
Forbidden City-Summer Palace-Temple of Heaven Layover Guided Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Forbidden City-Summer Palace-Temple of Heaven Layover Guided Tour worth booking?
Forbidden City-Summer Palace-Temple of Heaven Layover Guided Tour is a 12-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $205 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (12)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $205 per person
We can pick you up from Beijing Capital Airport or your hotel. We will guide you to get Visa-free permit step by step, and make sure you get back to airport in time. We supply a professional driver and a car with licence as well as a professional English speaking licensed tour guide, both of them work for you. We will make sure you can enjoy a safe tour with professional English interpretation both during driving and in attractions, and would not waste your time for parking. Our driver will make sure your luggage is safe while you are not in the car.
What you get
About this experience
We can pick you up from Beijing Capital Airport or your hotel. We will guide you to get Visa-free permit step by step, and make sure you get back to airport in time. We supply a professional driver and a car with licence as well as a professional English speaking licensed tour guide, both of them work for you. We will make sure you can enjoy a safe tour with professional English interpretation both during driving and in attractions, and would not waste your time for parking. Our driver will make sure your luggage is safe while you are not in the car.
What's included
Included
- China life tourist accident/casualty insurance.
- Entrance tickets to the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven.
- A licensed English-speaking tour guide and a professional driver with air-conditioning vehicle.
- Warm coats in winter.
- Free-bottled mineral water.
Not included
- Personal expenses.
- Meals. We can take you to have lunch if you have time, please pay the meal cost on your own.
- Gratuities, tips to guides or drivers.
What you'll see and do
Tiananmen Square
Pick you up in time from Beijing airport arrival hall or your hotel by our private tour guide and driver, and then transfer you to Tiananmen Square, stay at there about 30 mins. And then go to visit the Forbidden City.
30 minutes here
The Palace Museum
Visit the Forbidden City, the world famous majestic palace of Chinese emperors. Then transfer you to Temple of Heaven.
150 minutes here · Admission included
Temple of Heaven
Visit Temple of Heaven about 2 hours. And then go to Summer Palace.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Summer Palace
Visit Summer Palace about 2-3 hours. Transfer you back to airport or hotel after the tour.
150 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
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
- Beijing Layover Tour
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Our earliest pick-up time is 6:30am. You will need 1.5-2 hours to be get out of customs after your flight arrives. You shall go back in airport at least 1.5-2 hours before the flight departure.
- We do not recommend you book this tour, if you arrival Beijing capital airport after 9am.
- Countries qualified for the 24/144-hour Visa-free Transit in Beijing Capital International Airport: Albania, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Belarus, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Macedonia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Republic of Montenegro, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States.
- The 24/144-hour Visa-free Transit only applies to passengers who transit through Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing. The destination and place of departure cannot be the same.(e.g Auckland – Beijing – Auckland)
- As a tour company, if we agree to arrange tour for you that is means your flights information, layover time and your nationality fit the visa free policy requirements. But there are still some other issues might happen that might cause you can not obtain the visa-free or can not get out of the airport. We don’t take any responsibility if you are not able to get visa-free for any reason.
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What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Forbidden City-Summer Palace-Temple of Heaven Layover Guided Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent tour guide!
Guide Herbie has excellent English level, which makes it a lot easier. Very knowledgeable and attentive to our needs at all times. Highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Incredible experience! Highly recommend
10/10 experience! I had a wonderful private tour visiting three top locations, and the tour guide, Herbie, was a fantastic host. He had deep historical knowledge of every site we visited, was incredibly engaging and friendly throughout the entire tour, and even doubled as a great personal photographer. We also enjoyed a delicious lunch at a fantastic restaurant he personally recommended. I’m sure all of his tours are just as interactive and enjoyable as the one I experienced. A top-notch host! Our driver, Pang, was also excellent—always punctual, ready to pick us up without any delays, and very friendly. I chose this long private tour during my layover in Beijing, as I had a great experience with the same company earlier this year in January. Back then, I joined a group tour of the Great Wall, led by another amazing guide, Yuan. She was highly interactive with the entire group and had an impressive knowledge of the Great Wall’s history. I highly recommend this tour to anyone with a long layover in Beijing!
via Tripadvisor
Best way to spend a layover!
In December, on the way for and from our vacation we cut a flight and took two trips : Beijing - Summer Palace, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square and on the way back Beijing - The Great Wall of China and the Tombs of the Ming Dynasty Emperors In both cases we were accompanied by guide Herbie. Both trips were excellent, they met - exceeded our expectations - we saw a lot and had a lot of fun and learned a lot about the history of China. A lot of credit goes to our guide Herbie - a guide with perfect English, rich knowledgeable, cultured, empathetic to our needs. He opened the door to China's history wide open for us. It was obvious that he enjoys his work and produced a quality result on both days. We will be happy to recommend his service to our friends when traveling to China.
via Tripadvisor
Herbie and Beijing were spectacular
"The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven were experiences that surpassed all my expectations. Walking on the Great Wall, exploring the palaces of the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven was magical. Herbie, the tour guide, was exceptional, sharing fascinating stories and answering all our questions, he picked us up and took us to the airport and even had the detail of lending us coats to cope with the cold. To finish, on the last day, we walked through the amazing Hutong neighborhood and he took us to enjoy delicious duck dishes and other recommendations at a local restaurant, which was the icing on the cake. An unforgettable trip!"
via Tripadvisor
Great layover tour in Beijing with Herbie
We want to give our gratitude to Herbie, our tour guide, as his knowledge and enthusiasm made our day in Beijing. Informative commentary, great English, interesting places and facts, tasty lunch in local restaurant. Highly recommended. Thank you!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 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
- $205 to $360
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Beijing Layover Tour, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.3.
See everything Beijing Layover Tour runsWhy this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Forbidden City-Summer Palace-Temple of Heaven Layover Guided Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beijing.
How much does Forbidden City-Summer Palace-Temple of Heaven Layover Guided Tour cost?
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Prices start at $205 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-Temple of Heaven Layover Guided Tour take?
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Plan for about 12 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-Temple of Heaven Layover Guided Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 12 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-Temple of Heaven Layover Guided 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-Temple of Heaven Layover Guided Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Forbidden City-Summer Palace-Temple of Heaven Layover Guided Tour?
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Around 4 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 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Forbidden City-Summer Palace-Temple of Heaven Layover Guided 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 Forbidden City-Summer Palace-Temple of Heaven Layover Guided Tour?
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Included: China life tourist accident/casualty insurance; Entrance tickets to the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven; A licensed English-speaking tour guide and a professional driver with air-conditioning veh; Warm coats in winter; and Free-bottled mineral water. Not included: Personal expenses; Meals. We can take you to have lunch if you have time, please pay the meal cost on your ow; and Gratuities, tips to guides or drivers. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Forbidden City-Summer Palace-Temple of Heaven Layover Guided Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2 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 Forbidden City-Summer Palace-Temple of Heaven Layover Guided 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 Forbidden City-Summer Palace-Temple of Heaven Layover Guided 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 Forbidden City-Summer Palace-Temple of Heaven Layover Guided Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Forbidden City-Summer Palace-Temple of Heaven Layover Guided Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Forbidden City-Summer Palace-Temple of Heaven Layover Guided Tour?
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Across 12 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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