Private Full Day Tour: Forbidden City, Tiananmen & Summer Palace

Exploring Beijing’s most iconic landmarks has never been more seamless than with this private full-day tour. Visitors can enjoy the grandeur of Tiananmen Square, unravel the mysteries of the Forbidden City, and discover the serene beauty of the Summer Palace – all while enjoying the convenience of included transportation, entrance fees, and a delectable lunch. With knowledgeable guides providing valuable insights at each destination, this comprehensive experience promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of China’s illustrious capital. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, this tour offers a chance to unveil the rich cultural tapestry that defines Beijing.

Key Points

• Comprehensive full-day private tour covering Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace with guided walking tours at each location.
• Includes entrance fees, lunch, and private transportation for a hassle-free sightseeing experience.
• Explore the world’s largest public space, Tiananmen Square, and witness the daily flag-raising ceremony.
• Discover the Forbidden City, the largest imperial palace in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Visit the picturesque Imperial Summer Retreat with its serene lakes, bridges, and panoramic views from Longevity Hill.

Tour Overview

This private full-day tour takes visitors on an immersive exploration of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks, including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace.

The tour includes guided walking tours at each location, allowing travelers to explore the rich history and significance of these sites. Entrance fees, lunch, and transportation are all covered, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Highlights include witnessing the grandeur of Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public space, and exploring the Forbidden City, the largest imperial palace that was home to 24 emperors over centuries.

The scenic Summer Palace, an imperial retreat since 1750, rounds out the day with its beautiful lakes, pavilions, and gardens.

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square stands as the world’s largest public space, spanning over 100 acres in the heart of Beijing.

This iconic plaza is home to several significant landmarks, including the National Museum, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, and the Tiananmen Rostrum, which overlooks the square.

Visitors can explore the square’s rich history and cultural significance through:

1. The National Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Chinese art and artifacts.

2. The Monument to the People’s Heroes, a towering obelisk that commemorates those who’ve sacrificed for the nation.

3. The Tiananmen Rostrum, a gatehouse from which important speeches and announcements have been made throughout history.

4. The opportunity to witness the daily flag-raising ceremony, a solemn ritual performed at the square’s entrance.

Forbidden City Exploration

Within the heart of Beijing lies the Forbidden City, the largest imperial palace in the world and home to 24 emperors from the 14th to the 20th centuries.

Spanning over 170 acres, this UNESCO World Heritage site features a stunning collection of over 980 buildings and a wealth of cultural relics that offer visitors a glimpse into China’s imperial past.

During the guided walking tour, guests will explore the palace’s main halls and courtyards, marveling at the exquisite architecture, intricate carvings, and lavish decorations that reflect the grandeur of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The Forbidden City’s rich history and cultural significance make it a must-see destination for any traveler to Beijing.

Imperial Summer Retreat

Located just outside the bustling streets of Beijing, the Summer Palace has served as an imperial retreat for centuries, providing the Chinese emperors and their families a tranquil oasis away from the demands of court life.

As part of the full-day tour, visitors can explore the stunning grounds of this vast estate, which include:

• Picturesque lakes and intricate bridges, such as the famous Seventeen Arch Bridge.
• Elegant pavilions and temples, like the Marble Boat and the Temple of Buddhist Fragrance.
• Expansive gardens filled with lush greenery, colorful flowers, and serene walking paths.
• The iconic Longevity Hill, which offers panoramic views of the palace and surrounding landscape.

This imperial summer retreat offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyles of China’s past rulers and the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Guided Walking Tours

The guided walking tours at each of the tour’s iconic destinations allow visitors to fully enjoy the rich history and cultural significance of these renowned sites.

At Tiananmen Square, the guide will lead you on a captivating stroll through this world-famous public space, pointing out key landmarks like the National Museum and the Tiananmen Rostrum.

In the Forbidden City, the guided walking tour takes you through the main halls and courtyards, providing insight into the lives of the 24 emperors who once called this massive imperial palace home.

Similarly, the Summer Palace tour allows you to explore the stunning lakeside gardens, pavilions, and bridges at your own pace with the knowledgeable guidance of your expert.

Included Amenities and Details

Along With the guided walking tours, this private full-day excursion includes a comprehensive suite of amenities to ensure a seamless and immersive sightseeing experience.

The tour package covers entrance fees to all the iconic attractions, providing access to the Tiananmen Square landmarks, the Forbidden City’s main halls, and the expansive grounds of the Summer Palace. Further, a delicious local lunch is included, allowing visitors to refuel and sample the culinary delights of Beijing.

Other key inclusions are:

1. Private, air-conditioned transportation with a dedicated driver to ensure comfortable and efficient travel between sites.
2. Hotel pickup and drop-off, eliminating the need to navigate public transportation.
3. Confirmation provided upon booking, offering peace of mind.
4. A flexible cancellation policy, allowing for changes up to 24 hours prior to the tour.

Pickup and Drop-off

Where does the private tour begin and end? The tour includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless transportation experience for participants. Travelers are collected from their accommodations at the scheduled start time and returned there at the conclusion of the day’s activities.

This service takes the hassle out of getting to and from the tour sites, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the sightseeing without worrying about logistics. The driver will transport the group comfortably to each destination, so they can focus on seeing the history and culture of Beijing’s iconic landmarks.

This door-to-door service is just one of the many conveniences included in this comprehensive private tour.

Cancellation Policy

Travelers can cancel this private tour experience up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time without incurring any fees. This flexible cancellation policy gives customers peace of mind when booking their tour.

Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start time won’t be eligible for a refund.

Partial refunds may be offered for guests who fail to show up or who leave the tour early.

Rescheduling is permitted, but subject to availability and any price differences.

The tour provider reserves the right to cancel the tour due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, in which case a full refund will be issued.

Recap

This private full-day tour offers an immersive exploration of Beijing’s iconic landmarks.

Visitors will venture through the expansive Tiananmen Square, the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, and the picturesque Summer Palace, gaining valuable insights into the history and significance of these remarkable destinations.

With included entrance fees, lunch, and transportation, this hassle-free experience ensures a seamless sightseeing journey through the heart of China’s capital.