Beijing Layover Tour: Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace

Exploring the cultural heart of Beijing during a layover has never been easier. The Beijing Layover Tour offers travelers a chance to experience the city’s iconic landmarks, from the grandeur of the Forbidden City to the serene beauty of the Summer Palace. With an expert guide, visitors will uncover the rich history and stunning architecture that make these UNESCO World Heritage sites must-see destinations. Whether you’re a first-time or seasoned traveler, this seamless tour promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you captivated and eager to discover more of China’s remarkable heritage.

Key Points

• A comprehensive 5.0-rated private tour that visits the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace during a Beijing layover.
• Includes transportation, entrance fees, a meal, and an English-speaking guide to provide insights at the historic sites.
• Hassle-free experience with airport pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless journey for travelers with long layovers.
• Personalized experience due to the exclusive group arrangement, with flexible payment options and free cancellation.
• Suitable for most travelers, but not wheelchair accessible; guided tour led by an English-speaking guide with all entrance fees included.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Beijing Layover Tour provides an opportunity for travelers with a long layover at Beijing Capital Airport to explore some of the city’s iconic landmarks.

The tour includes visits to the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace. This private tour is exclusively for your group, and it’s rated 5.0 based on one review.

The highlights of the tour include the chance to witness the grandeur of these historic sites and gain insights from an English-speaking guide.

With included transportation, entrance fees, and a meal, the tour offers a hassle-free way to make the most of your Beijing layover.

Inclusions

The Beijing Layover Tour includes an airport pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to your experience.

An English-speaking tour guide will accompany you throughout the tour, providing insights and information about the sights you’ll visit.

Entrance fees to the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace are included, allowing you to fully learn about these iconic landmarks.

Travel in air-conditioned comfort, with bottled water and a meal provided.

Gratuities are also covered, so you can relax and enjoy the tour without additional expenses.

This comprehensive package allows you to make the most of your Beijing layover.

Pickup Information

To start your Beijing layover tour, travelers must first apply for a free visa permit upon landing at Beijing Capital Airport.

Once that’s done, the tour guide will meet you at the Starbucks Coffee in Terminal 3 or Terminal 2. Alternatively, you can also be picked up at the Crowne Plaza International Airport Beijing.

At the end of the tour, you’ll return to the same meeting point. This private tour is exclusively for your group, ensuring a personalized experience.

With airport pickup and drop-off, you can sit back and enjoy the sights without worrying about transportation.

Booking Details

Starting at $207.00 per person, the price for this Beijing layover tour varies depending on the group size.

Travelers can book the tour with flexible payment options and receive confirmation immediately. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour is operated by China Visa Free Layover Tour, an experienced provider of layover tours in Beijing. Most travelers can participate, but the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Visitors should apply for a free visa permit upon landing at Beijing Capital Airport and meet the English-speaking tour guide at the designated pickup location.

Accessibility and Participation

Most travelers can participate in the Beijing Layover Tour, though the tour is not wheelchair accessible. The tour is operated by China Visa Free Layover Tour and provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the city’s highlights during a short layover.

Accessibility	Participation
Not wheelchair accessible	Most travelers can participate
Suitable for travelers who can walk	Guided tour with English-speaking guide
Entrance fees included	Air-conditioned transportation provided
Bottled water and meal served	Gratuities included

The layover tour is a great way for travelers to make the most of their time in Beijing, offering a convenient and comprehensive sightseeing experience.

Forbidden City Exploration

Exploring the iconic Forbidden City, the sprawling imperial palace complex at the heart of Beijing, is a captivating highlight of the layover tour.

Visitors will marvel at the grand ceremonial halls, ornate temples, and beautifully landscaped gardens that once served as the exclusive domain of China’s emperors.

The tour includes:

• Wandering through the imposing gates and courtyards of the Forbidden City
• Admiring the stunning architecture and intricate details of the palace buildings
• Learning about the rich history and cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site
• Exploring the tranquil Imperial Garden, a serene oasis within the vast complex
• Capturing breathtaking photos to commemorate the experience.

Temple of Heaven Visit

After exploring the grandeur of the Forbidden City, the Beijing layover tour then takes visitors to another iconic landmark – the Temple of Heaven.

This sacred Taoist site, built in the 15th century, is renowned for its stunning architecture and the unique traditions associated with it.

Visitors will marvel at the impressive Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a circular building symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth.

They’ll also witness the Echo Wall, where a whisper can be heard across the courtyard.

The tranquil grounds and the opportunity to learn about Chinese history and culture make the Temple of Heaven a highlight of the Beijing layover experience.

Summer Palace Tour

The Summer Palace, a sprawling imperial retreat situated on the banks of Kunming Lake, represents another captivating destination within the Beijing layover tour.

Visitors can expect to be enchanted by the palace’s intricate architecture, serene gardens, and picturesque landscapes.

The tour highlights include:

• Exploring the iconic Marble Boat, a lakeside pavilion that symbolizes the power and prosperity of the Qing dynasty.
• Ascending the Seventeen Arch Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the palace grounds and the surrounding lake.
• Admiring the exquisite design of the Longevity Hill, home to the stunning Long Corridor and the impressive Empress Cixi’s Summer Resort.
• Strolling through the lush, well-manicured gardens that provide a tranquil respite from the bustling city.
• Gaining insights into the palace’s rich history and its role in China’s imperial past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Attractions?

Photography is generally allowed inside the attractions, but visitors should check with the tour guide or attraction staff for any specific restrictions. Some sites may have limited photography zones or prohibit flash photography.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

While the tour includes bottled water and one meal, visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific policies.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Attraction?

The tour typically spends 1-2 hours at each attraction, with visitors able to explore the sites at their own pace. The guide will provide an overview and allow time for photos and individual exploration.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no explicit information about extending the tour duration. However, the tour is customizable, so travelers can likely discuss adding more time at each attraction or extending the overall tour length with the tour operator.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour has no age restrictions; travelers of all ages can participate. However, the tour may not be suitable for young children due to the walking involved and the length of the tour.

Recap

The Beijing Layover Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the capital’s iconic landmarks. Travelers with extended layovers can explore the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace, accompanied by an English-speaking expert. With airport transfers, entrance fees, transportation, and meals included, this tour ensures a hassle-free and enriching experience in the heart of China’s rich cultural heritage.