How to Plan Your Beijing Private Tour of Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Confucius, Hutong and Snacks

Are you planning a trip to Beijing and looking for a private tour that offers a combination of cultural and historical sites along with a taste of local snacks? Look no further than the Beijing Private Tour of Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Confucius, Hutong and Snacks!

This comprehensive full-day tour starts with a visit to the Summer Palace, a vast imperial garden complex that dates back to the Qing Dynasty. Explore the palace’s stunning gardens, ornate pavilions, and winding waterways while learning about the history of the Chinese imperial family.

Next, you’ll head to the Lama Temple, a well-preserved Tibetan Buddhist temple that is also known as the Yonghe Temple. Admire its intricate carvings and colorful artwork while learning about its history as a royal palace and temple.

After visiting the temples, your guide will take you to the Confucius Temple and Guozijian Museum, where you can learn about the teachings and philosophy of Confucius and the ancient Imperial Academy. You’ll gain insight into China’s Confucian heritage while viewing exhibits that include ancient books, historical documents, and cultural relics.

After exploring these cultural sites, you’ll head to a traditional hutong neighborhood, where you’ll have the chance to experience life in an old Beijing alley. Take a rickshaw ride through the hutongs while admiring the traditional courtyard houses and visiting a local family’s home to taste some authentic Beijing snacks.

The tour concludes with a return trip to the meeting point, where you can reflect on the day’s experiences and cultural richness.

What’s Included

This private tour includes a range of amenities to ensure your comfort and enjoyment throughout the day, including:

– Air-conditioned vehicle transportation
– Admission tickets to all attractions mentioned in the itinerary
– English-speaking tour guide
– Lunch and dinner at local restaurants
– Snack tasting in a hutong home
– Hotel pickup and drop-off (or meet at a central location)

Meeting and Pickup

To make your experience as convenient as possible, this tour includes the option for hotel pickup at centrally located Beijing hotels. Alternatively, you can opt to meet the tour guide at the meeting point in Beijing.

Additional information

Here is some additional information you may find helpful when planning your private tour:

– Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
– Wheelchair and stroller accessible
– Infant seats are available upon request
– No heart problems or serious medical conditions are allowed for participation
– Most travelers can participate in the tour

Cancellation policy

If for any reason, you need to cancel your booking, you can do so up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours in advance, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Book the Tour

Ready to book your Beijing Private Tour of Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Confucius, Hutong and Snacks? Click here to book the tour on viator.com.

Conclusion

This tour is a great way to see the historical and cultural richness of China’s capital city, while also getting a taste of its local cuisine. From the imperial grandeur of the Summer Palace to the traditional charm of the hutongs, this tour offers a well-rounded itinerary that will give you a deeper appreciation of Beijing’s past and present. Book your tour today and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions About Beijing

As the capital city of China, Beijing offers an abundance of attractions, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences for visitors. However, there are often many questions travelers have about this metropolitan city. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Beijing to help you plan your trip.

1. What is the best time of year to visit Beijing?

The best time to visit Beijing is during the spring and fall seasons, which typically take place from April to May and September to November, respectively. During these seasons, the weather is mild, without the rain and extreme temperatures of summer and winter. The peak tourist season in Beijing is from July to August since it’s the summer break in China, and there are more domestic tourists.

2. What are the top attractions in Beijing?

Some of the popular attractions in Beijing include the following:

The Great Wall of China

One of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Wall of China near Beijing is over 13,000 miles long and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside.

The Forbidden City

Located at the center of Beijing, the Forbidden City was home to emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties for over 500 years. This palace complex features 980 buildings and is the largest palace in the world.

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is the largest city square in the world and is located in front of the Forbidden City. It is a symbol of Chinese patriotism and has been the site of many important historical and political events.

The Temple of Heaven

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings that was once used by emperors to pray for a good harvest. Its colorful architecture and beautiful gardens make it a popular attraction.

The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a picturesque park with a man-made lake, pavilions, bridges, and gardens. It was originally built for the royal families to escape the summer heat.

3. How do I get around Beijing?

Beijing has an extensive public transportation system that includes subways, buses, and taxis. The subway system is the most convenient and cost-effective way to get around the city. It has 17 lines that cover most of the city’s main attractions.

4. What is the currency used in Beijing?

The currency used in Beijing is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). The exchange rate varies, but it’s generally around 7 yuan to 1 US dollar.

5. What are some local customs and traditions in Beijing?

Here are some of the customs and traditions you should be aware of when visiting Beijing:

Respect for elders and authority

Respect for elders and authority is an essential aspect of Chinese culture. It’s important to be respectful and not to argue or confront people in positions of authority.

Etiquette when visiting a temple

When visiting a temple, it’s important to dress respectfully and to remove your shoes before entering. You should also be quiet and not disturb those who are praying.

Drinking tea

Drinking tea is a significant part of Chinese culture, and it’s often used in social gatherings or business meetings. It’s customary to pour tea for others before pouring for yourself.

6. What is the local cuisine in Beijing?

The local cuisine in Beijing includes dishes such as Peking duck, jianbing (a type of Chinese crepe), and zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste sauce). There are also many street food vendors and night markets where you can try a variety of local dishes.

7. What are some safety tips for traveling in Beijing?

To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Beijing, remember the following tips:

Be aware of scams

There are many scams in Beijing, such as tea house scams and art scams. Be vigilant and don’t let strangers approach you with unsolicited offers.

Watch your belongings

Pickpocketing is common in crowded areas of Beijing, so keep your belongings close and be aware of your surroundings.

Use caution when crossing the street

Beijing’s streets can be chaotic, and drivers may not always follow the signals. Use caution when crossing the street and be aware of cars and bicycles.

In conclusion, Beijing is a historical and cultural destination that has much to offer. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to this fascinating city.