Fragrant Hills and Summer Palace Private Beijing Layover Tour

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Fragrant Hills Park (Xiangshan Gongyuan)

   Your tour guide will meet you at exit of the airport with the welcoming board on which your name will be written at 08:30 a.m.. Then, we will transfer to Fragrant Hills Park and start the highlight day tour. Fragrant Hill is a famous forest park and an imperial garden with a long history. Highlights of the mountain include Censer Peak, the Hall of Diligent Government, the Temple of the Azure Clouds, the Memorial Hall of Sun Zhongshan, the Lake of Glasses, Fragrant Hill Temple, the Double Clean Villa, Yu Hua Villa, Zhao Temple, and the Fragrant Hill Cableway that gives you a wide birds-eye view of the park area. Fragrant Hill is especially famous for the maple leaves. When autumn comes, the maple leaves blossom so that the mountain is on fire. The best time to enjoy the autumn colors is about the middle of October. Fragrant Hill Red Leaves Festival takes place in the middle of October each year. The maple leaves usually keep blossoming for about one month. After lunch, we will visit the Summer Palace and admire the facade of Niaochao National Stadium and Water Cube.

   120 minutes here · Admission included

2. Summer Palace

   The Summer Palace is the largest and best-preserved of the surviving imperial garden, rich in history and culture. Once a summer retreat for emperors, this 716-acre park is still a retreat for tourist, who can relax here or stroll around ancient pavilions, mansions, temples, bridges and huge lake, stopping occasionally at a shop or tea-house. Much-loved summer retreat of the Imperial families, the lovely landscaped gardens, halls, pavilions and corridors are set around the lake and rivers in natural harmony. Long Corridor at the Summer Palace The paths beside the lake lead you under shady trees, or along the roofed colonnade known as the Long Corridor, with its magnificently painted ceilings. Bridges, boats, willows, lotus flowers, and other attractive landscaping make this a pleasant place to soak up the atmosphere and in the views.

   120 minutes here · Admission included

3. Olympic Park

   Beijing Olympic Park, also known as the Olympic Green. Beijing Olympic Park is where the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympics took place. It also will be where the 2022 Winter Olympics takes place. Afterward, it was transformed into a comprehensive multifunctional activity center for the public. It contains the main venues used during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, such as the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube. You will be overwhelmed by the architecture of these two magnificent buildings.

   30 minutes here

4. Bird's Nest National Stadium

   The Beijing National Stadium, more commonly referred to as the Bird’s Nest, was built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games at a cost of $423 million. Since the Olympics and all its fanfare, the stadium has become a major landmark and tourist attraction, as well as a venue for both international and domestic sporting competitions. Though relatively new to the Beijing landscape, the National Stadium has become a must-see attraction.

   Pass by without stopping

5. Water Cube

   Not far from the Bird's Nest, there is the National Aquatics Center, also known as Water Cube. Its creative design concept is originated from the arrangement pattern of cells and natural structure of soap bubbles. The huge square box was produced by combining modern technologies with traditional Chinese culture. In the past, Chinese ancestors believed that the sky is round while the earth is square, and that is the way nature keeps harmonious. The square Water Cube together with the round Bird's Nest, embody and interpret this idea very well.

   Pass by without stopping

6. Jingshan Park

   Jingshan Park is superbly landscaped with hills to ascend by steps, clear lakes and dignified ancient buildings. It used to be one of the ancient imperial gardens in Beijing, and now has developed as a peaceful public park. Because of close to north of the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park is the best place for a bird's eye view of the Forbidden City and central Beijing. At dusk, we will climb the Jingshan and have a bird’s eye view of Forbidden City. At this time, it is particularly beautiful, palace eaves decorated with golden rays of the setting sun. Afterwards, enjoy comfortable transfer back to Beijing Capital International Airport to catch your flight or your hotel. Wrap your memories and say good-bye.

   60 minutes here · Admission included

Where it starts and ends

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

MoreFunAsia Beijing Tours

Know before you go

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Photos