Private Garden Tour: The Summer Palace and Beijing Botanical Garden
Active
5h - 6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Escape the crowds with our Private Garden Tour of the Summer Palace & Beijing Botanical Garden — Beijing’s ultimate blend of imperial grandeur and natural serenity, tailored for discerning travelers.
Explore the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former imperial retreat. Skip the tourist throngs as your private guide leads you to hidden lakeside pavilions, intricate stone bridges, and lush gardens where ancient trees tell royal tales. Every corner is a photo-perfect moment steeped in history.
Then, unwind in the Beijing Botanical Garden, a urban oasis brimming with global flora — vibrant seasonal blooms, rare exotic plants, and towering ancient trees.
No rushed itineraries, no crowded groups — just peaceful, immersive moments that turn trips into lifelong memories.
Book now — your exclusive slice of Beijing’s beauty awaits.
Available options
Private Tour
Your guide and private vehicle will pick you up at 9:00am in your Beijing City Hotel's lobby<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
Bottled water
Entrance fee
Transport by private vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
A professional guide and driver will arrive promptly at your downtown Beijing hotel. Enjoy door-to-door private transfer throughout the day, eliminating the hassle of transportation. The drive from downtown hotels to the Summer Palace takes approximately 30-40 minutes (varies slightly based on hotel location and traffic conditions). En route, your guide will briefly introduce tour highlights and key notes.
Upon arrival, follow your guide to enter the Summer Palace through its main gate, the East Palace Gate, and embark on an immersive journey through this imperial garden.
2
The tour route is arranged for optimal flow: start with a visit to the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity-the core political venue of the imperial garden. It was the place where the Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu held court and handled government affairs. The hall is decorated with magnificent furniture and imperial symbols. Inside, you can see a throne where the emperor sat, surrounded by various precious antiques and decorations. The architecture of the hall is a blend of traditional Chinese style, with its upturned eaves and wooden structures, reflecting the imperial power and dignity of that time.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
Continue onward to the Hall of Joyful Longevity (Leshou Tang), a former residence of Empress Dowager Cixi. Next, head to the Long Corridor (Long Lang), a masterpiece of Chinese garden architecture. Your guide will share fascinating stories behind the thousands of colorful paintings on the corridor’s ceiling, depicting historical events, myths, and landscapes.
4
After the Long Corridor, you can choose to take a dragon - boat cruise on the Kunming Lake (at your own expense). The lake covers a large area and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. During the cruise, you can admire the pavilions, temples, and bridges that dot the lakeshore. The Western Hills in the distance provide a stunning backdrop, creating a picture - perfect view. You can see the Seventeen - Arch Bridge, which spans the lake and connects the South Island to the east bank. The bridge is decorated with stone lions of different shapes and sizes, adding to its charm.
5
Your tour of the Summer Palace concludes at the Marble Boat. This unique and famous structure is located on the northwest shore of Kunming Lake.
The stone boat is made entirely of marble and was built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong. It has two floors and is decorated with intricate carvings. Not only does it serve as an interesting architectural feature, but it also symbolizes the stability of the imperial power, as the boat will never sink in the water.
6
After the Summer Palace tour, proceed to the Beijing Botanical Garden. Founded in 1956, this sprawling urban oasis boasts a rich history of plant conservation and research, housing over 1.5 million plants from more than 10,000 species worldwide. Explore its diverse zones, including the Rare Plant Garden, Peony Garden, and Ancient Tree Area, where you can admire vibrant seasonal blooms, rare exotic flora, and centuries-old trees. It’s a perfect retreat to unwind amid nature after the imperial garden tour.
Conclude the day’s journey, and your guide and driver will transfer you back to your Beijing hotel safely and comfortably.
What's not included
Gratuities
Meals
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Important notes
• Dress code is smart casual
About Beijing
Beijing, the capital of China, is a city of immense historical significance and modern dynamism. It's home to iconic landmarks, ancient palaces, and a vibrant contemporary culture that blends tradition with modernity. The city offers a unique mix of ancient history, cultural treasures, and modern advancements.
Top Attractions
The Great Wall of China
One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Great Wall of China stretches over 21,000 kilometers. The most accessible sections near Beijing are Badaling and Mutianyu.
Historical
Half day to full day
¥40-80 (depending on the section)
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts and offers a glimpse into China's imperial past.
Historical
2-3 hours
¥60 (March-October), ¥40 (November-February)
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed annual ceremonies of prayer to heaven for good harvests.
