/17
Chinese History Through Original Imperial Archives Free Tour
Verified by:
FREETOUR.com
Provided by:
Wonder Wan
Duration
2 hours
Meeting point
The First Historical Archives of China
Languages
English
From €0
Tip based
Free Booking. Free Cancellation.
No fixed price — pay what you feel the tour is worth.
Overview
Most tours tell stories. We read the original paperwork.
At the First Historical Archives (next to Forbidden City), 10 million Ming and Qing documents survive. We’ll walk through centuries of real history—war, governance, exams, diplomacy, and daily life—by looking at the actual papers.
What you’ll see:
Imperial decrees and secret memorials with the emperor‘s own handwriting (“Approved,” “I know”).
Hand‑drawn maps of the empire, battlefields, and the Forbidden City itself.
Official portraits, court paintings, and ceremonial objects.
Exam answer sheets and the famous “Golden List” (the 20‑m scoreboard).
The wooden succession box hidden behind the “Fair and Just” plaque.
Emperor’s interview notes—yes, they judged candidates by looks and voice.
What you‘ll learn:
How an empire of 300 million people was managed without computers or telephones. How scholars were “drafted.” How emperors controlled their ministers—and their own family.
This is not a fun‑facts tour. It’s a historian’s tour for curious travelers.
Practical: Free entry (passport required). Reservation needed—I‘ll help.
At the First Historical Archives (next to Forbidden City), 10 million Ming and Qing documents survive. We’ll walk through centuries of real history—war, governance, exams, diplomacy, and daily life—by looking at the actual papers.
What you’ll see:
Imperial decrees and secret memorials with the emperor‘s own handwriting (“Approved,” “I know”).
Hand‑drawn maps of the empire, battlefields, and the Forbidden City itself.
Official portraits, court paintings, and ceremonial objects.
Exam answer sheets and the famous “Golden List” (the 20‑m scoreboard).
The wooden succession box hidden behind the “Fair and Just” plaque.
Emperor’s interview notes—yes, they judged candidates by looks and voice.
What you‘ll learn:
How an empire of 300 million people was managed without computers or telephones. How scholars were “drafted.” How emperors controlled their ministers—and their own family.
This is not a fun‑facts tour. It’s a historian’s tour for curious travelers.
Practical: Free entry (passport required). Reservation needed—I‘ll help.
Tour Conditions
Accessibility
Suitable for people with reduced mobility
Minimum Attendees
Requires at least 2 participants to run
Children
Suitable for families with children
Extra Fees
No additional cost
Pets
Pet-friendly
Read more
Our Guides
Wonder wan
On arrival
At the entrance gate of The First Historical Archives of China 中国第一历史档案馆.
Things to note
This Museum is available on Monday as well! One of the very few attractions in Beijing that open on Monday. So if you don't know what to do here in Beijing on Monday, you can arrange this quality time together with me in this Museum. Learn about the real history of China through REAL archives from the government and loyal families from 600 years ago to 100 years ago.
Cancellation policy
You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.
Tours Organized by Wonder Wan
Chinese Paintings: Xu Beihong Memorial Museum & Xihai Art Museum Tour
2 hours
10:00 AM, 3:00 PM
From
€0
Tip based
Gastronomic Gems of Beijing’s Hutong & Shared Tasting Free Tour
1h 30min
5:20 PM, 7:00 PM
From
€0
Tip based
Beijing Taxation Museum Free Tour: Secrets of Ancient China’s Economy
1h 30min
10:00 AM, 2:00 PM
From
€0
Tip based
Beijing After Dark Free Tour: Hutongs, Ancient Towers & Nightlife
2h 30min
7:00 PM
From
€0
Tip based
Arts & Crafts Museum: Explore Chinese Masterpieces Through the Ages
2 hours
10:00 AM, 2:00 PM
From
€0
Tip based
