Beijing Historical Tour II Including Summer Palace, Lama Temple & Panda Garden

Beijing offers a wealth of historical and cultural wonders, and the Beijing Historical Tour II promises an immersive experience that showcases some of the city’s most iconic sites. Visitors will have the chance to explore the opulent Lama Temple, stroll through the serene gardens of the UNESCO-listed Summer Palace, and observe the captivating pandas at the Panda Garden. This full-day tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Beijing’s rich heritage, blending architectural marvels, natural beauty, and authentic local cuisine. With a carefully curated itinerary and seamless transportation, this tour is an exceptional opportunity to uncover the hidden gems that make Beijing such a fascinating destination.

Key Points

• This full-day tour explores Beijing’s historical and cultural landmarks, including the Summer Palace, Lama Temple, and Tianhou Silk Market.
• The tour provides a culture through a traditional Chinese family-style lunch and insights into Tibetan Buddhist heritage at the Lama Temple.
• Visitors can witness the intricate silk-making process and shop for authentic silk products at the Tianhou Silk Market.
• The tour includes transportation, admission tickets, and an English-speaking guide, ensuring a comfortable and informative experience.
• Feedback suggests the tour offers a comprehensive cultural experience, but some concerns have been raised about the pacing and quality of certain aspects.

Tour Overview

The Beijing Historical Tour II offers a full-day exploration of some of the city’s most renowned historical and cultural landmarks. Based in Beijing, this tour boasts a 4.0 average rating from 152 reviews.

Visitors can expect to experience the UNESCO-listed Summer Palace, the impressive Lama Temple, and the Tianhou Silk Market over the course of the day.

The tour lasts the full day and includes transportation, admission tickets, a traditional Chinese lunch, and an English-speaking guide to provide cultural insights.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infants can travel for free if they don’t need a dedicated seat.

Lama Temple Highlights

One of the highlights of the Beijing Historical Tour II is the visit to the Lama Temple (Yonghegong), a Tibetan Buddhist temple that showcases five opulent halls, colorful carvings, and the impressive 18-meter tall Maitreya Buddha statue.

Visitors can spend around an hour exploring the temple’s intricate architecture and religious artworks.

The temple’s history dates back to the early 18th century, when it served as the residence of the Qing dynasty’s Yongzheng Emperor before being converted into a lamasery.

Today, the Lama Temple remains an active place of worship, offering travelers a glimpse into China’s rich Buddhist heritage and the unique Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Lunch Experience

Typically, a traditional Chinese lunch is provided during the Beijing Historical Tour II, offering participants a chance to savor local cuisine and culinary traditions. The lunch, usually served family-style, features a selection of authentic Chinese dishes that showcase the diversity of flavors and cooking techniques.

Dish	Description
Steamed Rice	Fluffy, fragrant white rice
Stir-Fried Vegetables	Seasonal vegetables cooked with aromatic spices
Braised Beef	Tender beef in a savory soy-based sauce
Steamed Fish	Fresh, delicately steamed fish fillet

The lunch not only nourishes the body but also provides a culture, allowing participants to experience the richness of Chinese culinary traditions firsthand.

Summer Palace Exploration

After savoring the local cuisine during lunch, the tour moves on to explore the grandeur and beauty of the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds immense cultural significance.

The group spends two hours wandering through the rebuilt and ornately decorated temples, picturesque pavilions, and serene gardens that make up this expansive imperial retreat.

They’ll marvel at the intricate architecture and landscaping, which showcase traditional Chinese design elements.

The Summer Palace offers a peaceful respite from the bustling city and provides insights into the lavish lifestyle of China’s emperors.

This iconic site leaves a lasting impression on the tour participants as they continue their journey through Beijing’s rich historical tapestry.

Tianhou Silk Market

The tour concludes with a visit to the Tianhou Silk Market, where participants enjoy a short demonstration on traditional silk-making processes. This provides them with an opportunity to appreciate the intricate craftsmanship behind this iconic Chinese textile and to purchase authentic silk products as souvenirs of their historical journey through Beijing.

The market offers a range of silk items, including:

1. Scarves and shawls

2. Clothing and accessories

3. Home furnishings like bedding and curtains

4. Decorative items such as wall hangings and tapestries

This interactive experience allows travelers to enjoy Chinese culture while supporting local artisans and taking home a piece of Beijing’s rich heritage.

Transportation and Pickup

The tour package includes deluxe air-conditioned coach or mini-van transportation, ensuring a comfortable journey for participants. Pickup is available from hotels within the 4th ring circle highway in Beijing. For those staying outside this area, an alternative pickup point is available at the Prime Hotel. The tour departs promptly at 8:00 AM and returns to the original departure point.

Pickup Option	Location
Hotel Pickup	Within 4th ring circle highway
Alternative Pickup	Prime Hotel (for those outside 4th ring)
Departure Time	8:00 AM
Return	Original departure point

Inclusions and Accessibility

This tour package includes a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, admission tickets to the featured sites, a traditional Chinese lunch, and round-trip transportation.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infants can travel free if not occupying a seat.

The tour provides a comprehensive cultural experience, highlighting:

1. The opulent Lama Temple with its 18-meter tall Maitreya Buddha statue.

2. The stunning Summer Palace, with its rebuilt temples, picturesque pavilions, and serene gardens.

3. A silk making demonstration and opportunity to purchase silk products at the Tianhou Silk Market.

4. Knowledgeable guides who offer insightful cultural commentary throughout the day.

Customer Feedback

Based on the reviews, customers have generally praised the knowledgeable guides, who provide valuable cultural insights and lead enjoyable visits to the historical sites.

Highlights for many include the breathtaking beauty of the Summer Palace and the spiritual experience at the Lama Temple.

However, some have expressed concerns about the pressure to shop at silk and pearl factories, as well as complaints about the quality of the lunch and the pacing of the tour.

A few have recommended extending the tour duration to allow for more exploration time at the sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Lama Temple?

Photography is generally permitted inside the Lama Temple, though visitors should be mindful of any restrictions or rules announced by temple staff. Respectful behavior is expected to maintain the sacred nature of the site.

What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Summer Palace?

There is no strict dress code for visiting the Summer Palace in Beijing. However, visitors are generally advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes as the grounds are expansive and require extensive walking.

Are Credit Cards Accepted at the Tianhou Silk Market?

Credit cards are generally accepted at the Tianhou Silk Market, though it’s recommended to have cash on hand as well. Vendors may offer discounts for cash payments, and some smaller stalls may only accept cash.

Can I Extend the Tour to Visit Other Attractions?

Yes, the tour can often be extended to visit additional attractions. Customers should inquire with the tour operator about customizing the itinerary to include other sites of interest within the available time frame and at an additional cost.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour operator generally allows customization of the itinerary. Customers can request to add or substitute attractions based on their interests, though additional costs may apply. The tour’s flexibility allows for a personalized experience.

Recap

The Beijing Historical Tour II offers a captivating blend of culture and scenic beauty.

Visitors can explore the opulent Lama Temple, indulge in a traditional Chinese lunch, and marvel at the serene gardens of the UNESCO-listed Summer Palace.

The tour also includes a visit to the enchanting Panda Garden, providing an unforgettable experience of Beijing’s rich heritage.

With convenient transportation and inclusive features, this tour is a must-do for those seeking an immersive exploration of the city’s historical highlights.