Forbidden City Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven Optional Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
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 Forbidden City Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven Optional Tour worth booking?
Forbidden City Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven Optional Tour is a 8-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $5 per person. It scores 66 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
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $5 per person
Dress up same with the imperial . Experience the royal life and entering into history. And visit the World Heritage-listed site Forbidden City. Nice hike on the Great Wall of Mutianyu section.
What you get
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- English speaking tour guide (If you choose the car service option then the guide will not include)
- Entrance ticket for the option highlight
About this experience
Dress up same with the imperial . Experience the royal life and entering into history. And visit the World Heritage-listed site Forbidden City. Nice hike on the Great Wall of Mutianyu section.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- English speaking tour guide (If you choose the car service option then the guide will not include)
- Entrance ticket for the option highlight
Not included
- Personal consumption
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square is located in the heart of Beijing, China. As one of the largest urban public squares in the world, it covers an area of 440,000 square meters, measuring 880 meters from north to south and 500 meters from east to west. It can hold grand gatherings of up to one million people. The square is a symbol of modern Chinese history and national identity.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Forbidden City Tour
It was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties and served as the center of national power for nearly 500 years. Built between 1406 and 1420, the Forbidden City covers an area of about 720,000 square meters, with more than 70 palaces and over 9,000 rooms. It is the largest and best-preserved ancient imperial architectural complex in the world.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Temple of Heaven
It was built in the 15th century during the Ming Dynasty, and was originally used by ancient emperors to worship heaven and pray for good harvests. Covering a large area, the temple is a masterpiece of traditional Chinese architecture. It is famous for its unique design, delicate structure and profound cultural meaning. The most famous building is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, which is well‑known around the world.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Summer Palace
Summer Palace (Yiheyuan ) is the only one royal garden were left . It start to build in 1750 ,that time named (Qingyiyuan ), in the 1860 it were destroyed by British and France army ,in the 1886 empress dowager ,Cixi rebuild here again ,and change the name as the summer palace. In the summer palace there is the longest corridor in the world ,728 meters long in side there own over 14000 pictures ,and it also have the marble boat. In the summer time all the royal family will here over the hot summer, you will know the life of the royal family here .
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
We can drop you off at the Beijing Capital International Airport and also 3 km away around there .
Ends at
We can drop you off at any point in 5th ring road of Beijing
Options you can book
Option 2 with Driver
Simple English Speaking Driver: This option is going to the Tian'anmen Squre Forbidden City and Summer Palace with basic English speaking driver. Pickup included
Option 4 with Driver
Simple English Speaking Driver: This option is going to the Tian'anmen Squre, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace with driver. Pickup included
Option 3 with Driver
Basic English Speaking Driver: This option is going to the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace with basic English speaking driver. Pickup included
Option 1 with Driver
Basic English Speaking Driver : This option is going to the Tian'anmen Squre Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven with basic English speaking driver. 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 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Double Ben
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Important Note- The remaining (Hours) will be allotted for the travel time from pick up until drop off.
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.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Forbidden City Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven Optional Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience!
My mother and I had a wonderful day at the Great Wall. Our driver Biber was super nice and attentive to us. We recommend this trip!
Response from the operator: Thanks for your review, this is our pleasure to make your tour here wonderfull . Wish you also have a nice trip in the other placese of China . If some of your friends come to Beijing please recommend us . Thank you very much !
via Tripadvisor
Quick and Easy Great Wall Visit
Scheduled a trip to the Great wall and summer palace. 8:00am to 5:00pm due to approaching may 1 traffic. Leo was very quick to reply. He booked everything that required prior reservation. Our driver, Bibber, was punctual. Tries his best to explain in english, uses an app translator to explain further. Car was clean. No fuzz, easy to deal with. Settled everything using alipay app (link your credit card beforehand and make sure the contact number on alipay and cc is on roaming for OTP).
Response from the operator: Thanks for your review, this is our pleasure to make your tour here wonderfull . Wish you also have a nice trip in the other placese of China . If some of your friends come to Beijing please recommend us . Thank you very much !
via Tripadvisor
Great time on the Great Wall with bibber
we have a wonderfuyl time on the Great wall of china at mutianyu with our wonderful driver bibber, he pick up us at hotel in the morning and directly going the wall , he has the good english, help us got the ticke and lead us to the entrance , perfect driver ,
Response from the operator: Thanks for your review, this is our pleasure to make your tour here wonderfull . Wish you also have a nice trip in the other placese of China . If some of your friends come to Beijing please recommend us . Thank you very much !
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
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $5 to $218
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Forbidden City Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven Optional Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beijing.
How much does Forbidden City Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven Optional Tour cost?
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Prices start at $5 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 Forbidden City Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven Optional 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 Forbidden City Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven Optional 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 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 Forbidden City Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven Optional 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 Forbidden City Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven Optional 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 Forbidden City Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven Optional Tour?
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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 Forbidden City Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven Optional 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 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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