Private Tour
Summer Palace Private Tour with Public Transport&Optional Extras
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Beijing’s public transport is wonderfully convenient, and getting around by bus or metro is one of the fastest, most authentic ways to experience the city. It’s your chance to dive into local daily life—rub shoulders with Beijingers and feel what a real Beijing commute is like.
This fully customizable private tour comes with two flexible duration options to suit your pace: opt for the 4-hour itinerary to focus exclusively on the breathtaking Summer Palace, where you can wander its imperial halls, stroll along the iconic Long Corridor, and take in the serene beauty of Kunming Lake at a leisurely pace. Or upgrade to the 6-hour experience, which pairs the Summer Palace with additional Beijing highlights tailored to your preferences—simply chat with your guide to craft a personalized route that checks off your must-see spots.
Either way, you’ll blend everyday Beijing charm with imperial garden grandeur for an immersive, unforgettable journey beyond standard sightseeing.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Note that the museums inside the Summer Palace are closed on Mondays, but the gardens remain open for your visit.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Beijing
Choose from two flexible private tour packages tailored to your Beijing itinerary goals: 4-hour package: Focus solely on the magnificent Summer Palace, with no rush to explore its lakes, palaces and iconic Long Corridor. 6-hour package: Combine the Summer Palace with other top Beijing attractions of your choice—options include the Temple of Heaven (closed on Mondays), the Forbidden City (bookings required 7 days in advance—please inform us if you wish to visit), Lama Temple, Houhai Lake, traditional hutongs, local food tours or market visits. Just discuss your preferences with your guide to craft your ideal day. Select the package that best fits your travel needs!
Summer Palace
Depending on the start time selected at checkout, meet your guide outside of your hotel lobby at your preferred time. From here, you’ll make your way to the nearest metro station for the short and easy journey to the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once you arrive at the Summer Palace—a masterpiece of Chinese imperial gardens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—follow your guide to enter through its East Gate. Inside, you will explore a series of its most iconic and culturally significant buildings, each holding a piece of history: the majestic Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (once the imperial throne hall for handling state affairs), the winding Long Corridor (adorned with over 14,000 colorful paintings depicting historical stories and natural landscapes), the elegant Marble Boat (a unique stone structure symbolizing imperial stability), and the serene Hall of Happiness and Longevity (a former residence for empresses).
What‘s Included
Private Walking Tour
Metro Costs
Hotel pick up(by public transportation)
English speaking tour guide
Entrance fee
Additional Entrance fees (inner sites of major attractions)
Food and drinks
Hotel drop-off (public transport back to hotel)
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
6 Hour Summer Palace+City Site
6 Hour Summer Palace+City Site
Pickup included
4 Hour Summer Palace Tour
4 Hour Summer Palace Tour: Choose this option to visit Summer Palace by metro with a guide for 4 hours.
Pickup included
Reviews
3 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Jimmy is the best!!!
637tomi,,Sep 12, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jimmy was an excellent tour guide and provided a custom, private tour that met our needs. We sat in the hotel at the beginning of the tour to plan the day. We shared with Jimmy that our priority was to capture some great family pictures, and get a little history in the process. Turns out Jimmy is an excellent photographer. We gave him our camera for the tour and set him loose. He captured an excellent combination of candid and posed shots, while sprinkling in some history along the way. He was also helpful with getting us early coffee before the tour, and helping us get set up on Didi (Chinese Uber). We shared with Jimmy that we do not want to be taken to any sales pitch, or overpriced souvenir shop. He shared with us that his company does not take customers to hear sales pitches (a bonus of the tour we very much appreciated). Thank you for helping to make our time in China Amazing!!!
4-Hour Tour Summer Palace
Raymond D,,Feb 23, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour very enjoyable just the right length. Jimmy was fantastic. Thanks .If your in Beijing think it is a must to visit very beautiful grounds to walk around. Great job Jimmy. Ray from Sydney.
Tour Guide was very knowledgeable...
Babak B,,Apr 17, 2017
- Review from Viator
4.00Tour Guide was very knowledgeable. Overall experience was positive.
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Operated by Unique Beijing Tours