
Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple & Summer Palace Tour
Discover the essence of the Chinese capital with this comprehensive tour of the Temple of Heaven, the Lama Temple and the Summer Palace. Experience imperial grandeur, Buddhist spirituality, and traditional Beijing life. Tour Details.
- 8 hours
- 83 reviews
Discover the essence of the Chinese capital with this comprehensive tour of the Temple of Heaven, the Lama Temple and the Summer Palace. Experience imperial grandeur, Buddhist spirituality, and traditional Beijing life.
Tour Details
Our journey begins early in the morning from Tiantandongmen Station. We'll proceed to the Temple of Heaven, the largest imperial worship complex in China, where Ming and Qing dynasty emperors prayed for good harvests. Admire the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a remarkable example of ancient Chinese architecture.
Next, we will visit the Lama Temple, the most prestigious Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Beijing, which combines Han and Tibetan architectural styles. Witness the towering Maitreya Buddha statue, carved from a single sandalwood tree and standing 18 m tall (59 ft).
After the temple visit, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Beijing's hutongs, the ancient lanes that reflect traditional Beijing life. You will have free time for exploration and lunch at local restaurants.
In the afternoon, we will head to the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Royal Garden Museum.” Stroll along Kunming Lake and admire the Long Corridor, decorated with paintings that depict the harmony between man and nature.
As an optional activity, you can take a cruise on the Imperial Canal (additional cost of 12 EUR per person). This historic route was used by royalty to access the Summer Palace. For those not taking the cruise, free time will be available to continue exploring the palace.
Finally, we'll return to the city center by bus, concluding the tour at the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, where you can continue to explore and enjoy breathtaking views at night.
Check Out a Private Tour
If you prefer a more personalized experience, consider a private tour with an English-speaking guide for the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace. This option allows for a more exclusive exploration of imperial Beijing.
Prices
Included
- English–speaking guide
- Transport by bus or minibus
- Admission to the Temple of Heaven
- Admission to the Summer Palace
- Admission to the Lama Temple
Not included
- Boat trip on the Imperial Canal: 12EUR per person