Beijing Forbidden City and Summer Palace Private Guide Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Beijing Forbidden City and Summer Palace Private Guide Tour worth booking?
Beijing Forbidden City and Summer Palace Private Guide Tour is a 6-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $68 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (5)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $68 per person
you will visit Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City and Summer Palace with a Private car and English speaking Tour Guide, In addition to enjoying the beauty of ancient Chinese architecture, professional tour guides will also take you to deeply explore the long history of China and immerse yourself in the court life of emperors and empresses. During the trip, you can have in-depth exchanges with the tour guide at any time and unlock interesting historical knowledge beyond the books. The tour guide can also transform into a "personal photographer" to capture precious moments for you. Choose our tour guide service and you are sure to have an unforgettable trip and leave behind precious and wonderful memories. Highlights • Save time and High flexibility, Independently Control the pace of the journey • Professional explanations, in-depth understanding of history and culture, and enhanced experience • Comfortable and convenient, Easy to carry • Smooth communication with zero barriers
What you get
About this experience
you will visit Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City and Summer Palace with a Private car and English speaking Tour Guide, In addition to enjoying the beauty of ancient Chinese architecture, professional tour guides will also take you to deeply explore the long history of China and immerse yourself in the court life of emperors and empresses. During the trip, you can have in-depth exchanges with the tour guide at any time and unlock interesting historical knowledge beyond the books. The tour guide can also transform into a "personal photographer" to capture precious moments for you. Choose our tour guide service and you are sure to have an unforgettable trip and leave behind precious and wonderful memories. Highlights • Save time and High flexibility, Independently Control the pace of the journey • Professional explanations, in-depth understanding of history and culture, and enhanced experience • Comfortable and convenient, Easy to carry • Smooth communication with zero barriers
What's included
Included
- Private Air -conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water
- Tian'anmen and Forbidden City entrance ticket
- Summer Palace Entrance Ticket
- English Speaking Tour Guide
Not included
- Entrance Ticket of The Tower of Buddist Incense(10yuan)
- Summer Palace Boat Ticket(40yuan)
- Lunch
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Beijing
Your Driver will pick you up at your location.
Tiananmen Square
Tian 'anmen Square is located in the center of Beijing and is one of the largest urban central squares in the world. It is 880 meters long from north to south and 500 meters wide from east to west, covering an area of 440,000 square meters and capable of accommodating gatherings of one million people. This place is rich in historical heritage and has witnessed many significant historical moments. The May 4th Movement and the December 9th Movement both left their insignificant marks here, and the founding ceremony of the People's Republic of China was also held here. Today, it remains an important venue for national celebrations, people's assemblies and other activities. To the west is the Great Hall of the People. The National Museum of China is on the east side. These buildings, together with the Tian 'anmen Rostrum, form a grand and imposing architectural layout, highlighting the grandeur of a major country and attracting countless tourists to visit and take photos.
60 minutes here · Admission included
The Palace Museum
The Forbidden City, formerly known as the Purple Forbidden City, is located at the center of Beijing's central axis and was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties in China. It is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient wooden-structured architectural complexes in the world. It covers an area of approximately 720,000 square meters. The building area is approximately 150,000 square meters, with over 70 palaces of various sizes and 8,707 rooms (legend has it that there are 9,999 and a half rooms). The palaces of the Forbidden City are grand and imposing, with imposing and solemn structures. Red walls, yellow tiles, elaborately carved beams and painted pillars, every detail showcases the wisdom and craftsmanship of the ancients. Every building, every stone and every glazed tile here tells a story of ancient history. Here, you can not only feel the majesty and glory of the royal family, but also appreciate the long-standing culture and unique charm of the Chinese nation.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is located in the northwest suburbs of Beijing, covering an area of approximately 290 hectares. It is the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China and is known as the "Museum of Imperial Gardens". This place was once a summer resort for emperors and empresses of the Qing Dynasty, carrying rich historical and cultural connotations. The Summer Palace is based on the Longevity Mountain and Kunming Lake. The lake and mountain scenery complement each other. There are also many famous scenic spots in the garden, such as the Long Corridor, the Tower of Buddist Incense, the Seventeen-Arch Bridge and the stone boat. It ingeniously integrates artificial landscapes with natural mountains and the vast lake surface, forming a natural landscape painting. Here, you can not only enjoy the picturesque garden scenery, but also experience the grandeur and profound cultural heritage of ancient Chinese imperial gardens.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Beijing
After the tour, your driver will drive you back to your located place in Beijing.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Daxing Airport Departure
Capital airport departure: This option starts at Daxing airport and ends this airport or beijing hotel. Or start at beijing hotel and ends at airport Pickup included
Beijing Hotel Departure
This option will pick you up from your Beijing downtown hotel and back to your hotel after the trip. Pickup included
Capital Airport Departure
This option starts at Daxing airport and ends this airport or beijing hotel. Or starts at beijing hotel and ends this airport Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Linda's Guide & Driver Service
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Instant Confirmation - You will receive a confirmation email immediately after successful booking
- Tian 'anmen Square and the Forbidden City implement a real-name reservation policy, So after you booking, please contact me and send me each people's name, passport number, age, gender and nationality
- According to the regulations of the Palace Museum, Chinese citizens (including residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) must book tickets online 7 days in advance. If you make a reservation within 7 days before your visit, we cannot guarantee that we will get a ticket for you. in addition, if it is during a holiday or the peak tourist season, we also cannot 100% guarantee that we will help you get a ticket. If the tickets online have been sold out or we failed to help you get one, you can only cancel this trip and we will offer a full refund, thanks for your understand and support
