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China Private Tours

Temple of Heaven-Forbidden City-Summer Palace

For travelers with only one or two days in Beijing, the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace are ideal highlights that combine the essence of culture, architecture, and natural beauty, allowing visitors to capture the essence of Beijing's rich history and scenic beauty in a short time.

•Your knowledgeable local English-speaking private guide will meet you in the hotel lobby;

•An air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed driver will transport you throughout your tour;

•We will arrange pre-booked tickets for the Forbidden City, helping you save time.

Suggested Time Slot:

(For reference only and may vary based on actual conditions)

7:00

Hotel meet-up

7:30-9:00

Temple of Heaven

9:30-11:30

Forbidden City

12:00-12:30

Lunch (own expense)

13:00-14:30

Summer Palace

15:00

Return to hotel

Duration: 8 hours

Note: 1. If you exceed this duration, an overtime charge of 100 CNY per hour for the driver and 100 CNY per hour for the guide will apply.



Itinerary Quick Look

We’re happy to tailor this private tour of Beijing to match your interests. Please note that due to limited time, Tiananmen Square will only be viewed from the vehicle.

Your tour guide 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, or if you need to be picked up at the train station or airport, the guide can still meet you up, but there will be an additional charge.


Temple of Heaven

Start your day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, one of the top Beijing attractions and a significant UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient site, built during the Ming Dynasty, was where Chinese emperors conducted annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests and the favor of the heavens. As one of the largest and most important imperial complexes in China, it’s renowned for its architectural, historical, and cultural significance.

Start your visit by entering through the Southern Gate, where you’ll encounter the Circular Mound Altar, a beautifully crafted, three-tiered marble platform used for sacrificial rites. From here, follow the Danbi Bridge (also known as the Sacred Way) to reach the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the centerpiece of the Temple of Heaven. This stunning hall, with its iconic blue-tiled roof and dragon motifs, is a masterpiece of traditional Chinese architecture and one of the most photographed sites in Beijing. Learn about the symbolic design of the structure, which reflects the emperor's role as the intermediary between heaven and earth.

Explore the sprawling grounds, where you’ll also find the Imperial Vault of Heaven, surrounded by the famous Echo Wall, which allows sound to travel across great distances due to its acoustic design. Visitors often test the phenomenon by speaking into one side of the wall and listening on the other.

As you wander through the park, you’ll see groups of locals practicing Tai Chi and dancing, adding a lively and authentic touch to your visit. The serene atmosphere, combined with rich history, makes the Temple of Heaven a must-see on any Beijing city tour. A visit typically lasts around 2 hours.


Forbidden City

Once you arrive at East Prosperity Gate of the Forbidden City, your tour guide will lead you on a leisurely walk to the Forbidden City, the largest imperial palace in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This massive imperial complex, home to emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, boasts over 9,000 rooms filled with ancient Chinese architecture, imperial treasures, and vibrant cultural relics. On your guided tour, explore famous sites such as the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Preserving Harmony, and the Imperial Garden. A visit here provides a fascinating glimpse into China’s imperial history and dynastic traditions. Plan at least 2–3 hours for a comprehensive tour.

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Summer Palace

Continue your journey with a visit to the Summer Palace, a well-preserved royal garden that served as a retreat for emperors. Renowned for its stunning landscape design, tranquil lakes, and elaborate architecture, the Summer Palace is a masterpiece of Chinese gardening art. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most classical gardens in the world. Highlights include Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, and the Long Corridor, all of which showcase the harmonious blend of natural beauty and human creativity. As you stroll through the palace grounds, you’ll be immersed in a serene atmosphere, offering both a glimpse into imperial leisure life and breathtaking views of ancient pavilions, bridges, and temples.

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Inclusions

        •Private English speaking tour guide

        •Forbidden City admission tickets

        •An air-conditioned vehicle with a private licensed driver

        •Private Guide Lobby Meetup

Exclusions

        •Meals

        •Gratuities

        •Personal expenses

        •Overtime service fee


Additional Info.:

1. If tickets or tours are not purchased at least 7 days in advance, you will need to buy your own ticket and wait in line.

2. The Forbidden City is closed to the public on Mondays.

3. It’s recommended to arrive at the hotel lobby on time to help you avoid the crowds and make the most of your day.

4. In the private tour, the guide can meet you in the hotel lobby, and an air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed driver will pick you up.

5. Please remember to bring your passport, as it is required for entry into certain attractions.

6. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as some parts of the tour involve moderate walking.

7. It’s a good idea to have some local currency (CNY) for small purchases, as not all places accept international credit cards.


Know Before You Book

You are advised to view these terms and conditions before booking this trip. We are not liable for any possible consequence due to your unawareness of certain terms listed here.

Booking Terms and Conditions

Download Tour Itinerary

All the necessary information about this tour are available in the following file. Feel free to click it and download for later reference.

Book This Tour

You are free to book this trip by clicking the following button when you are well aware of all the necessary information and you agree on them.

Temple of Heaven-Forbidden City-Summer Palace for a quick response

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