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Busda-Forbidden City & Summer Palace Full-Day Group/Private Tour

5.01 reviewForbidden City (Palace Museum)

  • 8 hours
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • Guided in English
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

Experience two of Beijing’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites in one well-organized day. This full-day tour combines the grandeur of the Forbidden City with the elegant landscapes of the Summer Palace, offering a balanced journey through imperial history and classical Chinese gardens. With air-conditioned transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a no-shopping itinerary. Forbidden City & Palace Bus A value-friendly group tour with comfortable bus transportation and professional guidance. Carefully planned timing allows you to explore the highlights of both the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace efficiently, making it an ideal choice for first-time visitors. Forbidden City & Palace PVT A private tour designed for flexibility and personalized service. Travel with a dedicated guide and vehicle, enjoy deeper historical insights, and explore at your own pace—perfect for travelers who value comfort, privacy, and a relaxed schedule.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus
  • English-speaking guide
  • Private tour with Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
  • Entrance Ticket to the Sites

What's not

  • Ticket to boating in Summer Palace
  • Ticket to Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiang Ge) of Summer Palace
  • Ticket to The Treasure Gallery & The Gallery of Clocks in Forbidden City
  • Personal expenses
  • Personal travel accident insurance

Itinerary

  1. The Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace, is the heart of Beijing’s imperial history and one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Spanning over 180 acres, this vast complex of palaces, courtyards, and halls served as the political and ceremonial center of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Visitors can marvel at its grand architecture, intricate decorations, and the treasures housed within its museums. With a professional guide, guests gain deep insight into the history, culture, and daily life of Chinese emperors. The tour allows ample time for photography, leisurely exploration, and appreciation of the palace’s historical grandeur in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.

    3 hAdmission included

  2. The Summer Palace is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape architecture, featuring serene lakes, lush gardens, and magnificent palaces. Known for its harmonious blend of natural beauty and royal artistry, it was the imperial retreat for Qing emperors and empresses. Visitors can stroll along the Long Corridor, admire the scenic Kunming Lake, and explore the grand halls and pavilions that reflect centuries of cultural heritage. With fewer crowds than other major attractions, the experience is peaceful and immersive. A knowledgeable guide provides engaging commentary, helping visitors understand the historical significance, architectural beauty, and cultural richness of the palace.

    2.5 hAdmission included

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

5.0

  • 51
  • 40
  • 30
  • 20
  • 10

Ratings come from 1 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

Meeting point
For Private Tour Only: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel within Beijing’s 4th Ring Road. For locations beyond this area, an additional fee may apply. Please provide your hotel details, including the hotel name and reservation name, when booking.
Pickup
Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group size
Up to 47 travellers
Operated by
Busda
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The remaining time will be allotted for the travel time
  • It is NOT convenient to use credit cards in the Great Wall Scenic Area. lf you don't have Alipay and WeChat, you are recommended to bring some cash with you.

How it compares in Beijing

  • Its from-price is 70% below the median of the 3624 experiences we list in Beijing.
  • Its length is typical for the group.
  • By number of reviews it ranks 1457 of 3624.
  • The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Beijing

Beijing, China's capital for centuries, holds imperial palaces, sacred temples and stretches of the Great Wall within reach of its modern boulevards.

At the city's heart, the Forbidden City spreads behind vermilion walls, a labyrinth of halls and courtyards that housed the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Tiananmen Square lies to its south, and the hill of Jingshan Park to its north gives the finest view over its golden roofs. The Temple of Heaven, set in a park where locals practise tai chi and dance, is a masterpiece of imperial design.

Top-ranked sights in Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City (Palace Museum), Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang).

See all 3624 experiences in Beijing

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