Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Tours
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 342 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Tours worth booking?
Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Tours is a 10-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $98 per person. It scores 93 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 5/5 rating across 342 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 93 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (342)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $98 per person
Dive into Beijing’s soul on this seamless, well-curated journey. Alongside iconic landmarks like the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Lama Temple, you’ll uncover hidden gems with an expert local guide. Experience authentic local life firsthand with a rickshaw ride through historic Hutongs and an intimate courtyard home visit. Enjoy ultimate peace of mind with a small group, transparent pricing, and zero shopping stops from hotel pickup to drop-off. - Impal Heritage: Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Lama Temple. - Cultural Immersions: Traditional Hutong rickshaw ride and a courtyard family visit. - All-inclusive: Door-to-door transfers, entrance fees, guide and driver. - Pure Sightseeing: No shopping stops and no hidden fees.
What you get
About this experience
Dive into Beijing’s soul on this seamless, well-curated journey. Alongside iconic landmarks like the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Lama Temple, you’ll uncover hidden gems with an expert local guide. Experience authentic local life firsthand with a rickshaw ride through historic Hutongs and an intimate courtyard home visit. Enjoy ultimate peace of mind with a small group, transparent pricing, and zero shopping stops from hotel pickup to drop-off. - Impal Heritage: Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Lama Temple. - Cultural Immersions: Traditional Hutong rickshaw ride and a courtyard family visit. - All-inclusive: Door-to-door transfers, entrance fees, guide and driver. - Pure Sightseeing: No shopping stops and no hidden fees.
What's included
Included
- Highway tolls, parking fees, and local taxes
- All entrance fees
- Professional guide, dedicated driver, and Eco-friendly electric vehicle
- Unlimited bottled water
- Pickup & drop-off at your downtown hotel lobby
- Free child seat upon request
- Free earphones
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Temple of Heaven
Meet your guide in your hotel lobby for a seamless transfer to the Temple of Heaven, a sacred sanctuary where Ming and Qing emperors (1368-1911 AD) once prayed for prosperous harvests. Walk in the footsteps of royalty to marvel at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and experience the fascinating acoustics of the Circular Mound Altar. Explore the lesser-known Imperial Vault of Heaven housing the sacred tablets, the fasting quarters at Palace of Abstinence, and the Divine Kitchen where sacrificial offerings were prepared. Also, catch a glimpse of vibrant local life as you wander through the surrounding park, where Beijingers gather to exercise, dance, and socialize. Feel free to join in! Note: For Monday departures when the main sights of the Temple of Heaven are closed, we’ll explore the Beihai Park instead.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest
Take in the grandeur of this iconic circular palace, the main hall for the Heaven worship ceremonies. As you look up at its triple-layered roof of blue glazed tiles and unique domed ceiling, you’ll truly appreciate the genius of classical Chinese architecture.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Yuanqiutan
Stand on this open-air marble terrace where emperors offered sacrifices to Heaven on the Winter Solstice.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Hutong Tour
Let’s continue our journey into the historic Hutong alleys. Board a rickshaw for a nostalgic ride through a maze of narrow, willow-shaded lanes. Sit back and absorb the lively local chatter as your driver weaves deep into the neighborhood, leading to the ultimate highlight: an exclusive family visit inside a traditional quadrangle courtyard. You'll experience authentic Beijing hospitality and gain a rare, intimate glimpse into the locals’ real daily life and cultural heritage preserved for centuries.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Lama Temple (Yonghegong)
Next, let’s visit the ancient Lama Temple, a former imperial palace transformed into Beijing’s grandest lamasery. You'll have the chance to experience a stunning blend of Han Chinese, Mongolian, and Tibetan architectural styles while marveling at priceless cultural treasures, including intricate silk thangkas and the Guinness World Record-holding sandalwood Buddha.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Summer Palace
We save the crowning jewel for last: the magnificent royal garden Summer Palace. Admire the vast, shimmering Kunming Lake mirroring Longevity Hill and its timeless pavilions. Stroll along the willow-fringed pathways and beneath the endlessly Long Corridor, and you can easily imagine yourself walking in the footsteps of emperors and empresses. Once you've soaked in this tranquility, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
2-Day Beijing Mini Group Tours
Route: Day 1: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall. Day 2: Temple of Heaven, Hutong, Lama Temple, Summer Palace. All-inclusive: Hotel pickup & drop-off, tickets, Great Wall 2-way cable car or chairlift+toboggan, buffet lunch on Day 1, guide & driver. Pickup included
Forbidden City & Great Wall
Route: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City (Palace Museum), Buffet Lunch, Mutianyu Great Wall. All-inclusive: Hotel pick-up & drop-off, tickets, Great Wall round-trip cable car or chairlift+toboggan, buffet lunch, guide & driver. Pickup included
1-Day Mini Group City Tours
Route: Temple of Heaven, Hutong Rickshaw Tour & Family Visit, Lama Temple, Summer Palace. Included: Hotel pickup & drop-off, entry tickets, English-speaking guide, driver, air-conditioned vehicle. 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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Travel China Guide
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Free pickup and drop-off are included for downtown hotels. If your hotel is outside the service zone, an additional mileage fee applies, or you can join us at a designated meeting point. Please be ready 5 minutes before the pickup time confirmed the day before. Please note that no-shows are non-refundable.
