
Beijing Private Tour to Summer Palace plus Drum Tower Performance and Rickshaw
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Beijing Private Tour to Summer Palace plus Drum Tower Performance and Rickshaw worth booking?
Beijing Private Tour to Summer Palace plus Drum Tower Performance and Rickshaw is a 5-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $50 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $50 per person
Take this private tour to visit the Drum tower and watch the drum beaten performance; Ride a rickshaw to get around the Hutong to experience the culture and see locals going about daily life; Visit a local home to gain i
What you get
- Hutong rickshaw tour
- Professional guide
- Lunch or dinner depending on your start time
- Entrance fee
- Transport by private vehicle
- Hotel pickup and drop-off(For hotels within the 4th ring road of Beijing city)
About this experience
Take this private tour to visit the Drum tower and watch the drum beaten performance; Ride a rickshaw to get around the Hutong to experience the culture and see locals going about daily life; Visit a local home to gain insight into Chinese customs and culture; Explore the major buildings inside the Summer Palace, get an idea on how to form a perfect garden in old days; learn the history of this most beautiful garden with your guide; get to know the powerful women Empress Dowager Cixi's story and how she controlled the country for 48 years. English speaking tour guide, entrance fee, rickshaw ride, lunch or dinner, hotel pick up and drop off by private vehicle are included.
What's included
Included
- Hutong rickshaw tour
- Professional guide
- Lunch or dinner depending on your start time
- Entrance fee
- Transport by private vehicle
- Hotel pickup and drop-off(For hotels within the 4th ring road of Beijing city)
Not included
- Additional entrance fees inside the Summer Palace
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Summer Palace
Your guide and private vehicle will pick you up from your hotel in Beijing. Then heading directly to the Summer Palace. On the way to the Summer Palace, about 40 minutes drive, your tour guide will explain the related histories and stories about the Summer Palace, feel free to ask your guide questions if you have.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Hall of Benevolence and Longevity
Upon arrival, followed by your guide you will visit these buildings : the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity where they received officials and foreign envoys; the Hall of Jade Ripples where the emperor was under housing arrested for 10 years; Hall of Fragrant Herbs where the emperor used to store his books;
20 minutes here · Admission included
Hall of Happiness and Longevity
The Hall of Happiness and longevity ,empress dowager Cixi's bedroom;
10 minutes here · Admission included
Long Corridor at the Summer Palace
Stroll along the Longest Corridor in the world, and enjoy the world's longest art gallery with your tour guide.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Seventeen Arches Bridge
See the Seventeen Arches Bridge from distance.
Pass by without stopping
Kunming Lake
During the tour you will not feel been rushed, you will stop to listen to the stories, have your own time to look into the buildings and take photos, and continue.
Pass by without stopping
Qingyan Stone Boat
Stop at marble boat to learn its histories and stories.
10 minutes here · Admission included
Bell and Drum Towers
Continue to the Drum Tower to see a drum performance, and take a rickshaw on a trip through local alleyways. Get to know the local life and people. After the tour finished, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Beijing.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- zh-TW, cmn, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Discover Beijing Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 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.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
1 mentionSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Small groups
1 mentionThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Beijing Private Tour to Summer Palace plus Drum Tower Performance and Rickshaw. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Exploring Beijing’s Rich Heritage—Unforgettable Tour with Cindy
We had the pleasure of touring the Summer Palace, enjoying a traditional drum performance, and taking a rickshaw ride—all guided by the exceptional Cindy. Her deep knowledge of Chinese history and culture added so much depth to every stop on our tour. She was engaging, insightful, and clearly passionate about sharing her heritage. Cindy brought each location to life with fascinating stories and historical context that truly enhanced our experience. She did an outstanding job and made the day both educational and unforgettable. Highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
Very enjoyable and worthwhile day!
With limited time in Beijing we decided to take this tour which lasted a full day, and don’t regret it at all. Our guide, Jing, was very informative and knowledgeable on all the sites we visited and her English was fantastic. Pick up from the hotel was punctual and the car was clean and comfortable, and we felt very safe with our driver. We also did the private tour of the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven with the same company, which was extremely good too. Lunch on both days was again very good and during the walking visit of the Hutong district Jing introduced us to various local street food treats, which were delicious. We missed out on the Rickshaw ride as we ran out of time - the day of our tour was during a long Chinese Holiday weekend and so was very crowded - but a better choice of date should avoid this. Would highly recommend !
via Tripadvisor
Great day tour.
We had a great tour with our guide Linda who was fabulous. The tour was easy paced, well structured and the lunch was one of the best we had in China.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $50 to $288
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Beijing Private Tour to Summer Palace plus Drum Tower Performance and Rickshaw: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beijing.
How much does Beijing Private Tour to Summer Palace plus Drum Tower Performance and Rickshaw cost?
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Prices start at $50 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 to Summer Palace plus Drum Tower Performance and Rickshaw take?
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Plan for about 5 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 to Summer Palace plus Drum Tower Performance and Rickshaw worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 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 to Summer Palace plus Drum Tower Performance and Rickshaw?
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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 to Summer Palace plus Drum Tower Performance and Rickshaw suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Beijing Private Tour to Summer Palace plus Drum Tower Performance and Rickshaw?
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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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Beijing Private Tour to Summer Palace plus Drum Tower Performance and Rickshaw 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 Mubus: Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with Summer Palace Options, Beijing: Top 6 Highlights All Inclusive 2-Day Private Tour, Private Mutianyu Great Wall Trip With English-Speaking Driver. 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.
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