Guided Tour/Transfer Service:Ming Tombs, Sacred Way&Summer Palace
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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
4.7/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Guided Tour/Transfer Service:Ming Tombs, Sacred Way&Summer Palace worth booking?
Guided Tour/Transfer Service:Ming Tombs, Sacred Way&Summer Palace is a 7-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $50 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (12)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $50 per person
Book our private tour to explore the Ming Tombs, Sacred Way, and Summer Palace hassle‑free. We provide 2 service options: 1: Transport‑Only Package: Private car with driver+entrance tickets. No tour guide. Lunch not incl
What you get
About this experience
Book our private tour to explore the Ming Tombs, Sacred Way, and Summer Palace hassle‑free. We provide 2 service options: 1: Transport‑Only Package: Private car with driver+entrance tickets. No tour guide. Lunch not included. 2: Guided Full Experience: Private car with driver+entrance tickets+professional local guide. Lunch not included. Step back into the Ming Dynasty as you wander the hauntingly beautiful Ming Tombs, the final resting place of 13 emperors, where ancient architecture and serene landscapes whisper tales of imperial grandeur. Then stroll the Sacred Way, flanked by imposing stone statues of mythical beasts and royal officials, crafted to guard the tombs for eternity. Cap off your day at the magnificent Summer Palace—a sprawling imperial retreat of lush gardens, ornate temples, and tranquil lakes, where emperors once escaped the summer heat. If you select the guided option, a knowledgeable local guide will be by your side to uncover hidden stories&fascinating insights.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (hotels within the 4th ring road)
- Lunch
- Entrance fee
- Transport by private vehicle
Not included
- Gratuities
- Boat Cruise inside the Summer Palace
What you'll see and do
Ming Tombs (Ming Shishan Ling)
Your professional guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Beijing. Sit back and relax as you start your journey to explore the rich imperial history of Beijing. Sacred Way Upon arrival, you will walk along the Sacred Way. This ancient path is lined with a series of impressive stone statues, including lions, elephants, camels, and officials. These statues were placed here to stand guard and protect the tombs of the emperors. As you stroll along the Sacred Way, your guide will share interesting stories and historical facts about these sculptures and their significance in Chinese imperial culture.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Dingling Underground Palace
For Ming Tombs experience, you can choose either Dingling or Changling. If you choose Dingling, you will visit the tomb of Emperor Zhu Yijun and his two empresses. Dingling is the only tomb among the Ming Tombs that has been excavated so far. You can explore the underground palaces, which are a remarkable feat of ancient architecture. Admire the stone carvings and the grandeur of the burial chambers, learning about the burial customs and the life of the Ming emperors. For Changling, it is the tomb of Emperor Zhu Di, the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Changling is known for its magnificent main hall, the Ling'en Hall. This hall is one of the largest wooden structures in China, built with precious nanmu wood. The hall is filled with historical artifacts and displays, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the Ming Dynasty's power and prosperity.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Summer Palace
After visiting the Ming Tombs, you will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will head to the Summer Palace. The Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a vast imperial garden that served as a retreat for the royal family. It seamlessly blends natural landscapes with man - made structures, offering a harmonious beauty. Spanning over 290 hectares, it features a large lake - Kunming Lake, numerous palaces, temples, and pavilions, all of which showcase the pinnacle of Chinese garden design and imperial architecture.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Hall of Benevolence and Longevity
Entering from the East Palace Gate, the first sight that greets you is the Palace of Benevolence and Longevity (Renshou Dian). This was the place where the Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu handled state affairs during their stays at the Summer Palace. Admire the grand architecture and the historical relics inside. After that, visit the Hall of Jade Ripples (Yulantang). This was the place where Emperor Guangxu was once imprisoned during the Hundred Days' Reform. Explore the living quarters and learn about the historical events that took place here.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Long Corridor at the Summer Palace
Next, walk along the Long Corridor. This 728 - meter - long corridor is decorated with over 14,000 colorful paintings, depicting stories from Chinese history, mythology, and literature. It is a masterpiece of art and engineering.
Pass by without stopping
Qingyan Stone Boat
As you enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake, you'll spot the Marble Boat, an iconic structure in the Summer Palace. Constructed entirely of marble, this boat - shaped building is 36 meters long. It was originally built in 1755 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong and was named Qingyan Fang, symbolizing the stability of the Qing Dynasty, as the stone boat would never sink. The upper deck of the Marble Boat is decorated with Western - style windows and railings, reflecting the influence of Western culture during the late Qing Dynasty.
Pass by without stopping
Kunming Lake
Finally, you have the option to take a boat ride on Kunming Lake at your own expense. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake, with views of the Seventeen - Arch Bridge and the various palaces and temples along the shore. At the end of the tour, your driver and guide will drop you back at your hotel. Reflect on the amazing day filled with the history and culture of Beijing's imperial past.
