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

Your professional guide and driver will meet you at the lobby of your hotel. They are experienced and well-versed in providing a seamless and enjoyable tour experience. The guide will introduce themselves and briefly go over the day's schedule, answering any initial questions you may have. Then, you'll be comfortably transferred to the first destination of the day - the Summer Palace.​

The Summer Palace is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. It served as a summer retreat for the imperial family during the Qing Dynasty. Spanning over 290 hectares, it combines palaces, temples, pavilions, and beautiful natural scenery.

Upon arrival, you will visit the most important buildings. First stop is the Hall of Happiness and Longevity was the place where the emperor held court and handled government affairs during his stay at the Summer Palace. The hall features a throne and various imperial symbols. Here, you can learn about the political activities that took place within these walls and how the imperial court functioned. The architecture and interior decoration reflect the grandeur and formality of the Qing - Dynasty imperial power.

Yu Lan Tang was the residence of Emperor Guangxu during his stay in the Summer Palace. It is named after the magnolia trees planted in its courtyard. The hall has a simple yet elegant layout. Emperor Guangxu was under the control of Empress Dowager Cixi for a long time, and this place witnessed some of the power struggles and political changes of that era. You can imagine the life of the emperor in this relatively private living area.

Next is the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, it was the living quarters of Empress Dowager Cixi. It is a magnificent building with a large courtyard. The interior is decorated with precious antiques and traditional Chinese furniture. Here, you can learn about the luxurious lifestyle of the imperial family and the political power Cixi held during her reign. The hall's design and furnishings showcase the opulence and status of the empress dowager.

The Long Corridor is a covered walkway that stretches for 728 meters. It is famous for its 14,000 painted scenes, including historical stories, folk tales, and natural landscapes. As you stroll along, your guide will explain the meaning behind some of the most interesting paintings, giving you a deeper understanding of Chinese art and culture. The Long Corridor not only serves as a passageway but also as an art gallery, connecting different parts of the Summer Palace's scenic areas.

Finally, arrive at the Marble Boat, also known as the Qingyan Stone Boat, is a unique structure made entirely of marble. It was built in 1755. Standing on the boat, you can enjoy the beautiful views of Kunming Lake and the surrounding gardens. Your guide will share the historical significance of this structure, such as its symbolism in imperial architecture.

For those interested, there is an option to take a relaxing boat ride on Kunming Lake at your own expense. As you glide across the water, you can admire the panorama of the Summer Palace from a different perspective. The lake is dotted with small islands and bridges, adding to the charm of the scenery. Please note that the cost of this boat ride is not included in the all - inclusive tour price.

A delicious Chinese lunch is included in the tour. You'll have the opportunity to taste a variety of traditional Beijing dishes.

In the afternoon visit the Old Summer Palace, was a vast imperial garden complex. It was unfortunately destroyed during the Second Opium War in 1860 by Anglo-French forces. Despite its ruins, it still holds great historical value and is a symbol of China's modern history.

Your guide will lead you through the ruins, pointing out the remains of palaces, temples, and other structures. You'll learn about the grandeur of the Old Summer Palace before its destruction and the tragic events that led to its ruin. The guide will share stories about the emperors who used to live here and the cultural treasures that were once housed in this magnificent garden.

After the guided tour, you'll have some free time to wander around the ruins at your own pace. You can take photos, soak in the historical atmosphere, and reflect on the significance of this site.

After a fulfilling day of exploring Beijing's imperial past, your driver and guide will transfer you back to your hotel.