Discover the grandeur of Beijing’s Summer Palace with a private tour that offers personalized exploration. Explore the architectural marvels and learn about the captivating history of the Qing dynasty. Enhance your visit with optional activities tailored to your interests, from traditional Hutong lunches to serene boat rides on Kunming Lake. Embark on this enriching experience and uncover the wonders that await within this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Good To Know
- Explore the iconic Summer Palace with a private guided tour, including key landmarks like the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, Long Corridor, and Tower of Buddhist Incense.
- Enjoy a range of optional activities such as private calligraphy or Tai Chi lessons, dumpling-making classes, and boat rides on Kunming Lake to customize your experience.
- Benefit from the expertise of a knowledgeable guide who provides in-depth insights into the Qing dynasty history and cultural significance of the palace.
- Take advantage of flexible tour durations ranging from 2 to 8 hours and a full refund policy for cancellations made 24 hours in advance.
- Take in the serene beauty of the palace grounds and gardens while engaging with the guide through interactive sessions and opportunities to ask questions.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Beijing: Summer Palace Private Tour with Optional Activities provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Priced from $59.40 per person, the tour offers great value, with the option to save up to 10% on the regular price.
Lasting 2 to 8 hours, the tour allows flexibility to fit various schedules. Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and travelers can book now and pay later.
The tour includes expert guidance, admission fees, and the opportunity to discover the Qing dynasty’s rich culture and history at key landmarks within the Summer Palace.
Tour Experience
With an expert local guide leading the way, the tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the Summer Palace’s rich cultural and historical significance.
Visitors will have the opportunity to:
-
Discover the Qing dynasty’s architectural marvels, including the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the Long Corridor, and the Marble Boat.
-
Immerse themselves in the palace’s tranquil atmosphere as they stroll through the Hall of Happiness and Longevity and the Hall of Dispelling Clouds.
-
Admire the iconic Tower of Buddhist Incense, a centerpiece of the palace grounds.
-
Engage in an interactive experience, asking questions and gaining insights from the knowledgeable guide throughout the tour.
Meeting Point and Directions
To get to the meeting point, visitors can take a taxi or the subway. The taxi ride from Beijing city to the Summer Palace takes around 40 minutes to an hour.
Alternatively, travelers can take the subway to Beigongmen Station on Line 4.
Regardless of the transportation method, visitors should ensure they arrive at the meeting point – in front of the Bronze Lions at the Summer Palace East Gate – with enough time to spare. This will allow for a smooth start to the guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Punctuality is essential to make the most of the tour experience.
Inclusions and Options
The tour includes the Summer Palace entrance fee, a knowledgeable guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off if selected.
Plus, the tour offers several optional activities and add-ons:
- Transfers to and from your hotel in Beijing
- A delicious lunch at a local restaurant
- Opportunities to learn more about Qing dynasty culture and history
- Personalized recommendations from your expert guide
Customers can choose to tailor their experience to their specific interests and preferences, ensuring a truly memorable visit to the iconic Summer Palace.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Beijing Summer Palace tour, as evidenced by its impressive 5/5 rating based on 49 reviews.
Reviewers from the UAE, USA, and South Korea consistently highlight the tour’s knowledgeable and informative guide, who tailored the experience to their interests.
One customer, Afnan from the UAE, raved about their "amazing tour guide Jackie."
Another, Thomas from the USA, noted the guide’s extensive knowledge and the good lunch provided.
Echoing these sentiments, Elena from South Korea described the tour as "great" with an "extensive knowledge about Chinese history."
Highlights of the Tour
Visitors have the opportunity to explore several key landmarks during the guided tour of the iconic Summer Palace. The knowledgeable local guide will provide insights into the Qing dynasty culture and history as you discover the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the Long Corridor, the Marble Boat, the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, the Hall of Dispelling Clouds, and the Tower of Buddhist Incense.
This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a chance to:
- Enjoy the grandeur of the palace‘s architecture and gardens.
