How to Plan Your Private Tour of Summer Palace, Art Zone, Hutong, and Local Delicacy from Beijing

Are you planning a trip to Beijing and want to explore its rich cultural heritage? A visit to the Summer Palace, 798 Art Zone, Hutong, and sampling local delicacies is a must-do for every traveler. And what better way to experience all of these than taking a private tour?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your private tour of the Summer Palace, Art Zone, Hutong, and local delicacy from Beijing.

Overview

This private tour is a full-day experience that takes you around some of Beijing’s most famous landmarks, including the Summer Palace, 798 Art Zone, and the Hutong neighborhood. The tour includes a local delicacy lunch at a restaurant to satisfy your cravings.

What’s Included

Aside from a professional tour guide, this private tour also includes lunch at a restaurant that will serve you some of the best local delicacies the city has to offer.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour starts at 9:00 AM, and the meeting point is at your hotel located within Beijing’s 5th Ring Road. Our friendly guide will meet you at the hotel lobby before taking you to the different landmarks.

Pickup points

We offer pick up from hotels located within Beijing 5th Ring Road.

Select a pickup point

We will ask for your hotel name and address when you book the tour for easy pickup arrangements.

Start time

The tour starts at 9:00 AM, and we ask that you wait in your hotel lobby at least 10 minutes before your scheduled pick up time.

Pickup details

Our friendly tour guide will meet you in your hotel lobby, and we will take you to the different landmarks on a private, air-conditioned vehicle.

What to Expect

The tour is a combination of cultural and historical landmarks, designed to give you an immersive experience into Beijing’s rich culture, art scene, and cuisine.

Summer Palace

The first stop on the tour is the Summer Palace, located on the outskirts of Beijing. The palace is a vast imperial garden, once used as a summer retreat by emperors. You will get to see the beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and stunning lake views. Referred to as the “Museum of Royal Gardens,” it is now one of the most significant cultural landmarks in China.

798 Art Zone

After the Summer Palace, the tour takes you to the 798 Art Zone. The 798 Art Zone is a contemporary art district that houses numerous galleries, shops, and restaurants. Visitors get to experience the vibrant local art scene and immerse themselves in the creative energy that characterizes the area.

Hutong

The Hutongs are narrow alleys and passageways in Beijing, with traditional courtyard houses lining the streets. The tour takes you to explore traditional Chinese houses and learn more about the city’s history and lifestyle.

Local Delicacy Lunch

After the tour, we take you to taste and sample some of the best local delicacies that Beijing has to offer. We’ve selected a well-reviewed restaurant that serves authentic local cuisine that’s not to be missed!

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

The tour is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, making it family-friendly.

Infant seats available

We provide infant seats upon request for families traveling with young children.

Most travelers can participate

The tour is suitable for most travelers, and we provide comfortable and safe transportation throughout the day.

Cancellation Policy

We understand that travel plans may change, and we have a flexible cancellation policy to accommodate your needs.

You can cancel up to 24 hours.

If you need to cancel the tour, you can do so up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time and receive a full refund.

If you cancel less than 24 hours before.

If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, we cannot offer a refund.

Any changes made less than 24.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Book the tour here

Are you ready to explore the Summer Palace, Art Zone, Hutong, and local delicacy from Beijing? Book the tour here at Viator and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Visiting Beijing? Here are the Most Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re planning a trip to Beijing, you may have some questions. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, the Chinese capital can be both exciting and overwhelming. To help you prepare for your trip, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about Beijing.

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

Beijing has extreme weather conditions with hot summers and cold winters, so the best time to visit depends on your preference. The most popular time is from March to May, and from September to October when the temperatures are mild, and the skies are clear. However, if you’re looking to avoid crowds and enjoy lower hotel rates, visiting during the offseason of November to February may be a better alternative.

2. How many days should I spend in Beijing?

To see the main attractions of Beijing, such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven, we recommend staying for at least four full days. This will give you enough time to explore the city, soak in the culture and have time for day trips to some of the most beautiful parts of greater Beijing, including the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.

3. What is the currency used in Beijing?

The official currency of China is the Renminbi (RMB) or the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and high-end restaurants, but small businesses prefer cash, so it’s best to carry some RMB with you.

4. Do I need a visa to visit Beijing?

Yes, all visitors to China require a visa. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your visit and the length of your stay. Visa applications can be completed online or through the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.

5. What is the transportation system like in Beijing?

Beijing has an excellent public transportation system that includes the subway, buses, and taxis. The Beijing subway is safe, efficient and covers most of the city’s major attractions. Taxis are plentiful and are a relatively inexpensive way to get around the city, especially at night when other forms of transportation may be more limited.

6. Is it safe to visit Beijing?

Beijing is a safe city for tourists. Violent crime is rare, and the city is generally safe during the day and night. However, it’s always best to take necessary precautions, such as keeping an eye on your valuables, avoiding poorly lit areas at night, and being aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.

7. What should I wear in Beijing?

In the summer, Beijing can be hot and humid, so it’s best to wear light clothing such as t-shirts, shorts, and skirts. In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing, so it’s important to wear warm clothing such as a jacket, sweater, hat, and gloves. Comfortable walking shoes are a must as Beijing is a city that requires a lot of walking.

8. What are some famous dishes of Beijing?

Beijing is famous for its delicious cuisine, including the popular Peking roast duck, which is a must-try when you visit. Other popular local dishes include Jiaozi or boiled dumplings, and Zhajiangmian, a noodle dish with soybean paste and vegetables.

9. What are some popular tourist attractions in Beijing?

Beijing has many famous tourist attractions, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace. Other popular spots include the Hutongs, traditional alleyways of old Beijing, the 798 Art District, and the Wangfujing shopping street.

10. Can I use social media such as Facebook and Instagram in Beijing?

Access to social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter is blocked in China. However, you can still access them using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This is a secure way to bypass censorship and have unrestricted internet access.

Conclusion

Beijing is an incredible destination with so much to offer in terms of culture, history, and food. We hope that this article has answered some of your most pressing questions. Remember to plan your trip in advance, get your visa sorted, and pack appropriately for the weather. Enjoy your trip to Beijing!