Beijing Half Day Private Tour to Summer palace

Beijing , China

Beijing Half Day Private Tour to Summer palace

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(1 reviews)

3h - 4h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Summer Palace is located in the northwest suburbs of Beijing. It was first built in 1750 and covers an area of approximately 290 hectares. The Summer Palace is one of the largest and best-preserved imperial gardens in China and is also a world-famous imperial garden, possessing extremely high artistic, cultural and historical value. This place was once a summer resort for the emperors and empresses of the Qing Dynasty and is rich in historical and cultural connotations. Most of the buildings and landscapes in the park have unique historical backgrounds and cultural significance.
The Summer Palace can be divided into the Kunming Lake Scenic Area, the living area for emperors and empresses, and the Political Activity area. Under the guidance of a professional tour guide, you will experience the unique charm and profound history of the imperial garden.

Available options

Guide+Ticket+Subway/City Bus

This option your guide will meet you at your hotel take you by subway or bus, entrance ticket, subway/bus fee are included<br/>Pickup included

Tourguide+Car+Ticket

This Option your tourguide will pick up and drop off at your hotel with a DIDI taxi and included admission ticket<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Professional Tourguide

DiDi Taxi Fee or Subway fee

Summer Palace Entrance Ticket

Detailed itinerary

Kunming Lake covers about three quarters of the total area of the Summer Palace. There are six Bridges on the west embankment in the lake, which are built in imitation of West Lake in Hangzhou. The seventeen-arch bridge connects the east embankment and the South Lake Island. The bridge railings are carved with 544 stone lions of various shapes, forming a beautiful landscape painting together with the surrounding buildings.
You can choose to explore Kunming Lake on foot or by boat.

The Seventeen-Arch Bridge was first built in the 15th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1750). It connects the east embankment in the east and the South Lake Island in the west, with a total length of over 150 meters. It is the longest bridge still existing in Chinese imperial gardens and is named for its seventeen arches. There are 544 stone lions of various shapes carved on the bridgehead and the balustrade balusters. At both ends of the balustrade, there are four stone-carved strange beasts.

The Qingyan stone boat in the Summer Palace, also known as the Marble Stone Boat or the Qingyan Boat, is a famous water-based structure within the Summer Palace.

Stop 4

The Long corridor is 728 meters long and has 273 sections. There are over 14,000 colorful paintings of figures, landscapes, flowers and birds on the beams and lintels. The content is rich and there is no repetition. It is the longest painted corridor in the world and also the holder of the Guinness World Record.

Stop 5

The Tower of Buddhist Incense is a landmark building in the Summer Palace. It is located on the mountainside of Longevity Hill, with three floors and four eaves on eight sides, standing 36 meters high. It is supported by eight large iron pear wood pillars that reach the top. It was once an important place for the royal family to pay homage to Buddha.

The Hall of Happiness and Longevity was first built in the 15th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1750). It was constructed by Emperor Qianlong to celebrate the 60th birthday of his mother, Empress Xiaosheng Xian. It was burned down by the Anglo-French Allied Forces in the 10th year of the Xianfeng reign (1860), rebuilt in the 12th year of the Guangxu reign (1886), and renovated in the 17th year of the Guangxu reign (1891). Later, it became the bedroom of Empress Dowager Cixi.

The Hall of Benevolence and Longevity is the main building of the imperial court area in the Summer Palace. It was the place where Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu, during their stay in the palace, presided over state affairs, received congratulations and received foreign envoys.

What's not included

Boat Fee

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Please wear comfortable walking shoes

This is a private tour, without other people join you

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