Private Tour
Private Garden Tour: The Summer Palace and Beijing Botanical Garden
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Escape the crowds with our Private Garden Tour of the Summer Palace & Beijing Botanical Garden — Beijing’s ultimate blend of imperial grandeur and natural serenity, tailored for discerning travelers.
Explore the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former imperial retreat. Skip the tourist throngs as your private guide leads you to hidden lakeside pavilions, intricate stone bridges, and lush gardens where ancient trees tell royal tales. Every corner is a photo-perfect moment steeped in history.
Then, unwind in the Beijing Botanical Garden, a urban oasis brimming with global flora — vibrant seasonal blooms, rare exotic plants, and towering ancient trees.
No rushed itineraries, no crowded groups — just peaceful, immersive moments that turn trips into lifelong memories.
Book now — your exclusive slice of Beijing’s beauty awaits.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Summer Palace
A professional guide and driver will arrive promptly at your downtown Beijing hotel. Enjoy door-to-door private transfer throughout the day, eliminating the hassle of transportation. The drive from downtown hotels to the Summer Palace takes approximately 30-40 minutes (varies slightly based on hotel location and traffic conditions). En route, your guide will briefly introduce tour highlights and key notes. Upon arrival, follow your guide to enter the Summer Palace through its main gate, the East Palace Gate, and embark on an immersive journey through this imperial garden.
Hall of Benevolence and Longevity
The tour route is arranged for optimal flow: start with a visit to the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity-the core political venue of the imperial garden. It was the place where the Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu held court and handled government affairs. The hall is decorated with magnificent furniture and imperial symbols. Inside, you can see a throne where the emperor sat, surrounded by various precious antiques and decorations. The architecture of the hall is a blend of traditional Chinese style, with its upturned eaves and wooden structures, reflecting the imperial power and dignity of that time.
What‘s Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
Bottled water
Entrance fee
Transport by private vehicle
Gratuities
Meals
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Private Tour
Your guide and private vehicle will pick you up at 9:00am in your Beijing City Hotel's lobby
Pickup included
Reviews
2 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sweet Summer Palace Trip
chcochran2010,,Jun 10, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Summer Palace/Botanical Garden tour was an amazing experience and a great way to wrap up my try to China. I couldn't have had a bette tour guide than Susan. She was very knowledgeable and allowed me to enjoy each local at my own pace while answering all the questions I had. We took the boat tour out on the lake at the Summer Palace. It was very nice but honestly too short, I would have liked to see that be longer. The Botanical Garden was very lovely, very large with no way to see all it had to offer in just a couple hours. This would be a great place to spend a full day just walking around and enjoying all of the beautiful horticulture. All in all, I could have spent a day at each stop, the Summer Palace and the Botanical Garden. if I must pick my favorite part of the day, it would have to be the green bean ice cream :-) A great experience with a great tour guide! I will definitely book more trips when I return to China!
This was a fantastic tour! Both...
Ortiz E,,Apr 25, 2016
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fantastic tour! Both Bella, the tour guide, and the driver were very professional. Bella spoke English very clearly and was very knowledgeable regarding the history of the Summer Palace. Just thinking of the Beijing Botanical Gardens brings a smile to my face. It was wonderful timing, spring time, the flowers were in full bloom and the fragrance is unforgettable.
Related Experiences
Operated by Unique Beijing Tours