China1 day
Beijing's Imperial Palaces — Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Summer Palace
A guided day tour through Beijing's three defining imperial sites, with private transport and entrance fees included.
Beijing's political and ceremonial heart concentrates in three distinct locations, each reflecting a different chapter of imperial rule. This day tour moves systematically through them: Tiananmen Square, the symbolic center of modern China; the Forbidden City, the walled palace complex where Ming and Qing emperors governed; and the Summer Palace, the royal retreat with gardens, lakeside pavilions, and temples. A private vehicle and English-speaking guide structure the day, with pre-arranged entrance fees and a local restaurant lunch included.
Highlights
- Tiananmen Square, the plaza at the center of Beijing and threshold to the Forbidden City
- The Forbidden City's buildings, courtyards, and throne halls
- Summer Palace gardens and lakeside walkways, designed as an imperial escape with temples, pavilions, and artwork throughout the grounds
Day by day
1Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Summer PalaceTiananmen Square · Forbidden City · Summer Palace
Hotel pickup begins your day at Tiananmen Square, where your guide contextualizes the plaza's political significance. Next is the Forbidden City—the walled palace complex of Ming and Qing emperors. Your guide leads you through major courtyards and throne halls, explaining the embedded protocol and hierarchy. The afternoon shifts to the Summer Palace, where gardens, pavilions, and temples occupy grounds bordering Kunming Lake. You visit the botanical plantings, visit temple structures, and view art throughout the park. Private vehicle transfer returns you to your hotel.
Where you go
- 1Tiananmen Square
- 2Forbidden City
Included
- English speaking guide service
- Private transfer in air-conditioned vehicle
- Entrance fee
- Chinese lunch in a local restaurant
Not included
- Do Not Include:
- International airfare
- China Visa
- Hotel accommodation