Pass by without stopping
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
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Unique Beijing Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes
Photos
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
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
4 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Guided Tour/Transfer Service:Ming Tombs, Sacred Way&Summer Palace. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A glimpse into the lives of the Chinese Emporers
Very interesting historical sites giving us a look back at the days of the Chinese Emperors. Very helpful, informative and pleasant guide (Ashley) who made our day such fun
via Viator
Ming Tombs Private Tour...
Ming Tombs Private Tour on Fri, June 27, 2025 At 7:30 am Very poor experience. The tour guide " Ben " very unprofessional, he was walking on his own pace, doing upper body exercise at all time, swing and stretching his both upper arms. He never care our walking pace and stop for photo taking. He just keep walking and we have to walk fast to catch up to his walking. He has an attitude. Minimal description to the history site and history of Ming Tombs. He forced us to choose either Ming tombs ( Ming Shishan Ling ) or Dingling ( Underground Palace ). He said this tour is only cover one of the visiting site, not both. As I remember to sign up this tour, the description of the tour will cover both site. Finally, we decided to choose Dingling. He never off a bottle of water. The entire tour was in a rush. The tour finished around 2:15 pm back to hotel. We can easily have time to visit Ming Shihan Ling. He said just a building , nothing to see, therefore we chosen Dingling Underground Palace instead. Ben is very unprofessional, should not be a tour guide. Viator should not use this tour company and assign and tour to " Ben " . It left a sour taste to this tour. We paid C$526.48 for two persons. The entire private tour doesn't worth a dime. We would like to have a refund on this trip. Never refer to this tour company, especially the tour guide " Ben ". would not recommended this private tour to any future travelers.
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback—we truly appreciate your honesty as it helps us improve. We’re sorry to hear that your recent tour didn’t meet your expectations, and we’d like to address your concerns with clarity. First, regarding the itinerary: As confirmed in your booking details, the tour included the Summer Palace, Sacred Way, and a choice between Changling or Dingling (you selected Dingling). We hope this clarifies the planned attractions for you. On the topic of your guide: We take your feedback seriously and have reviewed the details thoroughly. The guide in question is a highly experienced professional with over 20 years in the industry, specializing in English-speaking tours. They hold official certifications and consistently receive positive feedback for clear, engaging commentary. We suspect there may have been unintended miscommunications during the tour—perhaps due to differences in communication styles or pacing preferences, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings even with the most seasoned guides. For instance, our records show that the guide took at least five photos for you during the day and that the tour concluded after 16:00, aligning with our standard schedule. We truly wish this experience had felt more seamless for you. Regarding the water provision: Our drivers consistently stock bottled water in the seat pockets next to each passenger, as part of our standard service to ensure comfort. We’re puzzled by your note that it wasn’t provided, as this is a routine practice we monitor closely. Your satisfaction matters greatly to us, and we regret that these details detracted from your experience. Sincerely, Qing
via Viator
Memorable visit to Summer Palace
Lucy was a great tour guide to the Ming Tombs and Summer Palace. She was very informative and gave great historical background information throughout the tour. She let us dictate how much we wanted to see and the pace we wanted to go. Would recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Enthusiastic tour guide
Our tour was very nice with our enthusiastic tour guide Lily. She reveals very interesting stories about the emperors and empresses of the period. She seems to be very knowledgeable, and very accommodating too. After the tour she even made us a video which we appreciate.
via Viator
Effortless Day & Enjoyable
Good tour to see 2 landmarks in Beijing. Summer Palace was busy, but our guide was great helping us navigate it. Ming Tomb was not crowded and a great experience. Lunch was also very tasty. Overall, our guide Eric and driver, John, were great and made for an effortless day. Very fun and enjoyable.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $50 to $289
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Guided Tour/Transfer Service:Ming Tombs, Sacred Way&Summer Palace: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beijing.
How much does Guided Tour/Transfer Service:Ming Tombs, Sacred Way&Summer Palace 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 Guided Tour/Transfer Service:Ming Tombs, Sacred Way&Summer Palace take?
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Plan for about 7 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 Guided Tour/Transfer Service:Ming Tombs, Sacred Way&Summer Palace worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 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 Guided Tour/Transfer Service:Ming Tombs, Sacred Way&Summer Palace?
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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 Guided Tour/Transfer Service:Ming Tombs, Sacred Way&Summer Palace suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Guided Tour/Transfer Service:Ming Tombs, Sacred Way&Summer Palace?
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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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Guided Tour/Transfer Service:Ming Tombs, Sacred Way&Summer Palace 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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