Beijing, the ancient capital of China, offers a captivating blend of imperial grandeur and local charm. Set out on a journey that unveils the city’s rich cultural tapestry, from the magnificent Summer Palace to the captivating Hutongs and the sacred Temple of Heaven. Enjoy the lavish lifestyle of Empress Dowager Cixi, stroll through the timeless alleyways, and gain insights into China’s spiritual heritage. This immersive experience promises to transport you back in time, leaving you eager to uncover more of Beijing’s enchanting secrets.
Key Points
- The tour provides an immersive exploration of Beijing’s iconic landmarks, including the Summer Palace, Hutongs, and either the Temple of Heaven or Lama Temple.
- Participants can experience the grandeur of the Summer Palace, climb the Drum Tower for panoramic views, and witness the daily life of locals in traditional courtyard homes.
- The tour includes a private English-speaking guide, entrance tickets, and complimentary hotel pickup within the 4th ring road, priced at $146.51 per person for an 8-hour tour.
- Participants can learn about Chinese religious practices and the architectural elements and symbolic meanings of the visited temples.
- The tour offers flexibility with reservation and payment, allowing participants to easily plan their trip with a reserve-now-pay-later policy.
👉 Check out our guide to the 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Beijing
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Pricing
- Itinerary Highlights
- Summer Palace
- Drum Tower and Hutongs
- Temple Visit
- Transportation and Inclusions
- Exclusions
- Booking Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Different Attractions?
- What Is the Tour Group Size?
- Are Any COVID-19 Safety Measures in Place?
- How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Attraction?
- Can I Extend the Tour to Explore Additional Sites?
- The Sum Up
- Our Top Picks in Beijing
- More Tour Reviews in Beijing
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Beijing we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview and Pricing
This tour offers an immersive exploration of Beijing’s iconic landmarks, providing visitors with a comprehensive experience at a reasonable price.
Priced at $146.51 per person, the 8-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and complimentary hotel pickup within the 4th ring road.
Guests will enjoy the services of a private English-speaking guide, who’ll share captivating stories about the Summer Palace, Drum Tower, Hutongs, and a choice between the Temple of Heaven or Lama Temple.
Transportation is provided via DiDi taxi, and entrance tickets to all listed attractions are included.
While lunch is at the participant’s own expense, this tour offers an exceptional value for exploring Beijing’s rich history and culture.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Beijing.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour first takes visitors to the Summer Palace, an imperial retreat that served as the playground of the Qing dynasty’s Empress Dowager Cixi.
Guests will explore the palace’s magnificent gardens, man-made lake, and historic bridges for around 1.5 hours.
Next, they’ll climb the Drum Tower for panoramic views of old Beijing before wandering through the charming 700-year-old Hutong neighborhoods and Shichahai lakes.
Guests will also visit a local family to learn about traditional Chinese life.
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace was an imperial retreat that served as the playground of the Qing dynasty’s Empress Dowager Cixi.
Visitors explore the expansive grounds, which feature an exquisite imperial palace, beautiful gardens, and a serene man-made lake. The tour guide regales guests with stories of Cixi’s extravagant lifestyle and influence over the Emperor Guangxu.
Highlights include taking in the panoramic views from the Marble Boat and strolling along the picturesque Long Corridor.
With its harmonious blend of architecture and nature, the Summer Palace offers a glimpse into China’s imperial past and the luxurious lifestyle of its former rulers.
Drum Tower and Hutongs
Nestled within the heart of old Beijing, the Drum Tower and the surrounding hutongs captivate visitors with their timeless charm.
Travelers can climb the Drum Tower for a panoramic view of the city’s ancient architecture and bustling streets. The tour then explores the 700-year-old commercial lanes and Shichahai lakes of the hutongs, where visitors:
- Witness the daily life of locals in a traditional courtyard home.
- Learn about the history and culture of these historic neighborhoods.
- Immerse themselves in the vibrant sights, sounds, and smells of old Beijing.
This intimate glimpse into the city’s past provides a memorable cultural experience for all who venture into these atmospheric alleyways.
More Great Tours NearbyTemple Visit
After exploring the historic hutongs, the tour moves on to a visit to one of Beijing’s renowned temples.
Travelers can choose between the Temple of Heaven, a Taoist place of worship, or the Lama Temple, a revered Buddhist site.
At the chosen temple, the guide provides insights into Chinese religious practices and rituals. Visitors learn about the architectural elements, symbolic meanings, and the role these sacred spaces play in the lives of locals.
The temple visit offers a deeper understanding of China’s rich spiritual traditions and the importance of faith in the country’s cultural identity.
Transportation and Inclusions
Throughout the tour, DiDi taxis provide convenient transportation between the various sites. The tour package includes all entrance tickets to the highlighted attractions.
Visitors can choose to visit either the Temple of Heaven, a Taoist temple, or the Lama Temple, a Buddhist monastery, to learn about Chinese religious practices.
- Entrance tickets for the Summer Palace, Drum Tower, and selected temple
- DiDi taxi transportation throughout the day
- Lunch at a local restaurant, with the cost covered by the participant.
The tour excludes tips for the guide and any additional meals beyond the provided lunch.
Exclusions
The tour package excludes tips for the guide, as these are customary payments made at the participant’s discretion.
Plus, all meals aren’t included, except for the lunch provided during the tour. This allows participants the flexibility to choose their own dining options and preferences throughout the day.
While the tour covers entrance fees to the listed attractions, any additional expenses incurred by the traveler, such as souvenirs or personal purchases, aren’t part of the tour package.
Essentially, the exclusions are limited to tips and meals beyond the included lunch, giving participants control over their spending during the Beijing sightseeing experience.
Booking Information
To secure a spot on this comprehensive Beijing sightseeing tour, travelers can reserve their place now and pay later.
The tour offers flexibility, with availability checks for start times and participant limits. Booking this tour is a straightforward process:
- Check the tour’s availability to ensure there are spots open for the desired date and time.
- Provide the necessary booking information and reserve your spot.
- Pay for the tour at a later time, allowing you to plan your trip with ease.
This tour’s reserve-now-pay-later policy makes it easy for travelers to secure their place without the immediate need to complete the payment.
With these simple steps, you can ensure your spot on this engaging Beijing exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Different Attractions?
Yes, the tour can be customized to visit different attractions. Travelers can choose to visit the Temple of Heaven or Lama Temple, and the order and duration of each activity can be adjusted to suit their preferences.
What Is the Tour Group Size?
The tour group size is not specified, but it’s a private tour with an English-speaking guide, so the group size is likely small and flexible. Guests can customize the itinerary to their preferences.
Are Any COVID-19 Safety Measures in Place?
The tour operator follows all current COVID-19 safety protocols, which may include mask-wearing, social distancing, and sanitization measures. Specific policies are subject to change based on local guidelines. Contact the operator for the latest updates.
How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Attraction?
The tour allocates approximately 1.5 hours for the Summer Palace, allows time to climb the Drum Tower and explore the Hutongs, and provides a visit to either the Temple of Heaven or Lama Temple.
Can I Extend the Tour to Explore Additional Sites?
You can extend the tour to explore additional sites, but this would incur an additional cost. The tour operator can customize the itinerary to suit your preferences, subject to availability and any applicable fees.
Beijing:Summer Palace+Hutongs+Temple of Heaven
The Sum Up
Enjoy the rich cultural tapestry of Beijing with this captivating tour. Marvel at the Summer Palace’s exquisite gardens, witness daily life in the ancient Hutongs, and explore the sacred Temple of Heaven. This comprehensive journey unveils the essence of the city’s imperial and local heritage, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors.
You can check availability for your dates here:
