Beijing Forbidden City and Temple Heaven Private Guide Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Beijing Forbidden City and Temple Heaven Private Guide Tour worth booking?
Beijing Forbidden City and Temple Heaven Private Guide Tour is a 6-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $68 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $68 per person
you will visit Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven with a private car and English speaking Tourguide. The Forbidden City has endured through the Ming and Qing dynasties and was the political center of that time, carrying rich historical and cultural information. Here, you can experience the living atmosphere of the ancient royal family and learn about knowledge in aspects such as court etiquette and political systems. The Temple of Heaven, as an important venue for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to offer sacrifices to heaven, pray for good harvests and rain, carries rich sacrificial culture and symbols of imperial power. It is an important window to understand the ancient imperial rule and traditional culture of China. Highlights • Save time and High flexibility • 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 Temple of Heaven with a private car and English speaking Tourguide. The Forbidden City has endured through the Ming and Qing dynasties and was the political center of that time, carrying rich historical and cultural information. Here, you can experience the living atmosphere of the ancient royal family and learn about knowledge in aspects such as court etiquette and political systems. The Temple of Heaven, as an important venue for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to offer sacrifices to heaven, pray for good harvests and rain, carries rich sacrificial culture and symbols of imperial power. It is an important window to understand the ancient imperial rule and traditional culture of China. Highlights • Save time and High flexibility • 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
- Bottled water
- English Speaking Tourguide
- Temple of Heaven Combined Ticket
- Private Air-conditioned vehicle
- Tian'anmen and Forbidden City Entrance Ticket
Not included
- Meals
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Linda's Guide & Driver Service
You will visit Tian'anmen square, Forbidden City and temple of heaven with a private car, english speaking tourguide, pick up and drop off at your located place in Beijing
Pass by without stopping
Tiananmen Square
Tian 'anmen Square is located in the center of Beijing and is one of the largest urban central squares in the world. The square 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. The ground of the square is paved with light-colored granite slabs, which is flat and wide. To the west of the square is the Great Hall of the People, and to the east is the National Museum of China. Together with the Tian 'anmen Rostrum, they form the solemn and grand architectural layout of Tian 'anmen Square.
60 minutes here · Admission included
The Palace Museum
The Forbidden City is located at the center of Beijing's central axis and was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Covering an area of approximately 720,000 square meters and with a construction area of about 150,000 square meters, it has over 70 palaces and more than 9,000 rooms. The layout is divided into the outer court and the inner court. The Outer court was centered around the three main halls, where the emperor held grand ceremonies and handled state affairs. The inner court, centered around the Qianqing Palace and others, served as the main palace of the emperor and empress, with an imperial garden at the back. Its architecture is magnificent and grand, with diverse roof forms and exquisite decorations, fully demonstrating the superb craftsmanship and unique charm of ancient palace architecture. In addition, the Forbidden City houses a large number of cultural relics and treasures and is the largest museum of ancient culture and art in China.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is located in the south of Beijing. It was first built in the 18th year of Yongle in the Ming Dynasty (1420). It was a place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties offered sacrifices to heaven and prayed for good harvests. It is an important representative of ancient Chinese sacrificial culture. Its unique architectural styles, such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Circular Mound Altar, are rich in cultural connotations and symbolic meanings. It also has a large number of ancient cypresses and a quiet environment. It enables people to deeply appreciate the religious and philosophical thoughts of ancient times.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Beijing
after the visit, 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. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Beijing Hotel Departure
Book 7 days in advance: Now is high season, so forbidden city ticket must pre booking 7 days with real name and passport number and sales in limited. Pickup included
Capital Airport Departure
Pickup included
Daxing Airport Departure
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
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- 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 Palace Museum 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
- 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 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Beijing Forbidden City and Temple Heaven Private Guide Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent Guide and Wonderful Experience
I had a wonderful experience on the Beijing Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven Private Guide Tour with Jessica. She was friendly, knowledgeable, and very professional throughout the entire tour. She explained the history and culture in a way that was easy to understand and made the experience really interesting. Jessica was also very patient and helpful, making sure we had enough time to enjoy each location and take photos. She made the whole day feel relaxed and enjoyable. I learned so much and really appreciated her hospitality. I would definitely recommend Jessica to anyone visiting Beijing and looking for a private guide! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
via Tripadvisor
Beijing tour
An excellent, comprehensive tour with a very professional guide, Gale! Highly recommended for families; we were able to see and understand a great deal about the culture and traditions.
via Tripadvisor
I highly recommend it!
Angie and Linda were wonderful; they picked us up at the airport and took our suitcases to the hotel while we were on the tour. Angie even brought us a snack to eat, knowing that we would arrive late and without having eaten beforehand. I recommend it!! Wonderful!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Amazing Beijing Private City Tour with Options
Very professional and very kind !
via Tripadvisor
Beijing Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven a must see experience
I wanted to take this tour before catching my flight knowing this could case issues but i couldn’t have asked for a better way to end my trip. My guide Gale was knowledgeable and kept track of the time keeping it so there was no mad rush to the airport, keeping the tour at a nice pace for this hot and sunny day. I felt no time pressures as we strolled through this picture perfect tour, It was a pleasure talking with Gale and listening to the information for her tour. I would have no hesitation in booking again if I get the opportunity. David
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
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- 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 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Beijing Forbidden City and Temple Heaven 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 Temple Heaven 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 Temple Heaven 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 Temple Heaven Private Guide Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 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 Temple Heaven 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 Temple Heaven 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 Temple Heaven 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 Temple Heaven 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 Temple Heaven Private Guide Tour?
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Included: Bottled water; English Speaking Tourguide; Temple of Heaven Combined Ticket; Private Air-conditioned vehicle; and Tian'anmen and Forbidden City Entrance Ticket. Not included: Meals; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Beijing Forbidden City and Temple Heaven Private Guide Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 3578 listed pickup locations in and around Beijing. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Beijing Forbidden City and Temple Heaven 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 Temple Heaven 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 Temple Heaven 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 Temple Heaven 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 Temple Heaven Private Guide Tour?
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Across 6 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Beijing Forbidden City and Temple Heaven Private Guide Tour?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Beijing Hotel Departure, Capital Airport Departure, Daxing Airport Departure. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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