- For foreign tourists holding passports, if the online tickets are sold out or we fail to get online ticket for you, you need get tickets on the spot according to the guidance of your tour guides or customer service of our travel agencies. but, purchasing tickets on the spot need queuing
- Due to the implementation of the limited ticket sales policy by the Palace Museum. At present, the Palace Museum releases 40,000 tickets every day, including 20,000 individual tickets and 20,000 group tickets. All visitors must make a real-name reservation for their visit. Therefore, for your better visiting experience, Please try to book in advance as much as possible
- Please don't forget to bring your passport. If you don't bring it, you may be refused entry
- Please wear appropriate clothes according to the weather and It is recommended to bring sunscreen, sunglasses or umbrellas or cap in summer
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes
- Tian 'anmen Square and the Forbidden City have strict security check policies. It is strictly prohibited to bring flammable, explosive and other items as well as controlled knives. In addition, please do not bring lighters, drones, tripods, selfie sticks longer than 1.3 meters, scroll paintings, oil-paper umbrellas, sunscreen spray and power banks with a capacity of more than 20,000 milliamperes
- On the day of the visit, if there are major events such as national or foreign affairs, Tiananmen Square may be temporarily closed without prior notice, If you encounter such a situation, you will skip the Square
- Children Under 5 years old are free to join
- Baby seats and winter coats offered if you request
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
The guide
1 mentionTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Beijing Forbidden City and Summer Palace Private Guide Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellently organized visit to the Great Wall of China. Excellent communication and agreement
Excellently organized visit to the Great Wall of China. Excellent communication and agreement
via Tripadvisor
Great way to know tresures of pekin
The gide was owsome end very well prepared, very good english and polite She expleined in a very entreteined way for kid and adults
via Tripadvisor
Fun & Informative
Adele was great! Fun informative tour and ate lunch at a wonderful authentic local restaurant. Even though the weather wasn't perfect we had a wonderful experience!
via Tripadvisor
Great Wall and Summer Palace
After picking up at our hotel downtown, Linda drove us in a comfortable and spacious vehicle to the Great Wall. Along the way, about an hour, we were able to enjoy his pleasant and informative conversation. Then climb the wall by cable car and walk on the round path from where you can take spectacular photos. On the way back, visit the Summer Palace; impressive architectural ensemble built around a large lake where exceptional Mandarin ducks are playing. Congratulations to Linda for her friendly company and cultural mastery of the places visited.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Heavenly Temple, Summer Palace & Forbidden City Guided Tour
Jessica, our very fluent English speaking guide, picked us up on time. The day's itinerary was nicely organized to avoid the holiday crowd as much as possible. We enjoyed the attractions and even more, Jessica's knowledge and explanation on the history of the places and its importance in China's culture and evolution. In spite of the crowd, we are happy and very satisfied that we booked this tour!!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $68 to $380
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Linda's Guide & Driver Service, who run 14 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.1 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Linda's Guide & Driver Service runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Beijing Forbidden City and Summer Palace Private Guide Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beijing.
How much does Beijing Forbidden City and Summer Palace Private Guide Tour cost?
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Prices start at $68 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Beijing usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Beijing Forbidden City and Summer Palace Private Guide Tour take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Beijing is not rushed.
Is Beijing Forbidden City and Summer Palace Private Guide Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Beijing, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Beijing Forbidden City and Summer Palace Private Guide Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Beijing Forbidden City and Summer Palace Private Guide Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Beijing Forbidden City and Summer Palace Private Guide Tour?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Beijing can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Beijing and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Beijing Forbidden City and Summer Palace Private Guide Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Beijing within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Beijing?
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On Outty we rank every Beijing experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Temple Heaven, Lama Temple, Summer Palace & Peking Duck Bus Tour, Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall Sightseeing Full-day Group Tours, Mubus: Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with Summer Palace Options. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Beijing?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Beijing?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Beijing Forbidden City and Summer Palace Private Guide Tour?
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Included: Private Air -conditioned vehicle; Bottled water; Tian'anmen and Forbidden City entrance ticket; Summer Palace Entrance Ticket; and English Speaking Tour Guide. Not included: Entrance Ticket of The Tower of Buddist Incense(10yuan); Summer Palace Boat Ticket(40yuan); Lunch; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Beijing Forbidden City and Summer Palace Private Guide Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 3662 listed pickup locations in and around Beijing. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Beijing Forbidden City and Summer Palace Private Guide Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Beijing Forbidden City and Summer Palace Private Guide Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Beijing Forbidden City and Summer Palace Private Guide Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Beijing Forbidden City and Summer Palace Private Guide Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Beijing. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Beijing Forbidden City and Summer Palace Private Guide Tour?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, organization, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Beijing Forbidden City and Summer Palace Private Guide Tour?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Daxing Airport Departure, Beijing Hotel Departure, Capital Airport Departure. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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