Private Tour to Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Tour to Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City worth booking?
Private Tour to Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City is a 4-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $100 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, 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
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $100 per person
Immerse yourself in Beijing’s imperial and spiritual heritage on this fully personalized private guided tour, which includes all entrance tickets for two iconic landmarks—Yonghe Temple, one of China’s most revered Tibetan Buddhist sanctuaries home to the priceless Maitreya Buddha statue, and the Forbidden City, the centuries-old imperial palace of Ming and Qing dynasties with exclusive skip-the-line access—plus a stop at Tiananmen Square. Travel at your convenience with three flexible options: explore like a local via Beijing’s efficient subway system, enjoy door-to-door comfort in a private air-conditioned car, or upgrade to the premium private car package that also treats you to a delicious traditional dim sum lunch. Your dedicated private guide provides undivided attention throughout, sharing insightful stories and tailoring the pace to your preferences for a truly immersive and hassle-free Beijing experience.
What you get
About this experience
Immerse yourself in Beijing’s imperial and spiritual heritage on this fully personalized private guided tour, which includes all entrance tickets for two iconic landmarks—Yonghe Temple, one of China’s most revered Tibetan Buddhist sanctuaries home to the priceless Maitreya Buddha statue, and the Forbidden City, the centuries-old imperial palace of Ming and Qing dynasties with exclusive skip-the-line access—plus a stop at Tiananmen Square. Travel at your convenience with three flexible options: explore like a local via Beijing’s efficient subway system, enjoy door-to-door comfort in a private air-conditioned car, or upgrade to the premium private car package that also treats you to a delicious traditional dim sum lunch. Your dedicated private guide provides undivided attention throughout, sharing insightful stories and tailoring the pace to your preferences for a truly immersive and hassle-free Beijing experience.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Private Transfer if you choose option 2&3
- Meals
- Entrance fee
Not included
- Additional entrance fee to the Museums inside the Forbidden City
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Transportation fee if you choose the tour without transfer
What you'll see and do
Lama Temple (Yonghegong)
Choose from 3 flexible packages for this exclusive tour: 1: travel via the city’s efficient subway system. 2: enjoy round-trip private car transfers from your hotel. 3: upgrade to the premium private car package with a delicious dim sum meal. Your guide will meet you in your hotel lobby at your pre-selected pickup time, then you’ll head straight to Lama Temple. Once a princely residence of Emperor Yongzheng before he ascended the throne, the site was converted into a lamasery for Tibetan and Mongolian monks in 1744. Wander through its serene courtyards and halls with your knowledgeable guide, who will share insights into its transformation from a royal abode to a sacred Buddhist temple, the rise of Yellow Sect Tibetan Buddhism in China, and local perspectives on Buddhism. Admire the temple’s 3 renowned treasures: the world’s largest sandalwood Buddha statue, the bronze Buddhas representing the past, present and future, and the intricate 500-Arhat-Hill.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Tiananmen Square
Next, head to Tian’anmen Square—the world’s largest downtown square located at the core of Beijing’s central axis. After entering the square, you’ll admire iconic buildings from the outside, including the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum, the Monument to the People's Heroes, and Tian’anmen Gate. Your guide will share fascinating stories and historical insights behind these landmark structures, deepening your understanding of their cultural and national significance. Please note that during peak seasons and special dates, the square implements extremely strict security checks. Queue times may last 1 to 2 hours, so we kindly ask for your advance awareness and understanding to ensure a smooth tour.
30 minutes here · Admission included
The Palace Museum
Pass through the south gate to the magnificent Forbidden City, a 250-acre complex of courtyards, palaces, pavilions and gardens, which served as the imperial palace for emperors and their households for more than 500 years. The Forbidden City was the imperial palace from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is located in the middle of Beijing, and now houses the Palace Museum. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Hall of Great Harmony (Taihe Dian)
Follow your tour guide to explore the most important buildings along the Forbidden City’s central axis, including the Hall of Great Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Complete Harmony. The Hall of Great Harmony served as the imperial throne hall, hosting grand ceremonies such as coronations, imperial weddings, and celebrations of major festivals during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Hall of Central Harmony was the emperor’s resting place where he would pause to adjust his attire and receive briefings from officials before proceeding to ceremonies. The Hall of Complete Harmony functioned as the venue for the emperor to review memorials and practice rituals prior to important events.