- Learn about the Qing dynasty’s influential role in Chinese history.
- Ask questions and engage with the expert guide.
- Experience the beauty and serenity of this historic destination.
Customizable Tour Options
Beyond the standard tour, travelers can customize their experience with a range of optional activities and add-ons.
Those seeking a more immersive cultural experience can opt for a private calligraphy or Tai Chi lesson. For those interested in local cuisine, a private dumpling-making class or a traditional Hutong lunch can be arranged.
To explore the palace grounds further, visitors can upgrade to a boat ride on the Kunming Lake or a visit to the Marble Boat.
With these flexible options, travelers can tailor the tour to their interests and preferences, creating a truly personalized experience at the iconic Summer Palace.
Visit the Iconic Summer Palace
Exploring the iconic Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a captivating window into Qing dynasty history and Chinese culture.
During this private tour, visitors can discover the palace’s key landmarks, including the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the Long Corridor, the Marble Boat, and the Tower of Buddhist Incense.
An expert local guide provides in-depth insights, allowing guests to:
- Explore the Qing dynasty’s architectural wonders and cultural heritage
- Appreciate the interplay of natural landscapes and imperial design
- Understand the palace’s role in China’s history and development
- Engage in a personalized experience with opportunities to ask questions
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Private 4-Hour In Depth Walking Tour to the Forbidden City
- Mutianyu Great Wall Private Day Tour With English Driver
- Great Wall at Gubeikou and Jinshanling Private Sunset Tour
- Mutianyu Great Wall Private Layover Guided Tour
- Private Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour From Beijing City/Airport
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX) to Hotel
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Visit the Summer Palace on My Own?
Yes, you can visit the Summer Palace on your own. The palace is open to the public, and you can explore it at your own pace without a guided tour.
What Is the Best Time of Day to Visit?
The best time to visit the Summer Palace is typically in the morning when it’s less crowded. This allows you to explore the palace’s landmarks more comfortably and take in the serene atmosphere before the crowds arrive.
Are Photos Allowed Inside the Summer Palace?
Yes, photos are generally allowed inside the Summer Palace. Visitors can capture the stunning architecture, landscapes, and cultural relics on their cameras, though there may be some restrictions in certain areas. It’s best to check with the staff upon arrival.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Avoid wearing overly casual or revealing attire. Respectful, modest dress is recommended when visiting cultural sites like the Summer Palace.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?
Yes, the tour duration can be extended if needed. Participants can discuss options with the guide during the tour to accommodate any requests to spend more time at the Summer Palace.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace Private Tour With Acrobatic Show Option
- Beijing: Full-Day Private Tour of Cuandixia Village
- Shop Til You Drop: A Tour of Bai Rong World Trade Mall!
- Beijing Private Night Tour to Badaling Great Wall
- Online Cooking Class Hand Pulled Noodles by Sunflower Li
- Beijing: Summer Palace Sacred Road & Ming Tombs Private Tour
- Beijing Gubei Water Town and Great Wall Day Trip
- Beijing Royal Banquet With Chinese Culture Prefermance
- Gubei Water Town And Simatai Great Wall Ticket Booking
- Beijing 4-5 Hours Layover Tour to Mutianyu Great Wall
- Beijing Historical 2-Day Tour Including the Great Wall
- Mini Group Tour Of Beijing City Sites Including Tickets
- Beijing: Ins-Style City Walk Must-Visit Route（English Guide）
- VIP Trip: Beijing Great Wall With Peking Duck
- Discovery More Local Beijing Evening Food Tour
The Sum Up
Explore the grandeur of Beijing’s Summer Palace with a private tour that offers a personalized experience. Discover architectural marvels while learning about Qing dynasty history from a knowledgeable guide. Enhance your visit with optional activities like traditional Hutong lunches, calligraphy lessons, or a boat ride on Kunming Lake. Tailor the tour to your interests and preferences for an unforgettable exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage site.