outside your window. From ancient gates to glowing rooftops, there’s no better way to explore the city’s cultural spine.
Pack your camera, bring your curiosity, and let the Central Axis guide your way through Beijing.
