6-7 Hours Beijing Summer Palace and Forbidden City Layover Tour

Exploring the grandeur and historical significance of Beijing’s iconic landmarks during a layover doesn’t have to be a rushed affair. This 6-7 hour private tour immerses travelers in the captivating essence of the Summer Palace and Forbidden City, allowing them to discover the imperial heritage that echoes through these UNESCO-listed sites. With an expert guide to provide insightful commentary, travelers can navigate the elegant gardens, iconic bridges, and opulent halls, uncovering the stories that shaped China’s dynastic past. Whether seeking a leisurely stroll or a deeper dive into the region’s cultural riches, this layover experience promises to leave a lasting impression – one that may just inspire a return visit.

Key Points

• This 6-7 hour private tour allows visitors to explore the Summer Palace and Forbidden City during a layover in Beijing, with a minimum 11-hour requirement.
• The tour includes private air-conditioned transport, an English-speaking guide, and the entrance ticket to the Summer Palace.
• Highlights of the tour include the Marble Boat, Long Corridor, Seventeen Arch Bridge, and Empress Cixi’s Summer Residence at the Summer Palace.
• The tour also includes a visit to Tiananmen Square, the political heart of China and the world’s largest public square.
• The tour is customizable, allowing visitors to extend their time at the Summer Palace or include the Forbidden City, based on their interests.

Tour Overview

The tour offers a comprehensive 6-7 hour experience exploring Beijing’s iconic Summer Palace and Forbidden City. Priced from $155 per person, the private tour provides flexible activities and the option to visit Tiananmen Square.

The tour includes private, air-conditioned transportation, an English-speaking guide, and the first entrance ticket to the Summer Palace. Visitors must have a minimum 11-hour layover to participate and obtain a 24-144 hour visa upon arrival.

Reviews praise the tour’s excellent organization, helpful guides, and enjoyable experiences. Guests are recommended to tip RMB 100-200 for good service.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Inclusions and Logistics

Pickup and drop-off services are provided, with the option to start the tour either from the Capital Airport or the customer’s hotel.

The tour includes private, air-conditioned transportation throughout the day. A well-trained, English-speaking guide will accompany the group, enhancing the educational experience.

The first entrance ticket to the Summer Palace is included in the tour price. Meals can be arranged at an additional cost, and gratuities of RMB 100-200 are recommended for good service.

The tour is fully refundable if canceled up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

Summer Palace Exploration

Spanning over 2.9 square kilometers, the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) is the largest royal garden in China. Visitors will spend approximately 1 hour exploring this stunning oasis, which features an array of architectural wonders and natural beauty. The highlights include:

Highlights	Description
Marble Boat	Ornate boat on the shore of Kunming Lake
Long Corridor	Covered walkway adorned with intricate paintings
Seventeen Arch Bridge	Elegant stone bridge over Kunming Lake
Empress Cixi’s Summer Residence	Grand palace where the Empress spent her summers

The Summer Palace seamlessly blends traditional Chinese aesthetics with breathtaking landscapes, providing a glimpse into China’s imperial past and the opulent lifestyle of its rulers.

Tiananmen Square Visit

Visitors then proceed to explore the iconic Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang), China’s political heart and the world’s largest public square.

They’ll spend 30-40 minutes marveling at the square’s vast open spaces and iconic monuments, including the Tiananmen Gate, the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, and the Monument to the People’s Heroes.

The guide will provide historical context, sharing insights about the square’s significance in Chinese politics and culture.

Guests should keep in mind that Tiananmen Square is closed from September 21 to October 1, 2019, due to National Day events, and an alternative visit to the Temple of Heaven and silk market may be arranged instead.

Accessibility and Requirements

Accessibility and participation in this Beijing layover tour require adherence to a few key considerations.

Firstly, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility limitations may find it challenging. Plus, infants must sit on their parents’ laps during the tour.

To participate, travelers must have a minimum layover time of 11 hours between flights. On top of that, they’ll need to obtain a 24-144 hour visa upon arrival and follow immigration procedures before meeting the driver.

This ensures a seamless experience and allows guests to make the most of their limited time in Beijing. Adherence to these requirements guarantees a memorable and hassle-free tour.

Customer Feedback

Positive reviews highlight the excellent organization, helpful guides, and enjoyable experiences provided by this Beijing layover tour.

Customers praise the tour guides for their punctuality and informative nature, which enhanced their overall satisfaction. The guides are described as knowledgeable, friendly, and adept at tailoring the tour to the group’s interests.

Reviewers appreciate the tour’s flexibility, allowing them to customize the activities to fit their schedule and preferences. The seamless logistics, from airport pickup to smooth transitions between sites, contribute to the tour’s high ratings.

Customizable Activities

The tour’s flexibility allows travelers to customize the experience to suit their interests and schedule.

With options to visit the magnificent Summer Palace, the iconic Forbidden City, and the historically significant Tiananmen Square, participants can tailor the itinerary to their preferences.

Key customizable elements include:

• Spend more time at the Summer Palace to explore the serene gardens, pavilions, and temples
• Opt to visit the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the former imperial palace
• Include a stop at Tiananmen Square, a renowned public plaza with cultural and political significance
• Potentially add other attractions like the Temple of Heaven or a silk market, depending on availability

This adaptable tour ensures an engaging and personalized experience for every traveler.

Pricing and Booking

The tour is priced from $155.00 per person, with the exact cost varying based on the group size. This includes pickup and drop-off, private air-conditioned transport, and an English-speaking guide.

The first entrance ticket to the Summer Palace is covered, while meals and gratuities are optional extras. Cancellations can be made free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

Visitors will need to obtain a 24-144 hour visa upon arrival and follow the immigration procedures before meeting the driver. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour?

Yes, the tour company offers luggage storage during the tour. Guests can securely store their belongings at the company’s office or a designated luggage holding area while exploring the attractions on the itinerary.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour company offers an option to extend the tour duration. Travelers can add more time to explore additional attractions like the Temple of Heaven or the Lama Temple for an additional fee.

Can I Purchase Additional Entrance Tickets On-Site?

Yes, customers can purchase additional entrance tickets at the Summer Palace and Forbidden City on-site. However, the initial entrance ticket to the Summer Palace is already included in the tour package.

What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?

The tour has no specific dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Layers are recommended as the Summer Palace and Forbidden City can be quite chilly, even in summer.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no explicit age restrictions for this tour, but infants must sit on laps during transportation. The tour is suitable for guests of all ages, though accessibility may be limited for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Recap

This layover tour offers a captivating exploration of Beijing’s iconic landmarks. Visitors will enjoy the grandeur of the Summer Palace and uncover the rich history of the Forbidden City. With flexible customization options and hassle-free logistics, this experience ensures a memorable and efficient way to maximize a short layover in China’s capital. The tour’s affordable pricing and positive customer feedback make it an attractive choice for those seeking an authentic cultural encounter.