Exploring Beijing’s iconic landmarks, the Summer Palace, Hutongs, and Temple of Heaven Tour offers visitors a captivating journey through the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. From the stunning architecture of the Summer Palace to the charming alleyways of the ancient Hutongs, this comprehensive tour provides an immersive experience that showcases the diverse facets of China’s capital. As the day concludes at the serene Temple of Heaven, travelers uncover the profound significance behind its awe-inspiring design, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for Beijing’s enduring legacy.

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Key Points

This 8-hour tour covers the iconic Summer Palace, traditional Hutongs, and the Temple of Heaven, offering a comprehensive experience of ancient Chinese architecture and culture.
The tour includes visits to the key highlights of the Summer Palace, such as the Marble Boat, Long Corridor, and Qiánlóng Garden, showcasing the imperial lifestyle.
Exploring the Hutongs, visitors can enjoy authentic Chinese culture by walking through a 700-year-old commercial street and visiting a local family home.
The Temple of Heaven, a significant Taoist site, features impressive architectural elements like the Circular Mound Altar and the Imperial Vault of Heaven.
The tour offers comfortable and efficient transportation via DiDi, a popular ride-hailing service, and recommendations for traditional Chinese cuisine.

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Tour Overview

The tour is titled "Summer Palace, Hutongs and Temple of Heaven Tour" and lasts 8 hours.

It costs €131.65 per person, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. Customers can reserve now and pay later.

The tour covers the iconic Summer Palace, Beijing’s historic Hutong neighborhoods, and the renowned Temple of Heaven.

Visitors will explore imperial palaces, traditional homes, and ancient religious sites, gaining insights into Chinese history and culture.

Transportation is provided via DiDi taxi, while lunch is at the traveler’s own expense, with local dishes like noodles, dumplings, and Jianbing.

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Exploring the Summer Palace

Visitors commence their exploration of the iconic Summer Palace, an imperial retreat that showcases the grandeur of ancient Chinese architecture and the serene beauty of its landscaped gardens. The palace complex covers an area of 2.9 square kilometers, featuring a man-made lake, bridges, and numerous islands. Key highlights include:

| Attraction | Duration | Highlight |

| — | — | — |

| Marble Boat | 10-15 mins | Iconic structure symbolizing the end of the Qing dynasty |

| Long Corridor | 20-30 mins | Exquisite 700-meter covered walkway with intricate paintings |

| Seventeen Arch Bridge | 10-15 mins | Picturesque bridge over Kunming Lake |

| Qiánlóng Garden | 30-45 mins | Elaborate gardens showcasing imperial lifestyle |

The Summer Palace offers a captivating glimpse into China’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Discovering the Hutongs

After exploring the grandeur of the Summer Palace, the tour moves on to discover the charming Hutong neighborhoods of Beijing.

Hutongs are ancient alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes. Visitors will walk through a 700-year-old commercial street, getting a glimpse of local life.

The tour stops at a family home, allowing guests to experience authentic Chinese culture. Winding through the narrow lanes, the group takes in the sights and sounds of this historical area near the Drum Tower and Houhai Lake.

This unique Hutong exploration provides a fascinating contrast to the imperial magnificence of the Summer Palace.

Visiting the Temple of Heaven

Concluding the tour, visitors explore one of Beijing’s most famous temples – the Temple of Heaven.

This significant Taoist site dates back to the 15th century and covers an expansive 2.73 square kilometers.

Highlights include the iconic Circular Mound Altar, where emperors would perform rituals for a good harvest, and the striking Imperial Vault of Heaven.

The iconic Circular Mound Altar, where emperors performed rituals for a good harvest, and the striking Imperial Vault of Heaven.

Guests marvel at the temple’s elegant, traditional architecture and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

With its historical significance and architectural beauty, the Temple of Heaven offers a fitting finale to this comprehensive Beijing tour.

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Transportation and Meals

For transportation, the tour utilizes DiDi, a popular ride-hailing service in China, to travel between the different locations on the itinerary.

This ensures a comfortable and efficient way to move from the Summer Palace to the Hutongs and finally to the Temple of Heaven.

As for meals, lunch isn’t included in the tour price, allowing participants to explore the local cuisine at their own expense.

The guide will provide recommendations for traditional dishes such as soup noodles, dumplings, or Jianbing, a savory Chinese crepe, ensuring an authentic culinary experience.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a private English-speaking guide for 8 hours as well as all entrance tickets listed in the itinerary.

However, tips for the guide and any formal meals aren’t included. Plus, the boat ride at the Summer Palace is an optional extra and not part of the package.

Guests will need to cover the cost of their own lunch, which can include local traditional dishes like soup noodles, dumplings, or Jianbing, at their own expense.

Customer Reviews

Travelers have left overwhelmingly positive reviews for this tour, awarding it a remarkable 5/5 rating based on 2 reviews.

The feedback highlights several key aspects that contributed to the tour’s success:

Knowledgeable and personable guides: Reviewers Catarina from the Netherlands and Axel from Germany praised their respective guides, Lisa and Amber, for their exceptional knowledge and pleasant demeanor.
Immersive cultural experience: Guests appreciated the opportunity to explore the charming Hutong areas and gain insights into local life.
Comprehensive itinerary: The combination of the Summer Palace, Hutongs, and Temple of Heaven provided a well-rounded and engaging tour of Beijing’s renowned historical and cultural landmarks.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking this tour is flexible, with a "Reserve now & pay later" option available.

The tour is priced at €131.65 per person and can be canceled for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This allows travelers to secure their spot with no upfront payment and the flexibility to adjust their plans if needed.

The cancellation policy provides peace of mind, ensuring customers can receive a full refund if their plans change.

With these convenient booking and cancellation terms, exploring the Summer Palace, Hutongs, and Temple of Heaven has never been easier to fit into one’s travel schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

Yes, restroom facilities are typically available at each major site visited during tours. Guests can use the restrooms during stops at the Summer Palace, Hutong neighborhoods, and the Temple of Heaven.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?

The tour itinerary can be customized to include additional sites based on the customer’s interests. Guests can discuss their preferences with the tour provider, who’ll work to accommodate any special requests within the tour duration.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Travelers With Disabilities?

The tour offers some accessibility options, though it may not be fully wheelchair-friendly. Travelers with disabilities should discuss their needs with the tour operator to determine if the tour can be adapted to accommodate their requirements.

Is Photography Permitted Inside the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven?

Photography is generally permitted inside the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven, though visitors should check for any specific restrictions or rules on the day of their visit. Most areas allow photos for personal use.

Can We Purchase Souvenirs or Local Crafts During the Tour?

Yes, there are typically opportunities to purchase souvenirs and local crafts during tours. The tour itinerary may include visits to specialty shops or markets where guests can browse and buy local items.

The Sum Up

The Summer Palace, Hutongs, and Temple of Heaven Tour offers a captivating exploration of Beijing’s rich history and culture. Visitors will marvel at the stunning architecture of the Summer Palace, enjoy the vibrant street life of the Hutongs, and be awestruck by the serene beauty of the Temple of Heaven. This comprehensive tour provides a well-rounded experience with comfortable transportation and authentic local cuisine recommendations.