
Beijing Private Tour: Forbidden City, Summer Palace & Hutong Food
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Beijing Private Tour: Forbidden City, Summer Palace & Hutong Food worth booking?
Beijing Private Tour: Forbidden City, Summer Palace & Hutong Food is a 8-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $150 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (2)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $150 per person
Embark on an exclusive day tour to uncover the cultural and natural wonders of Beijing. Immerse yourself in the imperial splendor of the Forbidden City and the tranquil beauty of the Summer Palace. Venture into the charming alleys of old Beijing's hutongs around Drum Tower for a delectable foodie adventure. Indulge in the flavors of traditional Beijing cuisine, including savory old Beijing Zhajiangmian noodles, mouthwatering Chinese dumplings, and crispy Jianbingguozi (fried Chinese pancake), each offering a tantalizing taste of local gastronomy. Guided by a knowledgeable tour guide, delve into the hidden gems and captivating stories behind these iconic landmarks, gaining a deeper understanding of their historical significance. With the convenience of private transportation, this exceptional journey seamlessly blends history, spirituality, and culinary exploration, ensuring a day filled with unforgettable experiences and delightful discoveries.
What you get
About this experience
Embark on an exclusive day tour to uncover the cultural and natural wonders of Beijing. Immerse yourself in the imperial splendor of the Forbidden City and the tranquil beauty of the Summer Palace. Venture into the charming alleys of old Beijing's hutongs around Drum Tower for a delectable foodie adventure. Indulge in the flavors of traditional Beijing cuisine, including savory old Beijing Zhajiangmian noodles, mouthwatering Chinese dumplings, and crispy Jianbingguozi (fried Chinese pancake), each offering a tantalizing taste of local gastronomy. Guided by a knowledgeable tour guide, delve into the hidden gems and captivating stories behind these iconic landmarks, gaining a deeper understanding of their historical significance. With the convenience of private transportation, this exceptional journey seamlessly blends history, spirituality, and culinary exploration, ensuring a day filled with unforgettable experiences and delightful discoveries.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Entrance fee of Forbidden City Museum
- Entrance ticket of Summer Palace
- Private English speaking tour guide
- Traditional Beijing street food tastings included
- Private transportation
- Hutong foodie tour in Nanluoguxiang
Not included
- Gratuity to tour guide
What you'll see and do
The Palace Museum
Step inside the Forbidden City, the world's largest imperial palace complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the magnificent halls, courtyards, and pavilions that served as the heart of Chinese imperial power for over 600 years. Marvel at the stunning traditional architecture and learn about the fascinating history of 24 emperors who once ruled China from this iconic landmark.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Summer Palace
Discover the tranquil beauty of the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the finest example of Chinese imperial garden design. Stroll along the picturesque shores of Kunming Lake, admire the elegant Marble Boat, and walk through the iconic Long Corridor adorned with thousands of intricate paintings. Experience the perfect blend of natural scenery and imperial architecture at this breathtaking lakeside retreat.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Nanluoguxiang
Venture into the charming hutong alleyways around the Drum Tower area for an unforgettable foodie adventure. Sample authentic Beijing street food including savory old Beijing Zhajiangmian noodles, mouthwatering Chinese dumplings, and crispy Jianbingguozi (fried Chinese pancake). Wander through centuries-old narrow lanes, soak in the vibrant local atmosphere, and discover the true flavors of traditional Beijing cuisine.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- cmn, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Urban Passer
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






Traveler reviews
2 verified traveler reviews for Beijing Private Tour: Forbidden City, Summer Palace & Hutong Food. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Forbidden palace n Summer palace and food
A big thank you to Jenny our tour guide from Catherine Lu tours via trip advisor and our driver on our private palaces and food tour. The palaces and food at Hutong were a fantastic experience. Jenny was a fabulous knowledgeable tour guide. Book Jenny going forward and you won’t be disappointed!❤️
via Tripadvisor
Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
I'm pleased that I booked this private guided tour. There were large crowds at these locations and my guide, Dean, helped negotiate through, avoid the worst queues, and allow me to walk at my old man's speed. Dean's english and his extensive knowledge of the history and culture was a highlight of the visit. Highly recommend Dean as a guide.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind review, Michael! We're glad you booked the private guided tour and that Dean was able to help navigate the crowds at the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Having an experienced guide who can adjust the pace to your comfort level makes all the difference. Dean's excellent English and extensive knowledge truly enhance the experience. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back to Beijing!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $150 to $260
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Urban Passer, who run 61 experiences we rank across 11 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 48.4.
See everything Urban Passer runsWhy this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Beijing Private Tour: Forbidden City, Summer Palace & Hutong Food: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beijing.
How much does Beijing Private Tour: Forbidden City, Summer Palace & Hutong Food cost?
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Prices start at $150 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 Private Tour: Forbidden City, Summer Palace & Hutong Food take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Private Tour: Forbidden City, Summer Palace & Hutong Food worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 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 Private Tour: Forbidden City, Summer Palace & Hutong Food?
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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 Private Tour: Forbidden City, Summer Palace & Hutong Food suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Beijing Private Tour: Forbidden City, Summer Palace & Hutong Food?
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Around 1 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Beijing Private Tour: Forbidden City, Summer Palace & Hutong Food 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 Private Tour: Forbidden City, Summer Palace & Hutong Food?
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Included: Hotel pick up and drop off; Entrance fee of Forbidden City Museum; Entrance ticket of Summer Palace; Private English speaking tour guide; and Traditional Beijing street food tastings included. Not included: Gratuity to tour guide. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Beijing Private Tour: Forbidden City, Summer Palace & Hutong Food include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2245 listed pickup locations in and around Beijing. Be ready about 20 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Beijing Private Tour: Forbidden City, Summer Palace & Hutong Food offered in?
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It is offered in Chinese and 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 Private Tour: Forbidden City, Summer Palace & Hutong Food?
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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.
What happens to Beijing Private Tour: Forbidden City, Summer Palace & Hutong Food 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.
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