- If your travel date falls on a Monday when the main sights of the Temple of Heaven are closed, we’ll visit Beihai Park instead.
- Please provide your accurate passport information for real-name ticket bookings, and make sure to carry the same valid ID on the tour day; otherwise, the scenic area will deny entry.
- The Mini Group Tour Option is not recommended for guests over 85 or wheelchair users.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 342 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 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.
Traveler reviews
342 verified traveler reviews for Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Tours. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Beijing In A Day
Another great option for those short on time and want to explore other key sites besides Forbidden City and Great Wall. Jessie was superb, both in terms of sharing the history and also management of the whole day, we were able to get ahead of traffic and peak rush and ended much earlier around 4pm. If you are Muslim though the lunch options are very limited in Hutongs so grab a quick pizza and explore the area a bit more instead. Jessie also accommodated my request to be dropped off at the 798 Art District instead of my hotel (if you have opted for pick and drop) which was super convenient and fully recommended! Lots of great dinner options there and easy to get a taxi back home.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your detailed and generous review. We are glad that Jessie's historical knowledge and careful management of the day allowed you to stay ahead of traffic and the peak rush—finishing earlier is a quiet luxury that many guests appreciate. It is also good to know that she accommodated your request to be dropped off at the 798 Art District; that flexibility is part of what makes a private tour feel personal. We also appreciate your honest note about the limited lunch options in the Hutongs for Muslim travellers. This is helpful feedback, and we will share it with our team so future guests can be better prepared. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us.
via Viator
Full day of new places
Michael Shi is knowledgeable guide.
Response from the operator: We truly appreciate your kind review. We're so glad Michael's knowledgeable guidance made your tour memorable, and we look forward to serving you again in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful Day Exploring Beijing!
We had a fantastic day exploring Beijing with our wonderful guide Helen. We visited the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, a traditional hutong and rickshaw ride, and Lama Temple, and each stop offered something different. Helen was friendly, knowledgeable and made the whole day really enjoyable. She shared lots of interesting information about Beijing’s history and culture, including fascinating little details we would have otherwise missed. We particularly enjoyed the hutong experience and learning about the traditional homes and the meaning behind the decorative features above the doorways. Everything was well organised, the pace was comfortable, and we never felt rushed. Helen looked after us throughout the day and made sure we had a great experience. Highly recommend this tour and especially Helen as a guide - she made our day in Beijing memorable!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! Helen will be so happy to hear that her friendly, knowledgeable guidance made your Beijing day so enjoyable—and that you appreciated the little details about the hutongs. We're glad the pace felt comfortable and that everything was well organized. We truly appreciate your high recommendation.
via Viator
Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace Tour Review
Michael was a very informative and helpful guide, who told us a great deal about the history of each location and went out of his way to answer any questions we had. Each of the unique locations gave us a new picture of Beijing, and Michael’s friendly demeanor made it all the more enjoyable.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! Michael will be so happy to hear that his knowledge, helpfulness, and friendly demeanor helped you see Beijing from so many different angles. We truly appreciate your thoughtful words and hope to welcome you back again soon!
via Tripadvisor
This tour was a lot of...
This tour was a lot of walking so be prepared. We felt that the amount of walking was explained correctly so de not play down your expectations. Frank was a very good guide and went well out of his way to ensure that the group stayed together and an excellent and immersive experience of Beijing.
Response from the operator: Many thanks for your review. We're delighted that Frank's attentive guidance and the clear communication about the walking made your Beijing experience so immersive. We'll pass along your appreciation to him. We look forward to serving you again in the future.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $98 to $179
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 120
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Who runs this experience
Operated by Travel China Guide, who run 163 experiences we rank across 39 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.6 and 6 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Travel China Guide runsWhy this scores 93
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Tours: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beijing.
How much does Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Tours cost?
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Prices start at $98 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 Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Tours take?
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Plan for about 10 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 Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Tours worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 93 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 342 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Beijing, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Tours?
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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 Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Tours suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Tours?
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Around 120 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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Tours 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 Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Tours?
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Included: Highway tolls, parking fees, and local taxes; All entrance fees; Professional guide, dedicated driver, and Eco-friendly electric vehicle; Unlimited bottled water; and Pickup & drop-off at your downtown hotel lobby. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Tours include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 17 listed pickup locations in and around Beijing.
What languages is Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Tours 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 Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Tours?
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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 Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Tours wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and The Mini Group Tour Option is not recommended for guests over 85 or wheelchair users. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Tours 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 Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Tours?
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Across 342 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.
What booking options are available for Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Tours?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including 2-Day Beijing Mini Group Tours, Forbidden City & Great Wall, 1-Day Mini Group City Tours. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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