All Inclusive Beijing Private Day Tour to Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace

Introduction

This all-inclusive private day tour exploring Beijing’s Imperial Palaces promises a journey through China’s majestic history, stunning architecture, and tranquil gardens—all in one convenient package. From the UNESCO-listed Summer Palace to the evocative ruins of the Old Summer Palace, this experience offers a blend of cultural richness and scenic beauty, with personalized attention from your guide.

What we love about this tour is how it balances comprehensive sightseeing with comfort and authenticity. You’ll get expert guiding, a delicious traditional Chinese lunch, and the chance to see iconic landmarks like the Birds Nest and Water Cube—all included in the price. One thing to consider is that this is a full day, so it’s best suited for travelers eager for an in-depth cultural experience without feeling rushed.

This tour is ideal for those who want a well-rounded, stress-free way to explore Beijing’s imperial past and modern highlights. It’s especially suitable for history buffs, architecture lovers, and anyone craving a private, customizable experience.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private guide ensures tailored attention and flexible pacing.
• Cultural Highlights: Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites like Summer Palace and ruins of Old Summer Palace.
• Scenic Beauty: Enjoy gardens, lakes, and notable structures like the Marble Boat and Long Corridor.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup, drop-off, and most entrance fees included for stress-free touring.
• Authentic Cuisine: Tuck into a traditional Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.
• Additional Sights: Pass by the Olympic venues, the Birds Nest, and Water Cube en route.

In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Convenience and Comfort from the Start

One of the best features of this tour is the hotel pickup service within Beijing’s 4th ring road, which means you won’t have to worry about navigating the busy city streets. The private vehicle and professional guide will meet you at your hotel lobby, making the start smooth and stress-free. The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, which is a good length to see the highlights without exhaustion—though be prepared for a fair amount of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must.

The UNESCO-Listed Summer Palace

The day kicks off with a visit to the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), the crown jewel of Chinese garden design. Spanning over 290 hectares, it’s a sprawling landscape of lakes, bridges, pavilions, and lush greenery. Built in 1750 as a retreat for the Qing Dynasty’s imperial family, it’s a site that combines natural beauty with architectural grandeur.

Your guide, such as Jack (who receives high praise for both knowledge and humor), will lead you through highlights like the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, and the Qingyan Stone Boat. Expect insightful explanations about the significance of each structure and their roles in imperial life.

Exploring Imperial Power and Opulence

One highlight, practically guaranteed to impress, is the Long Corridor, which stretches for 728 meters and features over 14,000 painted scenes. As you walk beneath its covered roof, your guide will explain the stories behind these images, ranging from historical tales to folk legends. The corridor was also the living quarters of Empress Dowager Cixi, and the interior decor reflects the lavish style of the Qing court.

The Qingyan Stone Boat adds to the grandeur. Built entirely of marble in 1755, the boat is a symbol of imperial craftsmanship and power. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Kunming Lake. If you’re up for a bit more adventure, you might choose to take a boat ride across the lake—an optional but delightful way to see the site from a different angle.

The Tragic Ruins of the Old Summer Palace

In the afternoon, the tour takes you to the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan), the site of an enormous imperial complex destroyed during the Second Opium War in 1860. Despite its ruins, this site remains awe-inspiring, not just for its natural scenery but for what it symbolizes—China’s resilience and its cultural loss.

Walking among the remains of palaces, temples, and gardens, you’ll hear stories about the emperors who called this place home and the treasures lost. Your guide will help you appreciate the scale of what once was, providing context about its destruction and its ongoing significance.

Cultural and Modern Highlights

On the return journey, you’ll pass by the iconic Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, Beijing’s Olympic landmarks from 2008. While not part of the main sightseeing, the tour offers a quick visual appreciation of Beijing’s modern achievements, adding a contemporary layer to your historical exploration.

Value for Money and Customization

This tour is offered at $151.20 per person, which includes hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, most entrance fees, and the guidance of a knowledgeable professional. Based on reviews, it’s clear that many travelers find the value extraordinary—getting personalized attention and access to key sites for a reasonable price.

It’s worth noting that, according to reviews, guides like Jack are praised for their humor and photo-taking skills, making the experience both educational and fun. The flexibility of a private tour means your guide can tailor the experience based on your interests, whether that’s more time at specific sites or focusing on certain historical periods.

Breakdown of the Itinerary

Morning: Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)

The morning begins with a 45-minute drive from your hotel. Once there, you’ll spend around two hours exploring the site. The Hall of Happiness and Longevity is particularly notable for its imperial symbols and historical importance, serving as a court during the Qing Dynasty. The Long Corridor offers a leisurely walk with storytelling opportunities, and the Qingyan Stone Boat provides scenic views and a photo-worthy moment.

This part of the tour is ideal for those interested in architecture, landscape design, and imperial lifestyle. The experience is immersive, with your guide offering insights into the architecture’s symbolism and history. As one reviewer noted, the guide’s good humor kept the group engaged for the full duration of the sightseeing.

Afternoon: Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan)

After a traditional Chinese lunch at a local restaurant, the tour continues to the Old Summer Palace. Here, you’ll spend about two hours walking through the ruins, learning about its splendor before destruction. The guide will narrate stories of emperors and cultural treasures, helping you appreciate the site’s historical weight despite its current state of ruins.

Passing by the Olympic Sites

On the way back to your hotel, you’ll see the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, the stadiums that hosted the 2008 Olympics. While only passing by, these landmarks serve as a reminder of Beijing’s blend of history and modernity.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: About 6 hours, ideal for fitting into a day without feeling rushed.
• Price: $151.20 per person, which includes most entrance fees, lunch, and private vehicle.
• Group size: Private tour, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Weather considerations: Operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately, especially for outdoor sightseeing.
• Walking: Expect a fair amount, so comfortable shoes are essential.
• Customization: The guide can tailor the experience based on your interests, making it flexible if you want more focus on history, architecture, or photos.

The Sum Up

This private tour to Beijing’s Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace offers a well-rounded, immersive experience that balances history, scenery, and modern sights. The inclusion of hotel pickup, lunch, and most entrance fees makes it an excellent value, especially given the personalized guidance you’ll receive. The guides are knowledgeable, often engaging, and skilled at making the complex history accessible and interesting.

It’s perfect for travelers who prefer a flexible, private experience and want to see Beijing’s iconic palaces without the hassle of navigating alone. The combination of lush gardens, historical ruins, and modern Olympic landmarks makes this tour both educational and visually rewarding.

If you’re eager to explore China’s imperial past with expert guidance and a comfortable schedule, this tour is a strong choice. It’s especially suited for those who want a detailed, authentic experience that covers both the grandeur of the Qing Dynasty and the resilience symbolized by the ruins of the Old Summer Palace.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included within Beijing’s 4th ring road, making the start and end of your day easy and hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 6 hours, which provides enough time to explore the main sites comfortably.

Are entrance fees included?
Most entrance fees are covered, including those for the Summer Palace, Old Summer Palace, and key structures within. Additional museum entries inside the gardens may require extra charges.

Can I customize the tour?
Yes, as a private tour, it can be tailored to your interests, whether you want more time at certain sites or focus on specific aspects of Chinese history.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since the tour involves a fair amount of walking outdoors. Dress according to the weather, as the tour operates in all conditions.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a traditional Chinese lunch at a local restaurant is part of the package, giving you a taste of authentic cuisine.

This comprehensive experience offers a wonderful way to see Beijing’s imperial treasures and modern landmarks in a relaxed, personalized setting. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking beautiful scenery and cultural insights, this tour provides excellent value and memorable moments.