Setting out on a self-guided exploration of Beijing’s royal heritage, the "Beijing: Royal Combo (Royal Cruise + Summer Palace) DIY Tour" promises an immersive experience. Visitors begin their journey at the serene Zizhuyuan Park, followed by a scenic cruise along the China Seine River. The tour then transitions to the iconic Summer Palace, where guests can discover stunning attractions like the Dehe Garden and the Tower of Buddhist Incense. With informative guides and the flexibility to explore at their own pace, travelers can explore the rich history and grandeur of Beijing’s royal legacy. What awaits beyond the tranquil waters and palatial grounds? The adventure is just beginning.
Good To Know
- This DIY tour offers a 1-day immersive exploration of Beijing’s royal heritage, including a cruise on the China Seine River and visits to the Summer Palace.
- The tour is priced at CZK 1,336 per person and allows for flexible, self-guided exploration with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Highlights include a 28-minute sightseeing cruise, 3.5 hours of exploration at the Summer Palace, and access to various attractions within the palace grounds.
- Textual, visual, live, and audio guides are available to enhance the in-depth exploration of the royal sites.
- The tour is accessible via public transportation, with clear guidance provided for a smooth experience from the starting point at Zizhuyuan Park.
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Tour Overview
This DIY tour offers visitors a chance to experience a "day in the life of royalty" in Beijing.
Priced from CZK 1,336 per person, the 1-day tour provides a flexible, self-guided experience. Travelers can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour’s royal theme includes a cruise on the China Seine River and visits to the iconic Summer Palace.
With a duration of 1 day, this tour caters to those seeking an immersive yet customizable exploration of Beijing’s regal heritage.
Itinerary and Experience
The tour begins at Zizhuyuan Park, a free-to-enter green oasis in Beijing.
After a brief 10-minute visit, guests will board a 28-minute sightseeing cruise along the China Seine River, disembarking at the Summer Palace‘s South Ruyi Wharf.
Here, they’ll have 3.5 hours to explore the magnificent Summer Palace, including the Dehe Garden, Tower of Buddhist Incense, Suzhou Street, and Summer Palace Museum.
The flexible itinerary allows visitors to customize their experience and visit the attractions that interest them most.
With a textual and visual guide, as well as optional live and audio guides, travelers can dive deep into the imperial history and splendor of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Inclusions
The Beijing: Royal Combo (Royal Cruise + Summer Palace) DIY Tour includes a one-way cruise ticket from Ziyu Bay Pier to the Summer Palace.
Plus, the tour provides:
- A ticket to the Summer Palace
- A textual and visual guide
- Admission to Dehe Garden, Tower of Buddhist Incense, Suzhou Street, and Summer Palace Museum
- Live tour guide and audio guide
- Flexibility to visit multiple attractions at your own pace
This comprehensive package ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience as you explore the grandeur of the royal Summer Palace and savor the relaxing cruise along the waterways.
Important Details
One important detail to note is the strict adherence to scheduled times due to admission restrictions at the attractions.
This DIY tour requires travelers to adhere strictly to the itinerary to ensure smooth access to the Summer Palace and other included sites.
Plus, the cruise portion may not be suitable for those prone to seasickness.
Travelers should bring their passports or ID cards, as they’ll be required for entry to the various attractions.
Customer Ratings
Travelers seem to have thoroughly enjoyed this DIY tour, as evidenced by the impressive 5/5 rating based on a single verified review.
The reviewer, Teona from Germany, praised the experience, simply stating "Very nice experience." This positive feedback suggests the tour offers great value, flexibility, and an engaging exploration of Beijing’s royal heritage.
Key factors contributing to the high rating likely include:
- Seamless cruise and palace visit logistics
- Informative textual and visual guides
- Flexibility to explore attractions at one’s own pace
- Efficient use of time to see multiple landmarks
- Overall satisfaction with the day’s royal-themed activities
Getting There
To reach the starting point of this DIY tour, visitors can conveniently access Zizhuyuan Park via public transportation.
The park is well-connected, with the nearest metro station just a short walk away. Alternatively, travelers can take a bus or taxi to the park’s main entrance.
Once there, guests can spend a few minutes exploring the picturesque green spaces before proceeding to the Ziyuwan Wharf, the boarding point for the royal cruise experience.
With clear signage and easy-to-follow directions, navigating to the tour’s starting location is a seamless process, allowing visitors to focus on the upcoming highlights of their royal-inspired adventure.
Booking Information
Booking this DIY tour is a straightforward process. Travelers can reserve their spot and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour offers flexibility, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. Key details include:
- Admission to Zizhuyuan Park, the Summer Palace, and various attractions within the palace grounds
- A sightseeing cruise along the China Seine River
- Textual and visual guides, as well as live tour and audio guides
- Suitability for most travelers, except those prone to seasickness
- The need to adhere strictly to scheduled times due to admission restrictions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Visit the Summer Palace Gardens Independently?
Yes, visitors can explore the Summer Palace gardens independently. The tour includes a ticket to the Summer Palace, allowing guests to wander the grounds at their own pace and discover the imperial gardens on their own.
Are There Any Discounts for Seniors or Students?
Yes, there are discounts for seniors and students on the Summer Palace admission ticket. However, the tour package itself does not offer any additional discounts beyond the standard admission rates.
Can I Modify the Cruise Route or Duration?
The tour allows some flexibility to modify the cruise route or duration, but changes may incur additional fees. It’s best to consult the tour provider about any desired modifications to ensure availability and pricing.
Are There Any Additional Fees for Using Audio Guides?
There are no additional fees for using the audio guides on this tour. The textual and visual guide, as well as the audio guide, are included in the tour price.
What Is the Dress Code for the Royal Cruise Experience?
The tour does not specify a dress code for the royal cruise experience. Guests are generally advised to wear comfortable and casual attire suitable for a sightseeing cruise. No formal wear is required.
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The Sum Up
The "Beijing: Royal Combo (Royal Cruise + Summer Palace) DIY Tour" offers a flexible self-guided experience to explore Beijing’s royal heritage. The tour includes a scenic river cruise and extensive access to the iconic Summer Palace, allowing visitors to enjoy the city’s rich history at their own pace. This comprehensive package provides an enchanting and informative way to discover the captivating sights and attractions of the Chinese capital.