Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour in Beijing, China
Beijing, China

Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour

Outty Ranking 62 5.0 · 1 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $50
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Outty Ranking

62/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour worth booking?

Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour is a 8-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $50 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
62 / 100
Rating
5/5 (1)
Duration
8 hours
From
$50 per person

Experience two of Beijing’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites in one well-organized day. This full-day tour combines the grandeur of the Forbidden City with the elegant landscapes of the Summer Palace, offering a balanced journey through imperial history and classical Chinese gardens. With air-conditioned transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a no-shopping itinerary. Forbidden City & Palace Bus A value-friendly group tour with comfortable bus transportation and professional guidance. Carefully planned timing allows you to explore the highlights of both the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace efficiently, making it an ideal choice for first-time visitors. Forbidden City & Palace PVT A private tour designed for flexibility and personalized service. Travel with a dedicated guide and vehicle, enjoy deeper historical insights, and explore at your own pace—perfect for travelers who value comfort, privacy, and a relaxed schedule.

What you get

    About this experience

    Experience two of Beijing’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites in one well-organized day. This full-day tour combines the grandeur of the Forbidden City with the elegant landscapes of the Summer Palace, offering a balanced journey through imperial history and classical Chinese gardens. With air-conditioned transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a no-shopping itinerary. Forbidden City & Palace Bus A value-friendly group tour with comfortable bus transportation and professional guidance. Carefully planned timing allows you to explore the highlights of both the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace efficiently, making it an ideal choice for first-time visitors. Forbidden City & Palace PVT A private tour designed for flexibility and personalized service. Travel with a dedicated guide and vehicle, enjoy deeper historical insights, and explore at your own pace—perfect for travelers who value comfort, privacy, and a relaxed schedule.

    What's included

    Included

    • Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus
    • English-speaking guide
    • Private tour with Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
    • Entrance Ticket to the Sites

    Not included

    • Ticket to boating in Summer Palace
    • Ticket to Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiang Ge) of Summer Palace
    • Ticket to The Treasure Gallery & The Gallery of Clocks in Forbidden City
    • Personal expenses
    • Personal travel accident insurance

    What you'll see and do

    1. The Palace Museum

      The Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace, is the heart of Beijing’s imperial history and one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Spanning over 180 acres, this vast complex of palaces, courtyards, and halls served as the political and ceremonial center of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Visitors can marvel at its grand architecture, intricate decorations, and the treasures housed within its museums. With a professional guide, guests gain deep insight into the history, culture, and daily life of Chinese emperors. The tour allows ample time for photography, leisurely exploration, and appreciation of the palace’s historical grandeur in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.

      180 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Summer Palace

      The Summer Palace is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape architecture, featuring serene lakes, lush gardens, and magnificent palaces. Known for its harmonious blend of natural beauty and royal artistry, it was the imperial retreat for Qing emperors and empresses. Visitors can stroll along the Long Corridor, admire the scenic Kunming Lake, and explore the grand halls and pavilions that reflect centuries of cultural heritage. With fewer crowds than other major attractions, the experience is peaceful and immersive. A knowledgeable guide provides engaging commentary, helping visitors understand the historical significance, architectural beauty, and cultural richness of the palace.

      150 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Beijing

    For Private Tour Only: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel within Beijing’s 4th Ring Road. For locations beyond this area, an additional fee may apply. Please provide your hotel details, including the hotel name and reservation name, when booking.

    Meeting point

    Beijing

    For Bus Tour Only: Forbidden City & Summer Palace Tour – 8:00 Meeting Point: Exit C, Jinyuhutong Station (Subway Line 8). After exiting, look for the BusDa tour guide in a green vest (with the BusDa logo). For taxi riders, show this address to the driver: 【金鱼胡同地铁站C口】.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations.

    Ends at

    For Private Tour Only: Our driver will drop you off at your hotel within Beijing’s 4th Ring Road. For locations beyond this area, an additional fee may apply. Please provide your hotel details, including the hotel name and reservation name, when booking.

    Ends at

    For Group Tour ends at Beijing Olympic Park

    Ends at

    After the tour ends, you may choose to visit the Summer Palace on your own or return with the group to the Olympic Park

    Options you can book

    • Forbidden City & Palace PVT

      Special Note: Customers from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan must book 7 days in advance. Private Guided Tour : Pick-up & drop-off are available for hotels within Beijing 4th Ring Road. Duration: 8 hours Forbidden City to Great Wall : Your hotel (within Beijing 4th Ring Road) → Forbidden City → Summer palace → Your hotel Air-conditioned private car Tour Inclusions & Exclusions: Includes entrance fees, English guide, private car with driver; Excludes lunch. Starting point: Beijing, China Pickup included

    • Forbidden City & Palace Bus

      Special Note: Customers from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan must book 7 days in advance. Shared Coach Tour: Group Coach Tour with fixed meeting point at Exit C, Jinyuhutong Station(Subway Line 8). Duration: 8 hours Forbidden City to Great Wall : Exit C, Jinyuhutong Station(Subway Line 8)→ Forbidden City → Summer Palace → Olympic Park Air-conditioned Coach Tour Inclusions & Exclusions: Includes entrance fees and an English-speaking guide; excludes lunch. Starting point: Bank of China Donganmen Branch, 19 Dong An Men Da Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100006

    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
    Busda

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • The remaining time will be allotted for the travel time
    • It is NOT convenient to use credit cards in the Great Wall Scenic Area. lf you don't have Alipay and WeChat, you are recommended to bring some cash with you.

    Photos

    Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour in Beijing, photo 2Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour in Beijing, photo 3Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour in Beijing, photo 4Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour in Beijing, photo 5

    Traveler reviews

    1 verified traveler reviews for Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    ChuanYang_K · April 2026

    Great guides

    The tour was a little fast and we didn’t get that much time to explore on our own. But still giving it five stars because the guides were great and took good care of us.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback! We appreciate your comments on the pace and will continue improving to allow more free time. We’re glad you still had a great experience and that our guides took good care of you. We’d love to welcome you again!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 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
    $50 to $418
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Busda, who run 11 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.6.

    See everything Busda runs

    Why this scores 62

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)12
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)51
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beijing.

    How much does Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour cost?

    +

    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 Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour 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 Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 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 Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour?

    +

    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 Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour 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 Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour?

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    Around 0 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?

    +

    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 Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour?

    +

    Included: Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus; English-speaking guide; Private tour with Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected); and Entrance Ticket to the Sites. Not included: Ticket to boating in Summer Palace; Ticket to Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiang Ge) of Summer Palace; Ticket to The Treasure Gallery & The Gallery of Clocks in Forbidden City; and Personal expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 4 listed pickup locations in and around Beijing.

    What languages is Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour offered in?

    +

    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 Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour?

    +

    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 Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private 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 booking options are available for Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour?

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    There are 2 options to choose from, including Forbidden City & Palace PVT, Forbidden City & Palace Bus. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

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