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

Traveling through Beijing offers a chance to step into China’s majestic history and grand architectural achievements. This all-inclusive private day tour promises an immersive experience, visiting two of the city’s most impressive imperial sites—the UNESCO-listed Summer Palace and the Old Summer Palace—along with a glimpse of modern Olympic marvels. With hotel pickup, a traditional Chinese lunch, and personalized guidance, this tour balances cultural discovery with comfort and convenience.

One feature we particularly appreciate is the personalized attention that comes with a private guide. Unlike group tours, this setup allows for flexible pacing and tailored insights, which makes the experience feel more genuine and less rushed. The inclusion of most entrance fees and a delicious local lunch adds to the value, making it easier to enjoy without constantly reaching for your wallet.

However, a potential consideration is the duration—around six hours—meaning you’ll cover a lot of ground but should be prepared for some walking and time on your feet. Also, since it’s a full-day excursion, travelers who prefer more leisurely sightseeing or specific interests might want to customize their itinerary or opt for shorter, focused visits.

This tour suits history buffs, architecture lovers, or travelers keen to get a comprehensive look at Beijing’s imperial past, all while enjoying the comfort of private transportation and local cuisine. If you’re after a well-rounded, high-value experience with expert guides, this tour hits many of the right notes.

Key Points

• Private and customizable experience tailored to your interests
• Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace
• Includes a traditional Chinese lunch and most entrance fees
• Excellent value for a full-day private tour with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Offers views of Olympic stadiums like the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube
• Ideal for those wanting a balanced mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting with the Summer Palace: A Masterpiece of Chinese Garden Design

The tour kicks off with a seamless hotel pickup—you’ll be greeted by an experienced guide, often someone like Jack, who’s praised for his good humor and ability to capture great photos. The drive to the Summer Palace takes around 45 minutes from central Beijing, giving you a chance to settle in and get some initial insights from your guide.

Once there, you’ll spend approximately two hours exploring the sprawling 290-hectare site. The Summer Palace is a true showcase of Chinese landscape garden artistry, blending natural scenery with man-made structures. Expect to see the iconic Kunming Lake, pavilions, temples, and bridges that make this site a harmonious retreat for emperors.

Reviewers rave about guides like Jack, who make the visit more engaging by sharing stories behind each structure. One reviewer mentioned, “His good sense of humor and helpful photo tips made the experience even better.” Expect to learn about the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the Hall of Happiness and Longevity—places where emperors handled court affairs—and the Qingyan Stone Boat, a marble structure offering fantastic views of the lake.

Highlights Within the Summer Palace

The Hall of Happiness and Longevity was the emperor’s court, giving insights into the political side of imperial life. Its grandeur and regal decorations highlight the authority and splendor of Qing Dynasty rule. Next, the Long Corridor is a highlight, stretching over 700 meters filled with thousands of painted scenes—folklore, historical stories, and natural landscapes—that create a lively walk through Chinese artistry.

If you’re interested in imperial symbolism, the Qingyan Stone Boat is a must-see. Built entirely from marble in 1755, it’s a striking sight, and for those who want, a boat ride on Kunming Lake is available at an extra cost—offering a different perspective of this vast, picturesque setting.

Transition to the Old Summer Palace: Traces of Grandeur and Ruins

After exploring the Summer Palace, the tour proceeds to the Old Summer Palace—Yuanmingyuan—another expansive imperial garden complex. Although it was destroyed in 1860 during the Second Opium War, the ruins still tell powerful stories of imperial opulence and tragedy.

Your guide will walk you through the ruins, pointing out what remains of palaces, temples, and pavilions. As one reviewer noted, “Although it’s damaged, the Old Summer Palace still holds great historical value and a sense of what once was.” This visit not only offers insight into China’s artistic achievements but also a poignant reminder of the country’s turbulent modern history.

The Lunch and Scenic Pass-By

No tour is complete without a proper meal, and you’ll enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch at a local restaurant—an excellent opportunity to sample authentic flavors in a relaxed setting. The tour’s design ensures you’re well-fed and energized for the afternoon’s exploration.

On the journey back, the guide points out the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube—the Olympic stadiums from the 2008 Beijing Games. These iconic structures are visible from outside, providing a delightful contrast between imperial grandeur and modern architecture.

Practical Details That Matter

The entire experience is organized for comfort and convenience, with private transport and hotel pickup within the 4th ring road. This means less time wasted on logistics and more time enjoying the sights. The duration of approximately six hours balances thoroughness with a manageable pace, though be prepared for some walking, especially at the expansive sites.

The cost of $151.20 per person is quite reasonable considering the personalized service, private guide, lunch, and entrance fees included. Compared to independent visits, which could rack up costs and planning time, this tour offers a great-value package for the depth of experience.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One reviewer mentioned how their guide, Jack, made the long day enjoyable with his humor and helpfulness, especially capturing great photos—”There was never a dull moment even after spending 12 hours with him from the Summer Palace to the Old Summer Palace.” This highlights the importance of a knowledgeable guide who can keep the experience engaging.

Another reviewer appreciated the “stunning views” at the Summer Palace and felt the tour’s value was excellent, especially with all logistics taken care of. The inclusion of a local lunch and most entrance fees really helps travelers stay focused on enjoying rather than worrying about costs or planning.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This private tour is best suited for travelers interested in imperial Chinese architecture, history, and scenic landscapes. It’s particularly ideal if you value personalized attention and comfort, as the guide customizes the experience to your pace and interests. It’s also perfect for those who want to combine historical sites with some modern sights, like the Olympic stadiums.

Travelers who prefer an organized, hassle-free day without sacrificing depth or authenticity will find this tour a compelling choice. It’s well-suited for first-time visitors wanting a rundown, as well as seasoned travelers craving a deeper dive into Beijing’s imperial and cultural past.

The Sum Up

This all-inclusive private tour to Beijing’s Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace offers a thorough, engaging, and well-balanced way to experience some of the city’s most iconic sites. With expert guides, personalized service, and a focus on authentic scenery and history, it provides great value for anyone wanting a meaningful cultural day out without the hassle of independent planning.

The inclusion of a traditional Chinese lunch, scenic Olympic sights, and most entrance fees makes it a convenient and cost-effective choice. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of architecture, or simply eager to see Beijing’s highlights in comfort, this tour delivers on multiple fronts.

For anyone seeking a comprehensive, flexible, and well-organized day trip that combines history, scenery, and culture, this private Beijing tour is a smart pick.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within the 4th ring road of Beijing, making logistics simple and stress-free.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, giving enough time for sightseeing, walking, and enjoying the sites without feeling rushed.

Does the tour include entrance fees?
Most entrance fees are included in the price. However, additional options like boat rides on Kunming Lake are extra.

Can I customize the tour?
Since it’s a private tour, your guide can adapt the schedule or focus on sites that interest you most.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you’ll be exploring large outdoor sites. Dress appropriately for weather conditions.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a traditional Chinese lunch is part of the package, allowing you to enjoy local flavors after the morning sightseeing.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for most travelers, as long as they can comfortably walk and stand during the visits.

Can I book this tour in advance?
Absolutely. It’s recommended to book well in advance—around 106 days ahead on average—to secure your spot.

What are the main highlights I will see?
Expect to visit the Summer Palace, including the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, Long Corridor, and Qingyan Stone Boat, as well as ruins of the Old Summer Palace and glimpses of Olympic sites.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
The provided details do not specify accessibility, so it’s best to inquire directly if you have special mobility needs.