Beijing Private Tour of Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Confucius, Hutong and Snacks

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)

  The Summer Palace is the largest and best-preserved of the surviving imperial garden, rich in history and culture. Once a summer retreat for emperors, this 716-acre park is still a retreat for tourist, who can relax here or stroll around ancient pavilions, mansions, temples, bridges and huge lake, stopping occasionally at a shop or tea-house. Much-loved summer retreat of the Imperial families, the lovely landscaped gardens, halls, pavilions and corridors are set around the lake and rivers in natural harmony. Long Corridor at the Summer Palace The paths beside the lake lead you under shady trees, or along the roofed colonnade known as the Long Corridor, with its magnificently painted ceilings. Bridges, boats, willows, lotus flowers, and other attractive landscaping make this a pleasant place to soak up the atmosphere and in the views.

  2 hours • Admission ticket included
• 2
  Lama Temple (Yonghegong)

  The Lama Temple (Yonghegong), one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist temples outside Tibet, began as a palace for Emperor Yongzheng before he became the third emperor of the Qing Dynasty. Today, the resplendent temple, with its halls, courtyards, ponds, and bronze mandala, is a lamasery for some two dozen Tibetan monks. Inside you'll find five large halls, ornately decorated with Buddha statues in various incarnations, murals, and carvings.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 3
  Temple of Confucius and Guozijian Museum

  Guozijian Museum Guozijian was the Imperial Academy during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties, and it was the highest institute of learning in China's traditional education system. Emperors in imperial China would frequently visit to read Confucian classics to thousands of students. The Temple of Confucius (北京孔庙) The Temple of Confucius is right next to Guozijian. It is the second largest Confucian Temple in China, after the one in Confucius' hometown Qufu. There are many carvings inside the temple, and there is a large collection of ancient Chinese musical instruments in the Hall of Great Perfection. Nowadays the temple houses part of the art collection of Beijing Capital Museum. To seek the footprints and to feel the wisdom of Confucius - the great master of oriental philosophy, visitors should visit the Temple of Confucius as well as Cemetery of Confucius and Kong Family Mansion.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 4
  Bell and Drum Towers

  The Drum Tower was equipped with bronze clepsydras and drums that were beaten to mark the hours. The drum was beaten quickly for 18 times and then slowly for 18 times to mark the hour. You have the opportunity to climb to the top of Drum tower for an excellent view of drumming performance which lasts for 20 minutes.

  1 hour • Admission ticket included
• 5
  Back Lakes (Hou Hai)

  Houhai, which literally means "Back Sea", is a large artificial lake in northern downtown Beijing. There were many wine shops, workshops, and opera stages in ancient times. Nowadays, it is open to all. We will stroll along Lotus Lane in the Back Lakes (Houhai) area, see its night-time bars and lake waters, taste some local traditional snacks and take in the historical Yandaixiejie Hutong and Nanluoguxiang Hutong.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 6
  Yandai Xie Street

  Know as Yandai Xiejie in Chinese, the Yandaixie Street is one of the oldest hutongs in Beijing. Located in the Xicheng District, it is close to the Shichahai which are famous attractions in Beijing. Since the olden days, Yandaixiejie Street has been one of the most flourishing commercial areas in Beijing. The stores are closely packed along the street and a wide variety of souvenirs with Beijing characteristics can be found there.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 7
  Nanluoguxiang

  Nanluoguxiang Hutong is known for its authentic Beijing atmosphere. The age-old siheyuans, archways, wall carvings, and former residences of socialites can be found there. Today there has been an unprecedented fusion of East and West in Nanluoguxiang Hutong, where new pubs and restaurants have given it an urban appearance.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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