Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace Tour
In Beijing, the spiritual, historical and architectural mix in a way unique to China, where for centuries the rule of emperors came from heaven itself. Travel back in time and discover three of the capital's most important monuments.
Itinerary
You'll be picked up by your tour guide between 7:30 and 8 am, heading directly to The Forbidden City in the very centre of Beijing for a two and a half hour guided tour.
The Forbidden City
This enormous palace complex, home to the Chinese emperors for half a millennium, was the political and cultural life of the empire. Known as 'The Forbidden City' because it was only with the consent of the Emperor that anyone could enter or leave, the supposed 9,999 rooms of this enormous palace complex remain beautifully preserved today. With wonders such as The Dragon Throne, a collection of 340,000 porcelain pieces and 50,000 paintings, this is a spectacular and unforgettable visit.
Temple of Heaven
The next stop on our tour of Imperial China is the Temple of Heaven, a Taoist temple built in the early fifteenth century by the same Yongle Emperor who was responsible for the construction of the Forbidden City. Over an hour-long guided tour you'll find out how it was used in annual prayer by Chinese Emperors asking for a good harvest, and the profound influence the design of the temple had on Far Eastern architecture for centuries after.
We'll then stop for lunch at a local restaurant, trying some of Beijing's most typical dishes, before setting off on the road to The Summer Palace, some 40 minutes away.
Summer Palace
A stunning residential and garden complex on the banks of the central Kunming Lake, The Summer Palace was designed based upon a Chinese legend which spoke of three divine mountains. In the eighteenth century three artificial islands were built on the lake to represent these mountains, and highlights include the Long Corridor painted with scenes from Chinese mythology, an eight-story Tower of Buddhist Incense and the bronze lions of the Eastern Palace Gate.
At the Summer Palace, you'll also have the option to take a cruise on the Kunming Lake (not included) to get a different perspective on the stunning imperial gardens - the perfect end to an unforgettable tour.
The day ends back at your hotel, arriving around 6 pm.
Price
More Information
Duration
10 hours.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.
Included
Hotel pickup and drop off
Transport
English–speaking guide
Guided tour of The Forbidden Palace
Guided tour of The Temple of Heaven
Guided tour of The Summer Palace
Entrance fees to all monuments visited
Not included
Cruise on Kunming Lake (optional)
Hotel pickup in uptown Beijing (extra fee)
Tips
When to book?
You can book up until 48 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Sustainability
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
No printing of documentation required.
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
If you have any other questions please contact us .