Historical
1-2 hours
¥15 (Temple area), ¥35 (Temple and park)
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It served as a retreat for emperors to escape the summer heat and is known for its beautiful landscapes and architecture.
Historical
3-4 hours
¥30 (Park and palace area), ¥60 (Boat ride included)
Hutongs
Hutongs are traditional narrow alleys and residential neighborhoods that offer a glimpse into old Beijing's way of life. Exploring hutongs provides an authentic experience of local culture and history.
Cultural
Half day to full day
Free to explore, but consider paying for guided tours or Rickshaw rides
798 Art Zone
The 798 Art Zone is a contemporary art district located in a former military factory. It's home to numerous art galleries, studios, and cultural events, making it a hub for Beijing's art scene.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore, but some galleries may charge admission
Must-Try Local Dishes
Peking Duck
A iconic dish of Beijing, Peking Duck is roasted to perfection and served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions. The crispy skin and tender meat make it a must-try for any visitor.
Main Course
Contains meat (duck), gluten (pancakes and sauce)
Zhajiangmian (Fried Sauce Noodles)
A popular Beijing street food, Zhajiangmian consists of hand-pulled noodles topped with a rich, savory sauce made from fermented soybean paste and minced pork. It's often served with cucumber and bean sprouts.
Main Course
Contains meat (pork), gluten (noodles and sauce)
Jianbing (Savory Crepes)
A popular Beijing street food, Jianbing is a savory crepe made with a batter of wheat and mung bean flour, filled with egg, scallions, and hoisin sauce. It's crispy, delicious, and perfect for a quick breakfast on the go.
Breakfast
Contains eggs, gluten (batter and sauce)
Baozi (Steamed Buns)
Baozi are steamed buns filled with various ingredients, such as pork, beef, or vegetables. They are a popular street food and can be found in many markets and food stalls throughout Beijing.
Snack
Can be vegetarian or contain meat, depending on the filling; contains gluten (bun)
Popular Activities
Hiking the Great Wall
Rock climbing in the Huairou District
Mountain biking in the outskirts of Beijing
Boat rides on Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace
Tea ceremonies at traditional teahouses
Gardens and parks at the Temple of Heaven and Beihai Park
Exploring the Forbidden City and other imperial palaces
Visiting temples and religious sites
Best Time to Visit
September to October, April to May
These months offer the most pleasant weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing. The city is vibrant with cultural festivals and outdoor activities.
15-25°C (59-77°F)
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Mandarin Chinese
- Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas and by younger generations)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Time Zone
GMT+8 (China Standard Time)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and tourist spots
Beijing is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night and in less touristy areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious when using taxis, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting the journey
- • Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas and tourist spots
- • Be wary of strangers offering services or attractions at inflated prices, and only use licensed and reputable tour guides and operators
Getting there
By air
- Beijing Capital International Airport • 32 km (20 miles) northeast of city center
- Beijing Daxing International Airport • 46 km (29 miles) south of city center
By train
Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station
By bus
Beijing Sihui Bus Station, Beijing Liuliqiao Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Beijing Subway is efficient, affordable, and widely used. It's the best way to navigate the city, especially during peak hours.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing, Tencent Taxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Dongcheng
Xicheng
Chaoyang
Haidian
Shijingshan
Day trips
The Great Wall at Mutianyu
70 km (43 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day
The Great Wall at Mutianyu is a less crowded and more scenic section of the Great Wall, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's a popular day trip from Beijing for those looking to experience the Great Wall without the large crowds.
The Great Wall at Jinshanling
130 km (81 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day
The Great Wall at Jinshanling is a remote and less restored section of the Great Wall, offering a more authentic and adventurous experience. It's a popular day trip for those looking to explore the Great Wall's wild and rugged beauty.
The Great Wall at Simatai
120 km (75 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day
The Great Wall at Simatai is a unique and well-preserved section of the Great Wall, known for its dramatic and picturesque landscape. It's a popular day trip for those looking to experience the Great Wall's beauty and history in a more intimate setting.
Festivals
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) • January or February (varies by lunar calendar)
Lantern Festival • 15th day of the first lunar month (varies by year)
Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) • April 4th or 5th (varies by solar calendar)
Pro tips
- Use the official Beijing Subway app for route planning and real-time updates
- Carry a VPN to access restricted apps and websites, such as Google, Facebook, and Instagram
- Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the city's many attractions and neighborhoods
- Try local snacks and street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
