Forbidden City and Summer Palace: Unique Beijing Private Day Tour Experience

Discover the wonders of Beijing with a private day tour that includes visits to the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Tiananmen Square. Avoid the hassle of navigating the city and enjoy the expertise of a knowledgeable guide. Upgrade for a comprehensive package with private transportation, entrance fees, and lunch.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang) - Important: This tour must be booked 8 days in advance to ensure Forbidden City tickets are available. Your friendly private tour guide will meet you in your hotel lobby. Head to the world’s largest city plaza, Tiananmen Square, and learn about the revolutionary period of history. Stroll through Tiananmen…
What's Included
  • Excellent English Speaking Tour guide
  • Entrance fees
  • Taxi fare within 4th Ring Road (if applicable)
  • IMPORTANT: this tour needs to be booked 8 days before your travel date
  • Lunch (if applicable)
  • All Inclusive Tour (choose upon booking)
  • Private Tour by Taxi/Subway (choose upon booking)
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities (recommended)
  • Lunch (If the option is not selected)
  • Taxi fare at your own expenses Outside 4th Ring Road
  • Any other expenses that not listed as included
Additional Information

Particularly for first-time visitors who don’t speak Chinese, a private guide can transform the Beijing experience. Say no to hustlers and discover the city on this door-to-door private tour. Check off three of Beijing’s biggest attractions—Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace—and stroll through historic hutong alleys. A…

Location
Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang)
West Changan Street, Dongcheng District,
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(5 Ratings)
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Mikebeijing
Nov 26, 2025
Guide Lily & Tour Were Fab! - Lily was like a new friend showing me the best of the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. When we passed by giant group tourists who were led by guides with their flags, I was so grateful it was just Lily and myself, 1-on-1. We did a custom path for part of the Forbidden City, since I just read about a secret garden reopening there after about a century. Lily picked me up, so there was no hassle about meeting at a faraway place. We also had the best (non-touristy) lunch! Five stars and gratitude.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kim_f
Jun 11, 2025
An eventful day with the best guide and driver! - Everything you could want! Nice, caring and knowledgeable guide, quick and easy entry at all activities. Good lunch in abundance! Good driver and nice car. Best of all! Thanks for a nice day!
Review provided by Viator
989alejandraz
May 30, 2024
Amazing chance to discover Beijing with private guide - It was a privilege having Mr. Aaron as my own personal guide today. He picked me up at the lobby of my hotel holding a sign with my name on it. He coordinated everything wonderfully. Got a taxi to take us to Tianamen square, where we ysed a guide fast lane, with zero waiting time. We walked through the square and into the Forbidden city and then Jingshan Park, which I recommend for an amazing view. All throughout Mr. Aaron gave detailed explanations on everything I was interested in. Then he got a taxi to take us to a delicious dumpling lunch and after, off to the Summer Palace. All throughout he coordinated the ticket and transportation logistics and I only needed to worry about having my passport with me. There were great toilet facilities throughout the trip. Mr. Aaron was very friendly and knowledgeable. His company was priceless for me as a solo traveller. I got so mich information that I wouldn't have otherwise and he took pictures of me in front of all the sights. I definitely recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E4376ivandreap
Apr 28, 2024
Historical tour of Beijing with delicious food for lunch - Miss Kris was a super nice and amazing guide. She took care of everything. We spent the morning at the summer palace and the afternoon at Tiananmen square and forbidden city. There were no hiccups, at each place tickets were already booked, Miss Kris provided the historical background and pointed out little details in the buildings, explaining their meaning. We also had an amazing lunch where Miss Kris ordered typical Beijing food (and everything was delicious). Super recommended tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rogene-chicago
Apr 22, 2018
Tiananmen Square - Forbidden City - Heaven Temple - We met Sunflower Li in our hotel lobby at 9AM and set out on our full day visit of Beijing. A quick taxi ride to Tiananmen Square where we walked around and took in the historic enormity of where we were. Walked past the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao to the Tiananmen Gate and Chairman Mao's Portrait. Sunflower Li took care of all our tickets and we were able to pass through the lines quickly as she shared the proud history of Tiananmen Square and the Chinese people. At each vantage point she would suggest a picture to capture the moment and the significance of where we were. Once past the gate we entered the Forbidden City where Sunflower Li explained the almost 500 year history of the Palace of Emperors. After a walk through the Forbidden City it was off to a small restaurant for a delicious meal. After lunch we walked across the street and entered the grounds of the Temple of Heaven which seemed more like a quiet oasis in the populated city. We watched as people relaxed playing cards while others exercised or strolled along the many flower filled pathways. Once we arrived at the Temple of Heaven, Sunflower Li took time to explain the significance of the Temple from the early 1400's and how the Emperors visited to pray. Our time with Sunflower Li passed by so quickly and soon it was time to say our goodbyes. Thank you Sunflower Li for such an informative tour. You truly are a gem and your constant energy kept us moving allowing us to truly enjoy our experience visiting the beautiful sights of Beijing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $55
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).