•Your knowledgeable local English-speaking private guide will meet you in the hotel lobby;
•The guide will assist you in taking a taxi to the Summer Palace, helping you save money;
•We will arrange pre-booked tickets for the Summer Palace, helping you save time;
•You have the option to choose either a morning or an afternoon tour.
Itinerary Quick Look
We’re happy to tailor this private tour of Beijing to match your interests. Please note that the time frame is for reference only and may vary due to traffic conditions on the day of your tour.
Your tour guide will reach out the day before your tour to confirm the meeting time and location. They will meet you in the hotel lobby as long as the hotel is within the Fourth Ring Road in Beijing. If your hotel is outside the Fourth Ring Road, the guide can still meet you up, but there will be an additional charge. You have the option to choose either a morning or an afternoon tour.
A 3-hour guided tour of the Summer Palace offers a perfect balance between exploring its historical significance and enjoying its stunning landscapes. You’ll begin with an introduction to the palace's origins, which date back to the Qing Dynasty, and its role as an imperial retreat, particularly under Empress Dowager Cixi. From there, the tour will take you to Longevity Hill, where you'll visit key sites like the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the Tower of Buddhist Incense, and the Long Corridor, adorned with intricate paintings. As you ascend, your guide will offer insights into the palace’s architecture and imperial life, culminating in panoramic views of the palace grounds from the top of Longevity Hill.
The tour continues with a walk along Kunming Lake, a massive man-made body of water symbolizing the natural harmony of the palace’s design. You may choose to take a short boat ride to appreciate the palace from the water, passing landmarks like the 17-Arch Bridge and the famous Marble Boat. As the tour moves to the more secluded areas, you'll experience the tranquil beauty of the imperial gardens and pavilions, including Suzhou Street and the Garden of Virtue and Harmony. Your visit will conclude with some free time for reflection and photos, before exiting through the South Gate. Throughout the tour, your guide will be available to share stories and answer questions, making this an enriching and unforgettable experience.
Inclusions
•Private English speaking tour guide
•Summer Palace admission tickets
•Private Guide Lobby Meetup
Exclusions
•Meals are excluded. Your guide will make recommendations for you,
if required.
•Boat fee
•Personal expenses
•Overtime service fee
Travel Tips:
1. It’s recommended to arrive at the hotel lobby on time to help you avoid the crowds and make the most of your day.
2. In the private tour, the guide can meet you in the hotel lobby; however, the private transfer fee is not included, meaning you will need to take a taxi, and the taxi fare will be at your own expense.
3. Please remember to bring your passport, as it is required for entry into certain attractions.
4. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as some parts of the tour involve moderate walking.
5. It’s a good idea to have some local currency (CNY) for small purchases, as not all places accept international credit cards.