Private 5-Hour Summer Palace In-depth Tour including Boat Ride

Beijing , China

Private 5-Hour Summer Palace In-depth Tour including Boat Ride

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4h - 5h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Summer Palace in Beijing combined political and administrative, residential, spiritual, and recreational functions within a landscape of lakes and mountains, in accordance with the Chinese philosophy of balancing the works of man with nature. This comprehensive 5 hour guided private tour will take you to discover the many charms of one of China's most beautiful garden: heritage architecture, fascinating museums, amazing gardens, relax boat cruise, all kinds of bridges and pavilions, important historical events. Your experienced tour guide will bring the Qing dynasty in front of your eye.

Available options

Private tour

Private Tour : Including round trip private transfer, English speaking tour guide, entrance fee and boat ride<br/>Pickup included

What's included

English speaking guide

Boat ride in the Summer Palace(Summer time)

Bottled water

Private Tour

Transport by private vehicle

Hotel pickup and drop-off(for hotels within the 4th ring road of Beijing city)

Entrance Fee

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Choose the start time suits your best and await pickup from your Beijing City accommodation, where you board a vehicle destined for the west gate of the Summer Palace.

Along the way, your knowledgeable guide is on hand to provide expert insight and interesting historical anecdotes. Feel free to ask questions if you have.

After enter the Summer Palace, immerse yourself in a spectacular view of this beautiful garden, learn all the elements required to built the most amazing and beautiful paradigms of what a garden can be in the Qing Dynasty.

From here in Summer Time you will take a relax boat ride to the South Island, if there is no boat you will walk along different bridges and passages to reach the north.

Your boat cruise concludes at the south island, stroll around the courtyards and halls here, explore the largest bridge inside the Summer Palace at Seventeen Arches Bridge which was built in the 18th century. The Seventeen Arch Bridge looks like a rainbow arching over the water. There are 544 distinctive lions on the columns of the white marble parapets. Learn the stories behind them from your tour guide's commentary.

Stroll along the Kunming Lake then reach the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity where Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu took charge of state affairs. Gain deep insight into the histories happened here.

Continue to explore the Garden of Virtue and Harmony which was the largest stage in China at the time. Check out different exhibition rooms, in which many national treasures as well as the daily articles of the Empress Dowager Cixi are on display.

Stop 4

Stroll through different courtyards and halls, listen to the detailed stories about Express Empress Dowager Cixi, get to know how did she controlled the country by put the little emperor on the throne.

Move on to the Long Corridor. First built in 1750 with 273 rooms, the corridor was fully painted with colorful designs and pictures, winding its way along the lake like a colorful ribbon. Four octagonal pavilions with double roofs were built at regular intervals to represent the four seasons. The gallery has about 8000 colorful paintings, which, as the most charming part of the gallery, depict landscapes, human figures, battle scenes, flowers, birds, etc.

Stop 5

Next, explore the middle axis of the Summer Palace, which including the Hall of Dispelling Clouds where Empress Dowager Cixi celebrated her birthday and received birthday gifts from officials and foreign envoys.

Climb up to the Tower of Buddhist Incense, which Empress Dowager Cixi held praying ceremonies on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month.

From here, you will enjoy a bird's eye view of the scenery of the whole palace.

Your next stop is the Marble boat, which was first built in 1750 by Emperor Qianlong which taking the implying meaning of "the water can hold the boat as well as topple the boat", he want to use the the Marble Boat symbolizes the steadfast rule of the Qing dynasty.

The rest of your trip will explore the other side of the Longevity hill, you will stop at the Suzhou market street.

Built after the market street in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, the street gave the imperial family an illusion to take part in the daily life of ordinary people which was forbidden to them. When imperial nobles came to visit the street, eunuchs, aiming to please their masters, would act as tradesmen and customers to produce a prosperous scene in the street.

Your wonderful tour will ends here, after the tour you will be transferred back to your hotel in Beijing City.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, is a city of immense historical significance and modern dynamism. It's home to iconic landmarks, ancient palaces, and a vibrant contemporary culture that blends tradition with modernity. The city offers a unique mix of ancient history, cultural treasures, and modern advancements.

Top Attractions

The Great Wall of China

One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Great Wall of China stretches over 21,000 kilometers. The most accessible sections near Beijing are Badaling and Mutianyu.

Historical Half day to full day ¥40-80 (depending on the section)

Forbidden City

The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts and offers a glimpse into China's imperial past.

