Viator Rating : 5 (308 reviews)
Beijing
Beijing's Best: Temple, Palace, Hutong Small Group Tour
Overview
Explore Beijing's highlights on this mini-group tour: Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, and Hutongs. Travel with a professional guide to see the city's most amazing sights. This tour provides a personal experience in a group of about 12 people.
What to expect: Start at the Temple of Heaven, a beautiful place where emperors used to pray for good harvests. You'll see cool buildings and watch locals doing their morning exercises. Then, take a fun rickshaw ride through the Hutongs, narrow streets that show what old Beijing life was like. After that, visit the Lama Temple, an old and pretty temple in the city center. Finally, explore the Summer Palace, a big royal garden with natural beauty and impressive buildings.
This tour includes a professional English-speaking guide, a comfy air-conditioned vehicle, and hotel pick-up and drop-off within Beijing's third ring road. Entrance fees are included, and you'll get free bottled water. It does not include meals or tips. There are no unwanted shopping detours so there's plenty of time for seeing the sights. This tour focuses on what visitors want to see. 
Highlights
Explore 4 Beijing Highlights: See the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, and Hutongs in one day.
Small Group, Big Experience: Enjoy personalized attention with a group limited to about 12 people.
Skip the Lines: Avoid long waits with pre-arranged entrance tickets.
Hassle-Free Transportation: Relax with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Sentiment Analysis
Visitors loved the tour guides' knowledge and friendliness.
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Many enjoyed the small group size, allowing for a more personal experience.
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Travelers appreciated the efficiency and smooth pace of the tour.
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Guests highlighted the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.
Some travelers felt that the Summer Palace visit was too short.
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A few reviewers mentioned that the rickshaw ride in the Hutongs felt touristy.
The Journey
Temple of Heaven
Step into the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture. Once a sacred place where emperors performed elaborate rituals to ensure bountiful harvests, it is now a vibrant public park. Observe locals practicing tai chi, singing, and engaging in traditional games, immersing yourself in the daily life of Beijing. Explore the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, an iconic triple-gabled circular building, and wander through the serene grounds, feeling the echoes of imperial history. (Note: If visiting on a Monday, experience the equally stunning Beihai Park, an imperial garden with serene lakes, elegant pavilions, and rich historical significance.)
Beijing Hutongs & Houhai Lake
Delve into the heart of old Beijing with a rickshaw tour through the Hutongs, narrow alleyways that offer a glimpse into traditional courtyard residences and the daily lives of local families. Visit a Hutong family to experience authentic Beijing living firsthand. Explore the vibrant street food scene and sample local delicacies. Afterward, stroll along the picturesque Houhai Lake, a tranquil oasis surrounded by traditional architecture, trendy cafes, and lively bars, perfect for soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the unique charm of this historic area. Lunch is on your own to allow flexibility in exploring the local culinary options.
Lama Temple (Yonghe Lamasery)
Discover the spiritual heart of Beijing at the Lama Temple, one of the most important and beautifully preserved Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in China. Originally built as a residence for Emperor Yongzheng before his ascension to the throne, this temple complex showcases stunning architecture, intricate artwork, and a palpable sense of peace. Marvel at the towering Maitreya Buddha statue carved from a single piece of sandalwood and immerse yourself in the rich history and religious traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.
Summer Palace
Escape the city bustle and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Chinese garden design. Explore the vast Kunming Lake by boat, stroll along the Long Corridor adorned with thousands of intricate paintings, and ascend Wanshou Hill for panoramic views of the palace grounds. This imperial retreat offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and magnificent architecture, providing a captivating glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Qing Dynasty emperors.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes a professional English speaking tour guide, an experienced driver and air conditioned vehicle, and hotel pick up and drop off within the third ring road of Beijing city. Entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary and complimentary bottled water with unlimited supplies are also included. This tour excludes meals and gratuities. Cable car fee at the Great Wall is also not included.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes because there's a good amount of walking. Bring extra water, especially during warmer months, to stay hydrated. Consider bringing a small snack, as meals are not included.
Review Summary
Customers find this tour offers a comprehensive and enriching way to see Beijing’s four key cultural highlights, appreciating the knowledgeable guides, efficient transportation, and lack of shopping distractions. Positive feedback frequently mentions the personalized experience due to small group size and smooth organization. Some users note the long duration can be tiring, and a few mention minor challenges with accessibility during the Hutong rickshaw ride, but overall satisfaction is high for the tour's cultural depth and time management.
Frequently Asked Questions
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