Busda:Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, Hutong&Summer Palace Tour
Active
8h
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
Discover Beijing’s spiritual heart and timeless charm on this full-day city tour that combines the Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, Hutong alleys, and Summer Palace. you’ll explore four of Beijing’s most captivating landmarks in one seamless journey.
Start your morning at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Wander through its grand architecture and peaceful gardens as your guide shares stories of imperial rituals and ancient symbolism. Continue to the Lama Temple, the most famous Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing, filled with vibrant colors, incense fragrance, and a majestic 18-meter Maitreya Buddha statue.
After a traditional local lunch, step into the old Beijing Hutongs, where narrow alleys, courtyard homes, and friendly locals reveal the soul of the city’s history. End your day at the magnificent Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design featuring serene lakes, pavilions, and gardens once reserved for emperors.
Available options
Full-day Group Bus Tours
Full-day Private Guided Tours : Tour includes English guide, Private car with driver & Entry Tickets. Tour excludes Lunch<br/>Starting point:<br/>Temple of Heaven, Dongcheng, China, 100061
Full-day Private Car Tours
Full-day Private Guided Tours : Tour includes English guide, Private car with driver & Entry Tickets. Tour excludes Lunch<br/>Starting point:<br/>Beijing, China
What's included
Entrance ticket to the Lama Temple
Airconditioned tour bus during the tour (if option selected)
English speaking tour guide
Entrance ticket to the Summer Palace
Private tour with hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
Entrance ticket to the Temple of Heaven
Detailed itinerary
1
Begin your journey at the Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing’s most sacred imperial landmarks and a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture. As you walk through the expansive park, your professional English-speaking guide will share stories of how emperors once came here to pray for good harvests and divine blessings. Admire the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a stunning triple-gabled circular building made entirely of wood without a single nail, symbolizing the harmony between heaven and earth.
You’ll also explore the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Echo Wall, where a whisper can travel magically from one end to the other. Beyond the temples, enjoy watching local Beijingers practicing Tai Chi, dancing, or playing traditional instruments — a glimpse into everyday life in the capital.
With BusDa, you’ll travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy a no-shopping, no-detour experience focused purely on culture and discovery.
2
Stop 2
Discover the serenity and spiritual grandeur of the Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple), Beijing’s most famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery. As you enter its grand red gates, your English-speaking guide will introduce you to the temple’s fascinating history — once an imperial residence of a Qing prince, later transformed into a sacred Buddhist site visited by countless devotees.
Walk through a series of beautifully decorated halls filled with incense fragrance, golden statues, and intricate Tibetan murals. Marvel at the five-meter bronze Buddha, the elegant Hall of Harmony and Peace, and the awe-inspiring 26-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of sandalwood — a Guinness World Record masterpiece.
Listen to the rhythmic chanting of monks and watch believers offer incense and prayers, immersing yourself in a peaceful spiritual atmosphere. The temple’s fusion of Han, Manchu, and Tibetan architectural styles makes it not only a place of worship but also a living museum of culture
3
Step back in time and discover the charm of Beijing’s ancient Hutongs, the narrow alleyways that have preserved the city’s traditional lifestyle for centuries. Your English-speaking guide will lead you through these winding lanes lined with old courtyard houses (Siheyuan), sharing stories of old Beijing families, local customs, and the deep cultural heritage hidden behind gray brick walls.
Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the lively alleys, where daily life unfolds — locals chatting, children playing, and vendors selling snacks like jianbing and baozi. Visit a local family’s courtyard home to experience authentic Beijing hospitality and gain insight into how generations have lived here for hundreds of years.
You’ll also stop at Yandai Xiejie or Shichahai Lake, where the modern meets the traditional, offering plenty of photo opportunities. Learn how these historic neighborhoods balance old-world charm with the rhythm of contemporary life.
4
Stop 4
Immerse yourself in imperial elegance as you explore the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Beijing’s most enchanting attractions. Your English-speaking guide will lead you through this vast royal garden, once the summer retreat of emperors seeking peace and coolness away from the Forbidden City. Learn about its fascinating history, delicate design, and the stories of Empress Dowager Cixi, who once ruled China from this tranquil paradise.
Stroll along the Long Corridor, the world’s longest painted walkway, decorated with thousands of intricate artworks. Admire the Marble Boat, the 17-Arch Bridge, and the stunning views of Kunming Lake, where willow trees dance with the breeze. If you join during summer, you can even take an optional boat ride across the lake, capturing the serene beauty of the surrounding hills and temples.
As you wander through pavilions, temples, and gardens, your guide will share the symbolism behind traditional Chinese landscaping
What's not included
Tips for the tour guide
Other personal expences
Imperial Waterway Cruise in Summer Palace
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
For private Tour only : Our driver will pick you up from your hotel within Beijing’s 4th Ring Road. For locations beyond this area, an additional fee may apply. Please provide your hotel details, including the hotel name and reservation name, when booking.
Important notes
Please provide the passport details individually; this is mandatory
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
