Beijing:Summer Palace Tour With Boat Ride and Massage

Explore the grandeur of Beijing’s iconic Summer Palace on this immersive tour. You’ll embark on a scenic boat ride, marvel at the Tower of Buddhist Incense, and indulge in a traditional Chinese massage – all while uncovering the rich history and cultural heritage that define this UNESCO World Heritage site. With carefully curated highlights and a delectable lunch, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience. But there’s more to discover beyond the surface…

Key Points

• The tour includes a scenic 40-minute boat ride to the Summer Palace, a 2-hour guided tour, and a traditional Chinese massage.
• The price is $339 per person for an 8-hour tour, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and no upfront payment required.
• The tour highlights include the Tower of Buddhist Incense and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, with a lunch featuring traditional Beijing snacks.
• Pickup is available from hotels or preferred locations in central urban areas, with an additional fee for locations outside the designated areas.
• The tour includes a 1.5-hour lunch at a local restaurant after the boat ride and guided tour, providing an opportunity to savor authentic Beijing flavors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Beijing Summer Palace Tour offers visitors an immersive experience in the historic and cultural heart of China’s capital.

Enjoy the historic and cultural heart of China’s capital with the Beijing Summer Palace Tour.

Priced at $339 per person, the 8-hour tour includes a scenic boat ride, guided exploration of the Summer Palace, and a traditional Chinese massage.

Guests enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and can reserve their spot with no upfront payment.

The tour’s highlights encompass iconic sites like the Tower of Buddhist Incense and Seventeen-Arch Bridge.

Pickup is provided within Beijing’s central districts, with an additional fee for locations outside this range.

Itinerary and Highlights

Departing between 9:00-9:30 AM, the tour begins with a pickup from the hotel or a preferred location within Beijing’s core urban areas.

After breakfast, visitors embark on a 40-minute scenic boat ride to the Summer Palace. The guided tour explores the Tower of Buddhist Incense, Longevity Hill, and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge over the next two hours.

Lunch at a local restaurant features traditional Beijing snacks, including Zhajiangmian.

The tour then visits the Old Summer Palace to study its architectural forms and modern Chinese history.

Dinner at a local restaurant serves Hot Pot Lamb, followed by a relaxing one-hour traditional Chinese massage.

Pickup and Departure

Pickup from the hotel or a preferred location within Beijing’s core urban areas (Xicheng, Dongcheng, Chaoyang, Haidian, Shijingshan, Fengtai) is included.

There’s an additional fee of 200 RMB for pickup outside this range.

The tour departs between 9:00-9:30 AM, allowing time for breakfast before the departure.

The tour includes a scenic 40-minute boat ride to the Summer Palace.

Visitors should bring their passport, as it’s required for entry.

Pets, drinks, food, alcohol, drugs, flashlights, fireworks, and nudity aren’t allowed on the tour.

Boat Ride and Summer Palace

After the scenic 40-minute boat ride across Zizhuyuan Park, visitors arrive at the iconic Summer Palace.

A 2-hour guided tour explores the palace’s famous sites, including the Tower of Buddhist Incense, Longevity Hill, and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. Guests learn about the palace’s rich history and traditional architectural forms.

The tour also includes a visit to the nearby Old Summer Palace, where visitors can discover more about China’s modern history.

Throughout the experience, the professional guide provides valuable insights, ensuring visitors have a comprehensive understanding of the palace’s significance and cultural heritage.

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Lunch and Traditional Beijing Snacks

Following the delightful boat ride and guided tour, the group enjoys a 1.5-hour lunch at a local restaurant.

The menu features traditional Beijing snacks, including:

1. Zhajiangmian – fried sauce noodles, a local staple.

2. Jiaozi – delicious steamed dumplings.

3. Baozi – fluffy steamed buns filled with savory meat or vegetables.

4. Donkey meat sandwiches – a unique Beijing specialty.

Lunch provides a chance to savor authentic flavors and learn about the city’s culinary heritage.

The meal is a satisfying break before continuing the exploration of the Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace.

Old Summer Palace Exploration

After the delightful lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the Old Summer Palace, also known as Yuanmingyuan.

Guests will explore the ruins of this once-magnificent imperial garden, learning about its unique architectural forms and the complex history behind its destruction.

The Old Summer Palace offers a poignant glimpse into China’s past, showcasing the dramatic transformation the country has undergone.

Visitors can wander the grounds, taking in the remnants of grand pavilions and exploring the contrasts between tradition and modernity.

This site provides a thought-provoking addition to the day’s itinerary.

Dinner and Hot Pot Lamb

Dinner at a local restaurant (2 hours) provides an opportunity to enjoy Hot Pot Lamb (Shuānyángròu), a traditional Beijing specialty.

This hearty meal features:

1. Thinly sliced lamb simmered in a savory, aromatic broth

2. Assorted vegetables and noodles cooked alongside the lamb

3. Dipping sauces and condiments to enhance the flavors

4. A convivial atmosphere as diners cook and share the meal together

After a day of sightseeing, this comforting, communal dinner offers a chance to immerse in local culinary traditions and recharge for the journey ahead.

Relaxing Massage

At the end of the tour, guests can relax with a one-hour traditional Chinese massage, either a full-body therapy or a focused foot treatment.

This experience is included in the tour package. Visitors with heart or neck issues should avoid the full-body massage.

The massage fee is covered, providing a chance to unwind after a day of exploration.

The massage fee is covered, allowing visitors to unwind after a day of exploration.

Whether opting for a soothing full-body session or a rejuvenating foot therapy, the massage offers a peaceful conclusion to the Beijing Summer Palace tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s group size is not specified in the details provided. The information given focuses on the tour itinerary, inclusions, and other important details, but doesn’t mention the maximum group size for this tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

The tour has age restrictions – minors and individuals over 60 years are not allowed to participate. Visitors should check the important information section for full details on age limits and other restrictions.

Can I Request a Specific Type of Massage?

You can request a specific type of massage, such as full-body or foot therapy. However, visitors with heart or neck issues should avoid the full-body massage option. The tour includes the massage as part of the package.

Is the Boat Ride Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour information states the boat ride is not suitable for wheelchair users. Disabled visitors should choose the tour carefully based on their needs. Specific massage types cannot be requested, as the tour includes a standard full-body or foot therapy massage.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to suit your preferences. Speak with the tour provider upon booking to discuss any changes you’d like to make within the offered activities and locations. They’ll work to accommodate your needs where possible.

The Sum Up

The Beijing Summer Palace Tour offers an immersive cultural experience, featuring a scenic boat ride, guided exploration of the iconic Summer Palace, and a rejuvenating traditional Chinese massage. Priced at $339 per person, this 8-hour adventure promises a day of architectural marvels, delicious local cuisine, and a chance to unwind after a day of culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: