Beijing Palace Museum + Summer Palace one-day tour

Beijing
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About this experience

This guided day tour takes you through two of Beijing's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You'll explore the vast imperial grounds of the Forbidden City, the former palace complex that served as the ceremonial and political centre of Chinese government for nearly 500 years. The intricate architecture, expansive courtyards, and preserved halls reveal the grandeur of imperial power and court culture that defined China's dynasties.

After the Forbidden City, you'll head to the Summer Palace, where emperors once escaped Beijing's summer heat. The sprawling gardens, lakeside pavilions, and the famous Long Corridor showcase classical Chinese landscape design. Throughout the day, your English-speaking guide provides context and historical details at each site. Pick-up and drop-off are included, with group sizes capped at 12 travellers depending on your selected option.

What to expect

Your day begins with hotel pick-up, followed by your first stop at the Forbidden City. Your guide will lead you through the massive palace complex, explaining the significance of the different halls, courtyards, and architectural details as you walk. Depending on your ticket option, you may also visit the Clock and Watch Museum or Treasure House to see rare imperial collections.

After exploring the Forbidden City, you'll continue to the Summer Palace, where you can stroll through the landscaped gardens and along Kunming Lake. Your guide will point out notable features like the ornate corridors and pavilions that showcase traditional Chinese garden design. The tour concludes with drop-off back at your hotel, with the full experience covering both landmarks in a comprehensive day of sightseeing.

Highlights

  • Explore the Forbidden City with an English-speaking guide who brings imperial history to life
  • Walk through preserved palace halls and courtyards that housed China's emperors for centuries
  • Discover the Summer Palace's classical gardens and lakeside architecture
  • Choose from group sizes ranging from 2 to 12 travellers based on your preference
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off included for convenient transportation between sites
  • Select options include access to the Clock and Watch Museum or Treasure House within the Forbidden City
  • Full guided tour at both UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a single day

Things to note

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as both sites involve extensive walking across large palace grounds
  • Meals are not included, so plan to bring snacks or budget for lunch during the tour
  • Travellers under 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult
  • Arrive early for pick-up to maximize your time at each location
  • Bring sun protection during warmer months as courtyards and gardens offer limited shade
  • This tour is not suitable for pregnant women

Choose Your Package

Select the option that's right for you

G | Forbidden City + Summer Palace | English | Pick-up available | 12 travelers | Ordinary Tour Guide:Full guided tour | Meals not included | Drop-off available

Itinerary 1 Forbidden City + Summer Palace Day 1 08:30 Pick you up:Pick-up point: Free pick-up and drop-off at any location within Beijing's Fifth ...

Non-refundable

From

$65.98

per person

Itinerary 1 Forbidden City + Summer Palace Day 1 08:30 Pick you up:Pick-up point: Free pick-up and drop-off at any location within Beijing's Fifth ...

Most Popular

F | Forbidden City + Summer Palace | English | Pick-up available | 7 travelers | Ordinary Tour Guide:Full guided tour | Meals not included | Drop-off available

Itinerary 1 Forbidden City + Summer Palace Day 1 08:30 Pick you up:Pick-up point: Free pick-up and drop-off at any location within Beijing's Fifth ...

Non-refundable

From

$55.23

per person

Itinerary 1 Forbidden City + Summer Palace Day 1 08:30 Pick you up:Pick-up point: Free pick-up and drop-off at any location within Beijing's Fifth ...

E | Forbidden City + Summer Palace | English | Pick-up available | 6 travelers | Ordinary Tour Guide:Full guided tour | Meals not included | Drop-off available | The Palace Museum·Attractions in the Park-Clock and Watch Museum/Treasure House

Itinerary 1 Forbidden City + Summer Palace Day 1 08:30 Pick you up:Pick-up point: Free pick-up and drop-off at any location within Beijing's Fifth ...

Non-refundable

From

$61.56

per person

Itinerary 1 Forbidden City + Summer Palace Day 1 08:30 Pick you up:Pick-up point: Free pick-up and drop-off at any location within Beijing's Fifth ...

D | Forbidden City + Summer Palace | English | Pick-up available | 5 travelers | Ordinary Tour Guide:Full guided tour | Meals not included | Drop-off available

Itinerary 1 Forbidden City + Summer Palace Day 1 08:30 Pick you up:Pick-up point: Free pick-up and drop-off at any location within Beijing's Fifth ...

Non-refundable

From

$70.86

per person

Itinerary 1 Forbidden City + Summer Palace Day 1 08:30 Pick you up:Pick-up point: Free pick-up and drop-off at any location within Beijing's Fifth ...

C | Forbidden City + Summer Palace | Comfortable 5-seater | English | Pick-up available | 4 travelers | Ordinary Tour Guide:Full guided tour | Meals not included | Drop-off available

Itinerary 1 Forbidden City + Summer Palace Day 1 08:30 Pick you up:Pick-up point: Free pick-up and drop-off at any location within Beijing's Fifth ...

Non-refundable

From

$66.44

per person

Itinerary 1 Forbidden City + Summer Palace Day 1 08:30 Pick you up:Pick-up point: Free pick-up and drop-off at any location within Beijing's Fifth ...

B | Forbidden City + Summer Palace | Comfortable 5-seater | English | Pick-up available | 3 travelers | Ordinary Tour Guide:Full guided tour | Meals not included | Drop-off available

Itinerary 1 Forbidden City + Summer Palace Day 1 08:30 Pick you up:Pick-up point: Free pick-up and drop-off at any location within Beijing's Fifth ...

Non-refundable

From

$83.65

per person

Itinerary 1 Forbidden City + Summer Palace Day 1 08:30 Pick you up:Pick-up point: Free pick-up and drop-off at any location within Beijing's Fifth ...

A | Forbidden City + Summer Palace | Comfortable 5-seater | English | Pick-up available | 2 travelers | Ordinary Tour Guide:Full guided tour | Meals not included | Drop-off available

Itinerary 1 Forbidden City + Summer Palace Day 1 08:30 Pick you up:Pick-up point: Free pick-up and drop-off at any location within Beijing's Fifth ...

Non-refundable

From

$110.57

per person

Itinerary 1 Forbidden City + Summer Palace Day 1 08:30 Pick you up:Pick-up point: Free pick-up and drop-off at any location within Beijing's Fifth ...