Historical 2-3 hours ¥60 (March-October), ¥40 (November-February)

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed annual ceremonies of prayer to heaven for good harvests.

Historical 1-2 hours ¥15 (Temple area), ¥35 (Temple and park)

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It served as a retreat for emperors to escape the summer heat and is known for its beautiful landscapes and architecture.

Historical 3-4 hours ¥30 (Park and palace area), ¥60 (Boat ride included)

Hutongs

Hutongs are traditional narrow alleys and residential neighborhoods that offer a glimpse into old Beijing's way of life. Exploring hutongs provides an authentic experience of local culture and history.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, but consider paying for guided tours or Rickshaw rides

798 Art Zone

The 798 Art Zone is a contemporary art district located in a former military factory. It's home to numerous art galleries, studios, and cultural events, making it a hub for Beijing's art scene.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore, but some galleries may charge admission

Must-Try Local Dishes

Peking Duck

A iconic dish of Beijing, Peking Duck is roasted to perfection and served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions. The crispy skin and tender meat make it a must-try for any visitor.

Main Course Contains meat (duck), gluten (pancakes and sauce)

Zhajiangmian (Fried Sauce Noodles)

A popular Beijing street food, Zhajiangmian consists of hand-pulled noodles topped with a rich, savory sauce made from fermented soybean paste and minced pork. It's often served with cucumber and bean sprouts.

Main Course Contains meat (pork), gluten (noodles and sauce)

Jianbing (Savory Crepes)

A popular Beijing street food, Jianbing is a savory crepe made with a batter of wheat and mung bean flour, filled with egg, scallions, and hoisin sauce. It's crispy, delicious, and perfect for a quick breakfast on the go.

Breakfast Contains eggs, gluten (batter and sauce)

Baozi (Steamed Buns)

Baozi are steamed buns filled with various ingredients, such as pork, beef, or vegetables. They are a popular street food and can be found in many markets and food stalls throughout Beijing.

Snack Can be vegetarian or contain meat, depending on the filling; contains gluten (bun)

Popular Activities

Hiking the Great Wall Rock climbing in the Huairou District Mountain biking in the outskirts of Beijing Boat rides on Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace Tea ceremonies at traditional teahouses Gardens and parks at the Temple of Heaven and Beihai Park Exploring the Forbidden City and other imperial palaces Visiting temples and religious sites

Best Time to Visit

September to October, April to May

These months offer the most pleasant weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing. The city is vibrant with cultural festivals and outdoor activities.

15-25°C (59-77°F) 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Mandarin Chinese
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas and by younger generations)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8 (China Standard Time)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and tourist spots

Beijing is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night and in less touristy areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when using taxis, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting the journey
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas and tourist spots
• Be wary of strangers offering services or attractions at inflated prices, and only use licensed and reputable tour guides and operators

Getting there

By air

Beijing Capital International Airport • 32 km (20 miles) northeast of city center
Beijing Daxing International Airport • 46 km (29 miles) south of city center

By train

Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station

By bus

Beijing Sihui Bus Station, Beijing Liuliqiao Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Beijing Subway is efficient, affordable, and widely used. It's the best way to navigate the city, especially during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing, Tencent Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Dongcheng Xicheng Chaoyang Haidian Shijingshan

Day trips

The Great Wall at Mutianyu

70 km (43 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day

The Great Wall at Mutianyu is a less crowded and more scenic section of the Great Wall, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's a popular day trip from Beijing for those looking to experience the Great Wall without the large crowds.

The Great Wall at Jinshanling

130 km (81 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day

The Great Wall at Jinshanling is a remote and less restored section of the Great Wall, offering a more authentic and adventurous experience. It's a popular day trip for those looking to explore the Great Wall's wild and rugged beauty.

The Great Wall at Simatai

120 km (75 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day

The Great Wall at Simatai is a unique and well-preserved section of the Great Wall, known for its dramatic and picturesque landscape. It's a popular day trip for those looking to experience the Great Wall's beauty and history in a more intimate setting.

Festivals

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) • January or February (varies by lunar calendar) Lantern Festival • 15th day of the first lunar month (varies by year) Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) • April 4th or 5th (varies by solar calendar)

Pro tips

Use the official Beijing Subway app for route planning and real-time updates
Carry a VPN to access restricted apps and websites, such as Google, Facebook, and Instagram
Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the city's many attractions and neighborhoods
Try local snacks and street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience