Beijing in a Day: Zoo, Olympic Park, Summer Palace & 798 Art District

Four major landmarks across northern and central Beijing, 8:30 AM to evening return

A single-day itinerary connecting four distinct areas of Beijing: the Zoo in the city's north, where giant pandas and other species live in landscaped grounds; the Olympic Stadium and Water Cube complex built for the 2008 Games; the Summer Palace, the largest imperial garden in the city with temples, pavilions, and lakefront walks; and 798 Art District, a former military manufacturing zone now occupied by galleries, studios, and cultural spaces. The route requires moving between neighborhoods, with an English-speaking guide and private air-conditioned vehicle included throughout. A local restaurant meal is provided mid-day.

Highlights

Giant pandas and other animals at Beijing Zoo, in the northwestern part of the city
Beijing National Stadium (the Bird's Nest) and National Aquatics Centre (Water Cube) at Olympic Park
Summer Palace gardens, temples, and lakeside paths in the northwestern suburbs
798 Art District galleries and studios, housed in decommissioned military factory buildings

Day by day

1Beijing Zoo, Olympic Park, Summer Palace & 798 Art DistrictBeijing Zoo · Summer Palace · 798 Art District · National Aquatics Centre (Water Cube) · local restaurant · National Stadium (Bird's Nest)

Hotel pickup begins around 8:30 AM, traveling first to Beijing Zoo in the northwestern part of the city. The zoo houses giant pandas—China's national animal—alongside other species in landscaped habitats. From there, the route moves to Olympic Park to visit the National Stadium (known as the Bird's Nest for its steel lattice design) and the adjacent National Aquatics Centre (Water Cube), built for the 2008 Olympic Games. Both structures remain open to visitors, and the grounds allow for walking and photographing the architecture. Mid-day, a meal is served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, travel continues to the Summer Palace, the largest royal garden. The grounds include formal gardens, lakeside walkways, temples, pavilions, and decorative stonework. Time is allocated for wandering through the botanical areas and exploring the structures. The final stop is 798 Art District, originally a decommissioned military factory that is now a place to create art, ideas of architecture and culture. The industrial buildings now house galleries, artist studios, restaurants, and design spaces, reflecting a transition from manufacturing to cultural use. Transfer back to the hotel concludes the day.

Included

Local English speaking guide service
Private transfers in air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance fee
Chinese lunch in a local restaurant

Not included

China visa
Things not mentioned