Beijing , China

Beijing Private City Tour with Options

Active

(25 reviews)

8h - 9h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

you will visit Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven with a private car and English driver or English tourguide(Based on Option Select).

The Forbidden City, a treasure of world cultural heritage, attracts the attention of countless tourists with its unique charm. Whether you are in pursuit of the weight of history or intoxicated by the aesthetics of architecture, the Forbidden City will unfold a magnificent cultural scroll for you.

The Temple of Heaven is the largest existing ancient sacrificial complex in China and an excellent place to explore the ancient imperial sacrificial culture of China.

The Summer Palace is one of the largest and best-preserved imperial gardens in China. As a World Cultural Heritage Site, it attracts countless tourists to visit with its unique historical background, exquisite garden art and charming natural scenery.

Highlights
• Save time and High Flexibility
• Comfortable and convenient, Easy to carry
• Historical and cultural experience

Available options

Private Car and English Driver

Pickup included

Private Car and English Guide

Pickup included

What's included

Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven Entrance ticket

Bottled water

Private Air-conditioned vehicle

English driver or English tourguide(Based on Option Select)

Detailed itinerary

you will visit Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven with a private car and English driver or English tourguide(Based on Option Select).
Pick up and Drop off at your located place in Beijing.

Stop 2

The Forbidden City is located at the center of Beijing's central axis and was the royal palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties in China. It covers an area of approximately 720,000 square meters, with a construction area of about 150,000 square meters. There are over 70 palaces of various sizes and more than 9,000 rooms. It is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient wooden architectural complexes in the world. The palaces of the Forbidden City are grand and imposing, with imposing and solemn structures. Red walls, yellow tiles, elaborately carved beams and painted pillars, every detail showcases the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients. Every building, every stone and every glazed tile here tells a story of ancient history. Here, you can not only feel the majesty and glory of the royal family, but also appreciate the long-standing culture and unique charm of the Chinese nation.

Stop 3

The Summer Palace is located in the northwest suburbs of Beijing. It was first built in 1750 and covers an area of about 290 hectares. It is the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. It was once a summer retreat for the emperors and emery of the Qing Dynasty and carries profound historical and cultural significance.

The garden is centered around Wanshou Mountain and Kunming Lake, surrounded by mountains and water, and the natural scenery is perfectly combined with the imperial palace buildings. The ancient buildings such as the Long Corridor, the Buddha Incense Pavilion and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge are scattered here and there, with exquisite paintings and unique shapes, fully demonstrating the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient artisans.

Strolling through the Summer Palace, one can not only enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains but also appreciate the beauty of the classical architecture, embarking on a cultural journey that transcends time and space.

Stop 4

The Temple of Heaven is situated in the southern part of Beijing. it was built during Ming and Qing dynasties, it consists mainly of The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and The Circular Mound Altar, During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Temple of Heaven was the place where the emperors came to worship the God of Heaven and prayed for good harvest. in 1998, the Temple of Heaven was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The architectural style of the Temple of Heaven is unique, embodying the cosmology of "the sky is round and the earth is square" and the philosophical thought of "the unity of heaven and man". The main buildings, such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Dome and the Circular Mound, all demonstrate the superb craftsmanship of ancient Chinese architecture and are exemplary of ancient Chinese architectural art.

Coming to the Temple of Heaven is not merely a journey; it is a cultural pilgrimage that transcends time and space.

After the tour, your driver will drive you back to your located place in Beijing.

What's not included

Boat ticket of summer palace

Lunch

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

19 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Instant Confirmation - You will receive a confirmation email immediately after successful booking

This is a Private tour for your booking, No other group will join you

The Forbidden City implement a real-name reservation policy, So after you booking, please contact me and send me each people's name, passport number, age, gender and nationality

According to the regulations of the Forbidden City, Chinese citizens (including residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) must book tickets online 7 days in advance. If you make a reservation within 7 days before your visit, we cannot guarantee that we will get a ticket for you. in addition, if it is during a holiday or the peak tourist season, we also cannot 100% guarantee that we will help you get a ticket. If the tickets online have been sold out or we failed to help you get one, you can only cancel this trip and we will offer a full refund, thanks for your understand and support

For foreign tourists holding passports, if the online tickets are sold out or we fail to get online ticket for you, you need get tickets on the spot according to the guidance of your tour guides or customer service of our travel agencies. but, purchasing tickets on the spot need queuing

Due to the implementation of the limited ticket sales policy by the Forbidden City. At present, the Forbidden City releases 40,000 tickets every day, including 20,000 individual tickets and 20,000 group tickets. All visitors must make a real-name reservation for their visit. Therefore, for your better visiting experience, Please try to book in advance as much as possible

The Forbidden City have strict security check policies. It is strictly prohibited to bring flammable, explosive and other items as well as controlled knives. In addition, please do not bring lighters, drones, tripods, selfie sticks longer than 1.3 meters, scroll paintings, oil-paper umbrellas, sunscreen spray and power banks with a capacity of more than 20,000 milliamperes,

Please don't forget to bring your passport. If you don't bring it, you may be refused entry

Please wear appropriate clothes according to the weather and It is recommended to bring sunscreen, sunglasses or umbrellas or cap in summer

Please wear comfortable walking shoes

Children Under 5 years old are free to join

Baby seats offered if you request

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