Pass by without stopping
Palace of Heavenly Purity
Continue on to the imperial living quarters, where you’ll visit the Hall of Heavenly Purity, the Hall of Union, and the Hall of Earthly Tranquility. The Hall of Heavenly Purity served as the emperor’s bedroom and study in the Ming dynasty, later becoming the venue for imperial succession ceremonies in the Qing dynasty. The Hall of Union was a sacred space for storing imperial seals, while the Hall of Earthly Tranquility was the imperial bridal chamber for Qing emperors’ weddings and the empress’s residence. Your guide will regale you with intriguing tales of the emperor, his family, and the daily lives of concubines and eunuchs who once inhabited these opulent yet secluded chambers.
30 minutes here · Admission included
The Imperial Garden of The Palace Museum
Conclude your Forbidden City exploration at the Imperial Garden—a lush, centuries-old oasis dotted with exotic rock formations, ancient pines, and elegant pavilions, serving as the former imperial family’s private retreat to relax and unwind away from courtly duties. Your Forbidden City tour wraps up right here. If you’ve opted for the subway package, your guide will point you to the nearest taxi stands and subway stations for your onward journey (at your own expense). For those who chose the private car package, our driver will transfer you back to your downtown hotel directly. If you selected the premium private car & dim sum package, your guide will escort you to savor a authentic dim sum meal—either lunch or dinner, tailored to your departure time—before sending you back to your hotel comfortably.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Package 2: Tour with transfer
Package 2: Tour with transfer: Choose this option to visit Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden city with round trip hotel transfer. Pickup included
Package 1: Tour by subway
Package 1: Tour by subway: Guide meet you in the lobby of your downtown hotel, travel by taxi or subway at your own cost to visit the sites. Pickup included
Package 3: Tour+Lunch/Dinner
Package 3: Tour+Lunch/Dinner: This option including English speaking tour guide, private transfer, entry tickets and Dim Sum lunch or dinner. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- zh-TW, cmn, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Discover Beijing Tours
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
- A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Security checks at Tiananmen Square are strict. If waiting exceeds 1 hour, consider an alternative: taking a bus past the square. Sweltering heat risks heat-related illnesses.
- Tiananmen Square may close unannounced due to government activities, in which case it will be skipped. No refunds as the square is free
- Chinese citizens (including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) need to book this tour 7 days in advance. By regulation, please submit Chinese name & ID number when reserving and present the ID on the tour day to join the group
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.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Private Tour to Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Tour Focusing on the Highlights of Beijing
This was the first of 2 tours I took with this company and with my excellent guide, Lucy and our responsive and responsible driver. I cannot believe how much we did in this 1/2 day tour - from the Lama Temple to Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City and Imperial Garden. Lucy made sure I got to enjoy all the sights and taught me about Chinese History. If you have limited time in Beijing, this is the tour to take to see the most important places.
via Viator
Priceless and magnificent tour!
If you are short of time in Beijing and can do one tour, this is it. We visited Tiananmen square through to the magnificent Forbidden Palace and then onto the Lama Temple with its giant standing Buddha. Lucy our guide was sensational, knowledgeable and fun to get to know. Lucy made sure we saw all the important and meaningful aspects of the sites we visited, explaining in detail the history and stories behind the myths and facts. She was absolutely brilliant. Thanks Lucy for making it such an enjoyable experience in Beijing!
via Viator
Excellent way to experience and learn about Beijing and the History
Me and my family had a great tour with our guide Jimmy. Jimmy was very knowledgeable about Beijing and we learnt a lot about the Chinese History and all the attractions that we visited. I would recommend this tour to my family and friends.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 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
- $100 to $328
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Discover Beijing Tours, who run 82 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.7.
See everything Discover Beijing Tours runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Tour to Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beijing.
How much does Private Tour to Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City cost?
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Prices start at $100 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 Private Tour to Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City take?
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Plan for about 4 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 Private Tour to Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". 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 Private Tour to Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City?
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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 Private Tour to Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Tour to Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City?
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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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Tour to Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City 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 Private Tour to Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City?
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Included: Professional guide; Private Transfer if you choose option 2&3; Meals; and Entrance fee. Not included: Additional entrance fee to the Museums inside the Forbidden City; Food and drinks; Gratuities; and Transportation fee if you choose the tour without transfer. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Tour to Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2246 listed pickup locations in and around Beijing. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private Tour to Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City offered in?
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It is offered in Chinese and 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 Private Tour to Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City?
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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.
What happens to Private Tour to Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City 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 do travelers say about Private Tour to Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Private Tour to Lama Temple, Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Package 2: Tour with transfer, Package 1: Tour by subway, Package 3: Tour+Lunch/Dinner. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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