Private ForbiddenCity&TempleofHeaven&SummerPalace Day Tour

Unlock the secrets of Beijing’s imperial past on this private day tour. Explore three of the city’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites – the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, explore the fascinating history and cultural significance behind these legendary landmarks. From the grand imperial palaces to the serene landscaped gardens, this tailored experience promises an in-depth look at the city’s rich heritage. But the true highlight? Discovering the surprising connections that tie these extraordinary sites together and leave you yearning to uncover more.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Beijing.

Good To Know

• This private day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Beijing’s iconic sites, including the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace.
• The tour includes private pickup, guided tours at each site, and transportation, providing a seamless and personalized experience.
• Visitors can expect to spend approximately 1.5 hours exploring the Forbidden City, 40 minutes at the Temple of Heaven, and 1 hour at the Summer Palace.
• An optional lunch break is included in the itinerary, allowing participants to sample authentic Chinese cuisine at a local restaurant.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and features a live English-speaking guide, ensuring accessibility and informative commentary throughout the day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This private day tour provides an opportunity to explore some of Beijing’s most iconic historical landmarks.

It’s priced from $200.24 per person and lasts 8 hours.

Booking is flexible – you can reserve now and pay later.

There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and led by a live English-speaking guide.

It’s a private group experience, giving you personalized attention.

You’ll visit the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace, with guided tours at each site.

During the tour, you’ll have an optional lunch break to try local cuisine.

The itinerary is subject to change, and you’ll need to provide passport details for Forbidden City tickets.

Itinerary Highlights

Beginning with a private pickup in Beijing, the tour takes guests on an immersive journey through the city’s most iconic historical sites.

First, the tour explores the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in 1420 as an imperial temple. Guests will enjoy a 40-minute guided tour, including the famous Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

Next, the Forbidden City, home to 24 emperors from 1420 to 1924, is toured for 1.5 hours along the central axis, visiting key buildings like the Gate of Supreme Harmony and Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Pickup Location

The tour begins with a private pickup in Beijing, where guests are conveniently collected from their accommodation to commence the day’s exploration of the city’s renowned historical sites.

This hassle-free arrangement ensures a seamless start to the journey, allowing visitors to focus on the immersive cultural experience ahead.

The tour guide greets each group, ready to provide insightful commentary and navigation throughout the day.

With the transportation logistics taken care of, guests can sit back, relax, and anticipate the fascinating discoveries awaiting them at the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace.

Temple of Heaven

After the convenient pickup in Beijing, the tour proceeds to the iconic Temple of Heaven.

This 15th-century masterpiece served as an imperial temple where emperors prayed for good harvests. During the guided tour, visitors explore the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a stunning architectural gem with its triple-gabled, blue-tiled roof.

The guide shares insights about the temple’s history and significance, bringing this ancient site to life. At 40 minutes, the Temple of Heaven visit provides an engaging introduction to China’s rich cultural heritage before moving on to the awe-inspiring Forbidden City.

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Forbidden City

Leaving the 15th-century Temple of Heaven behind, the tour now explores the legendary Forbidden City. As the former imperial palace and home to 24 emperors from 1420 to 1924, this iconic site offers an unparalleled glimpse into China’s imperial past. Visitors will embark on a guided tour along the central axis, visiting key buildings such as:

Building	Description
Gate of Supreme Harmony	The main entrance to the Forbidden City
Hall of Supreme Harmony	The largest and grandest building in the complex
Hall of Preserving Harmony	The final stage of the emperor’s coronation ceremony

With its rich history and magnificent architecture, the Forbidden City promises to captivate and enlighten all who step through its gates.

Lunch Break

Participants are offered an optional 1-hour lunch break at a local dumpling or noodle restaurant, not included in the tour price. This allows for a chance to rest, refuel, and sample authentic Chinese cuisine.

The lunch break provides flexibility, as guests can choose a dining option that suits their preferences and dietary needs. Menu items may include:

• Steamed dumplings
• Noodle dishes
• Vegetarian options
• Local specialties

This midday respite offers a welcome respite from the morning’s sightseeing, preparing guests for the continued exploration of the Summer Palace in the afternoon.

Summer Palace

Following the tour of the Forbidden City, the group ventures to the magnificent Summer Palace.

Here, they explore the grounds of this stunning 18th-century imperial retreat, which was built as a birthday gift for the Qing emperor Qianlong’s mother.

The guided tour takes them through the key sites, including the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, Kunming Lake, and the serene Long Corridor.

Guests marvel at the beautiful architecture, gardens, and waterways that make the Summer Palace a true oasis in the heart of Beijing.

With an hour allocated for this portion of the tour, visitors are able to soak in the tranquility and grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Inclusions and Important Information

This private tour includes an English-speaking guide and driver, as well as entry tickets to the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace.

Guests should provide full names, passport numbers, nationality, and birth dates for booking Forbidden City tickets at least 8 days in advance. The itinerary is subject to change.

Key details:

• Tips for the guide and driver are recommended
• Food and drinks aren’t included
• The tour is wheelchair accessible
• Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Group Size Limitations for This Private Tour?

This private tour has no specific group size limitations. It’s a personalized experience, so the group size can be tailored to the traveler’s needs.

Is There Flexibility to Modify the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour itinerary is flexible. Customers can work with the tour operator to customize the schedule and activities to fit their preferences and interests within the 8-hour tour duration and destinations covered.

Are Any Gratuities or Tipping Required for the Guide and Driver?

Tips for the guide and driver are recommended but not required. The tour includes gratuities as part of the package price, though visitors may choose to tip additional amounts based on the quality of the service provided.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour package does not explicitly mention an option to extend the duration. However, the tour is described as flexible, so customers may be able to request an extension for an additional fee by contacting the tour provider.

Can I Purchase Additional Food or Beverages During the Tour?

Yes, you can purchase additional food or beverages during the tour. The tour doesn’t include meals, so you’re free to buy snacks, lunch, or drinks at your own expense during the breaks or at the sites.

The Sum Up

This private day tour offers an immersive journey through Beijing’s iconic landmarks. With personalized pickup, guided explorations of UNESCO sites, and the option for local cuisine, it’s a hassle-free way to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a history buff or seeking an authentic cultural experience, this tour provides a comprehensive and convenient way to discover the best of Beijing.

You can check availability for your dates here: