Immerse yourself in the beauty of Chinese imperial landscaping on a private day tour of the Summer Palace in Beijing. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, learn about its fascinating history, and indulge in a delicious restaurant lunch. Book now!
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Chinese imperial landscaping on a private day tour of the Summer Palace in Beijing. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, learn about its fascinating history, and indulge in a delicious restaurant lunch. Book now!
- Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) - The professional guide and personal driver will meet the guests at their hotel at their preferred time, ready to embark on a delightful journey to the Summer Palace. The tour begins at the East Palace Gate, where the unique charm of this imperial garden can be appreciated together. The first stop is the East Palace Gate,…
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Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) - The professional guide and personal driver will meet the guests at their hotel at their preferred time, ready to embark on a delightful journey to the Summer Palace. The tour begins at the East Palace Gate, where the unique charm of this imperial garden can be appreciated together. The first stop is the East Palace Gate, the main entrance of the Summer Palace. In front of the gate, there is a magnificent screen wall and impressive stone lions. Passing through the East Palace Gate feels like traveling back in time to the luxurious world of the royal family.
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Hall of Benevolence and Longevity - After passing through the Gate of Benevolence and Longevity, the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity comes into view. This grand hall was first constructed in 1750 AD during Emperor Qianlong’s reign in the Qing Dynasty, originally named the Hall of Diligent Government. It was where the emperor managed government affairs and received foreign envoys. The architectural style of the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity is solemn and stately, adorned with exquisite cultural relics and furniture, showcasing the majesty of the royal family. Visitors can feel the solemn atmosphere of the court’s political activities and listen to the guide share historical stories that took place in this hall.
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Long Corridor at the Summer Palace - After leaving the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the tour proceeds to the Yulan Hall. Located by Kunming Lake, Yulan Hall was the living quarters of Emperor Guangxu. Following the failure of the Reform Movement of 1898, Emperor Guangxu was imprisoned here by Empress Dowager Cixi. The Yulan Hall consists of the main hall and the east and west side halls, with a compact layout. In front of the hall, there is a spacious moon terrace. Leaning on the railing, visitors can overlook the beautiful scenery of Kunming Lake. Here, one can learn about the challenging history of Emperor Guangxu and feel the complexity and intensity of the court struggles.
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Kunming Lake - The next stop is the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, which served as the living quarters of Empress Dowager Cixi in the Summer Palace. The courtyard of the Hall of Happiness and Longevity is spacious, featuring a huge Taihu stone named “Qingzhixiu,” which is peculiarly shaped and quite spectacular. The hall is luxuriously decorated and displays numerous precious cultural relics and treasures, reflecting the opulent life of Empress Dowager Cixi. Various flowers and trees are planted in the courtyard, offering pleasant scenery year-round. Visitors can imagine Empress Dowager Cixi’s leisurely life here.
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Qingyan Stone Boat - Exiting the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, the tour arrives at the world-famous Long Corridor. The Long Corridor stretches from the Inviting the Moon Gate in the east to the Shizhang Pavilion in the west, with a total length of 728 meters, making it the longest corridor in the world. The beams and rafters of the Long Corridor are adorned with exquisite colorful paintings, featuring a rich variety of content, including landscapes, flowers, birds, fish, insects, and human stories, totaling more than 14,000 pieces, which is dazzling. Walking along the Long Corridor, visitors can appreciate the magnificent painting art and feel the unique architectural charm of the corridor while enjoying the changing scenery. It also provides shelter from the sun and rain, ensuring comfort.
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Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) - After walking through the Long Corridor, the tour moves towards the Tower of Buddhist Incense. The Tower of Buddhist Incense is built on the mountainside of the front hill of Longevity Hill and is one of the landmark buildings of the Summer Palace. It stands 41 meters high, with eight sides, three floors, and four eaves, and is magnificent. Inside the tower, there is a huge thousand-handed Avalokitesvara Buddha statue, which is solemn and respectful. Climbing up the Tower of Buddhist Incense, visitors can overlook the magnificent scenery of the entire Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, taking in all the beautiful scenery of the Summer Palace. The view is extremely broad, making it an excellent place for taking photos. The breathtaking scenery is sure to impress.
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Niaochao National Stadium - Descending from the Tower of Buddhist Incense, the tour follows the path to the Marble Boat. The Marble Boat, also known as the Qingyan Marble Boat, is located in the northwest of Kunming Lake. It was first built in 1755 AD during Emperor Qianlong’s reign. The hull is carved from huge stones, and there are two-story cabins built on it, with exquisite decorations. The Marble Boat symbolizes the long-term stability of the Qing Dynasty. Despite experiencing wind and rain, it still stands firm. Standing beside the Marble Boat, visitors can enjoy the sparkling waves of Kunming Lake and feel its unique charm.
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Kunming Lake - For those wishing to experience the charm of Kunming Lake more deeply, a boat tour is available for an additional fee. Guests can take an antique-style boat and slowly move forward on the blue waves, enjoying the lake and mountain scenery of the Summer Palace from a water perspective. Along the way, famous scenic spots such as the Seventeen-Arch Bridge and South Lake Island can be seen, allowing visitors to feel the tranquility and beauty of Kunming Lake up close. On the boat, guests can relax and enjoy this pleasant time, creating wonderful memories. After the tour, the driver will transfer guests back to their hotel in Beijing, ensuring a comfortable end to this memorable day.

- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Entrance fee
- Transport by private vehicle
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Entrance fee
- Transport by private vehicle
- Gratuities
- Meals
- Gratuities
- Meals
Hello! For those interested in a delightful and educational experience exploring Beijing’s rich history, the Private Day Tour to the Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace is an excellent choice. This tour offers the opportunity to visit two iconic sites in a single day: the magnificent Summer Palace, known for its stunning gardens, pavilions, and Kunming…
Hello! For those interested in a delightful and educational experience exploring Beijing’s rich history, the Private Day Tour to the Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace is an excellent choice. This tour offers the opportunity to visit two iconic sites in a single day: the magnificent Summer Palace, known for its stunning gardens, pavilions, and Kunming Lake, and the historic ruins of the Old Summer Palace, once a splendid imperial retreat destroyed during the Second Opium War. A knowledgeable guide will share captivating insights into the history and significance of these locations, enhancing your appreciation of their beauty and cultural importance. With private transportation included, you can relax and enjoy the journey through Beijing’s past. Don’t miss this wonderful chance to delve into Chinese history—book your Private Day Tour today!
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.