Forbidden City, Summer Palace & Temple of Heaven Tour

Donghuamen Subdistrict, Beijing



Discover 3 of Beijing's most iconic sites on a day tour as you visit the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven.

Explore three of Beijing's historic landmarks on a private guided day tour including the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven.

Highlights

  • Visit the vast grounds and majestic buildings of the Forbidden City
  • Admire the lakes and pavilions of the Summer Palace
  • Discover the Temple of Heaven and its surrounding park
  • Enjoy an authentic traditional lunch at a local restaurant

Description

Begin with hotel pickup before traveling to the Forbidden City. Enter through the South Meridian Gate and spend several hours exploring the imperial palace, once home to emperors and the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Explore the Outer Court, where the emperor exercised supreme power, and the Inner Court, where he lived with his royal family. Afterward, take a break for an authentic lunch at a local restaurant.

Continue the tour at the Summer Palace, the imperial retreat from summer heat, featuring lakes, pavilions, and bridges within its sprawling grounds.

Finally, visit the Temple of Heaven, the religious retreat for emperors, and explore its surrounding park, now a public space. After the tour, return comfortably to your hotel.

Includes

  • Private guide
  • Local lunch (options vary)
  • Transportation by private transfer or public transport, depending on selected option
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (depending on booking)
  • Entry tickets for the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven

Excludes

  • Tips for service
  • Lunch (not included for group tours)
  • Dinner
  • Tiananmen Square visit

Important Information

  • Provide passport details when booking to reserve tickets
  • Tours operate during rain or snow except in cases of severe weather closures mandated by authorities
  • Mandatory security checks are required at all entry points; wait times can be long during peak seasons and are separate from ticket lines

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To ensure smooth entry, bring your passport and arrive on time. Morning departures are recommended to avoid peak crowds and security wait times.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour covers the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven, three major historic landmarks in Beijing.
The private guided tour typically lasts a full day, allowing several hours at each site.
Yes, the tour includes an authentic traditional lunch at a local Beijing restaurant.
The tour begins with hotel pickup from your accommodation in Beijing.
Yes, the tour includes entry through the South Meridian Gate to explore the Forbidden City.
Yes, this is a private guided day tour ideal for small groups or families visiting Beijing.
You will see the lakes, pavilions, and extensive gardens that make up the Summer Palace grounds.
Tickets are generally included in the tour price, but check the provider’s information for details on advance booking.
The sites are open year-round, but check the official websites for current opening hours and seasonal conditions.
Expect moderate walking across large outdoor areas with uneven surfaces at all three historic sites in Beijing.

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