Beijing: Summer Palace Private Tour With Optional Activities

Discover the grandeur of the Summer Palace in Beijing with a private guided tour. This immersive experience delves into the rich history of the Qing dynasty, showcasing stunning attractions like the Long Corridor and Marble Boat. Knowledgeable English-speaking guides lead the way, offering insights that bring the site to life. Enhance your visit with optional activities such as a scenic boat ride or a Tai Chi class, tailoring the tour to your interests. Whether you have 2 or 8 hours, this tour promises a culturally enriching journey that leaves you eager to explore more of Beijing’s imperial treasures.

Good To Know

• Explore the UNESCO-listed Summer Palace with a private guided tour led by knowledgeable English-speaking guides, focusing on Qing dynasty history and architecture.
• Customize the experience with optional activities like boat rides, Tai Chi classes, calligraphy workshops, and Hutong tours to enhance culture.
• Flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, with pricing starting at $66 per person.
• Convenient transportation options, including taxi or subway, provide easy access to the Summer Palace from central Beijing.
• Positive traveler feedback highlights the tour’s knowledgeable guides, in-depth historical context, and overall suitability for diverse groups.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Details

What does the private guided tour of the Summer Palace in Beijing entail?

This activity offers visitors the chance to explore the UNESCO-listed Summer Palace, a sprawling 18th-century imperial retreat. Priced from $66 per person, the tour can last 2 to 8 hours depending on the selected options.

Led by knowledgeable English-speaking guides, the private group experience delves into the palace’s Qing dynasty history, architecture, and cultural significance. Key attractions visited include the Long Corridor, Marble Boat, and various ornate halls.

Guests can take advantage of flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Transportation via taxi or subway can also be arranged upon request.

Highlights of the Experience

The private guided tour of the Summer Palace in Beijing offers visitors an immersive cultural experience.

Explore the UNESCO-listed site, built in 1750 as a royal residence, and gain insights into Qing dynasty history and architecture from expert local guides.

Wander through the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the Long Corridor, the Marble Boat, and other key attractions, learning about the site’s significance.

The interactive experience encourages questions and provides in-depth historical context, allowing you to truly appreciate the cultural and architectural wonders of this iconic destination.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, the Summer Palace tour promises an engaging and enriching experience.

Included in the Tour

As part of the private guided tour, visitors are provided with the Summer Palace entrance fee, a knowledgeable local guide, and coverage for any metro costs if that transportation option is selected.

The tour doesn’t include food and drinks or tips for the guide. However, additional activities can be arranged upon request to further customize the experience.

Guests are advised to provide their full name and passport number during booking, as well as the name and address of their hotel if they require pickup and drop-off services.

The tour’s flexible booking policy allows visitors to reserve their spot now and pay later, ensuring a hassle-free planning process.

Optional Additions

Beyond the core tour, guests can opt to further customize their experience by arranging additional activities. The tour provider offers a range of supplementary experiences to enhance the visit, including:

Activity	Description	Duration	Cost
Boat Ride on Kunming Lake	Scenic cruise aboard traditional imperial barge	1 hour	$10/person
Tai Chi Class	Learn the ancient art of Tai Chi from a local master	1 hour	$15/person
Calligraphy Workshop	Try your hand at Chinese calligraphy with an expert instructor	1.5 hours	$20/person
Hutong Tour	Explore the historic alleyways of Beijing’s traditional neighborhoods	2 hours	$25/person
Forbidden City Tour	Add-on visit to the renowned imperial palace complex	2-3 hours	$30/person

These optional add-ons allow visitors to delve deeper into the cultural richness of Beijing.

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Getting to the Summer Palace

Reaching the Summer Palace is straightforward, with several convenient transportation options available. Visitors can:

• Take a taxi, which takes approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour from central Beijing, depending on traffic.

• Use the subway, traveling on Line 4 and getting off at Beigongmen Station, which is located right at the East Gate of the Summer Palace.

• Arrange for hotel pickup and drop-off, which can be included as part of the tour package, making the journey seamless and hassle-free.

Whichever mode of transportation is chosen, the Summer Palace is easily accessible, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the historical and cultural wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cancellation and Booking Policies

The cancellation policy for this private tour of the Summer Palace is flexible, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This booking flexibility allows travelers to reserve their spots now and pay later, ensuring they can secure their desired tour date.

The tour is priced from $66.00 per person and can last between 2 to 8 hours, depending on the selected options.

All entrance fees, a live English-speaking guide, and transportation costs are included in the price.

However, food, drinks, and tips aren’t covered.

Travelers should provide their full name and passport number during booking, as well as their hotel information if they require pickup and drop-off services.

What Travelers Say

Travelers praise the knowledge and friendliness of the tour guides, such as Alice and Tony, who lead the private tours of the Summer Palace in Beijing.

The guides receive high marks for their ability to provide in-depth historical context and encourage questions from participants. Reviewers also highlight the customized nature of the tours, which are tailored to individual interests.

Plus, travelers note the positive experiences with transportation and meal arrangements, further enhancing the overall enjoyment of the experience.

With an impressive 5/5 rating based on 56 reviews, this private tour is suitable for couples, friends, solo travelers, and families alike.

Planning Your Visit

To reach the starting point of this private Summer Palace tour, travelers can access the East Gate via taxi or subway. The entrance is located in front of the iconic Bronze Lions and is approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour from central Beijing.

Guests should provide their full name and passport number when booking to secure tickets, as well as specify their hotel information for optional pickup and drop-off services.

The tour is conducted in English by knowledgeable local guides, who encourage questions and provide in-depth historical insights throughout the experience.

Entrance fees, transportation costs, and a live guide are included, while additional activities can be arranged upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Summer Palace?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the Summer Palace. The site features various shops and stalls offering traditional Chinese handicrafts, artwork, and other keepsakes to commemorate one’s visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Are There Restrooms Available On-Site During the Tour?

Yes, there are public restrooms available on-site during the Summer Palace tour. Guests can access these facilities conveniently throughout the grounds to ensure a comfortable experience during the guided exploration of this historic UNESCO World Heritage site.

Is There a Dress Code for the Summer Palace Visit?

There’s no strict dress code for the Summer Palace visit. However, comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the tour involves extensive outdoor exploration. Visitors should dress casually and avoid overly formal attire.

Can Children Participate in the Optional Activities?

Yes, children can participate in the optional activities. The tour offers flexible options that accommodate families, and the guides can tailor the experience to suit the needs and interests of children.

Are Audio Guides Available in Addition to the Live Guide?

Yes, audio guides are available in addition to the live guide. Guests can use the audio guides to explore the Summer Palace at their own pace and gain additional insights into the site’s history and architecture.

The Sum Up

Explore the grandeur of Beijing’s Summer Palace on a private guided tour. Marvel at the stunning architecture, stroll along the Long Corridor, and enjoy optional activities like a scenic boat ride or Tai Chi class. With flexible booking and free cancellation, this experience offers a personalized and culturally enriching adventure. Discover the rich history of the Qing dynasty through the expertise of knowledgeable English-speaking guides.

You can check availability for your dates here: