Forbidden City + Summer Palace Guided Day Tour | In-depth commentary

4.8 / 5
91 reviews
400+ booked
Forbidden City
Save to wishlist

Key Highlights:

  • Explore the Forbidden City: Walk through China’s imperial palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site with rich history and stunning architecture.
  • Stroll through the Summer Palace: Enjoy serene lakes, lush gardens, and beautiful imperial architecture in royal garden.
  • See Iconic Landmarks: Visit the Hall of Supreme Harmony and other historical wonders.
  • Expert Local Guides: Gain fascinating insights into Beijing’s history and culture from professional guides.
  • Convenient Transportation: Hassle-free transportation, so you can relax and focus on exploring these magnificent sites.

Why Book This Tour? Discover two of Beijing’s most iconic and culturally significant landmarks in one day—rich history, breathtaking architecture, and beautiful scenery await you!

Offers for you
20 off
Sale

Package options

Select options Clear all

Package type

Forbidden City + Summer Palace · Private tour

Forbidden City + Summer Palace · Join-in tour

20% off

Quantity

€ 36.20€ 37.09

Complete all required fields to continue

What to expect

  • On this full-day tour, you’ll visit two of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks: the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Start your journey at the Forbidden City, the grand imperial palace of China’s Ming and Qing dynasties. Explore its massive courtyards, halls, and palaces, all steeped in history and royal grandeur. Next, head to the Summer Palace, an expansive imperial garden filled with picturesque lakes, temples, and pavilions. Stroll along the Long Corridor, the world’s longest painted gallery, and enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Kunming Lake. With a professional guide to provide fascinating historical context, this tour gives you a deep dive into Beijing’s royal heritage. Perfect for history lovers and anyone looking to experience the cultural heart of China!
The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, is the largest and best-preserved imperial palace complex in the world. Located in the heart of Beijing, it served as the home of 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, is the largest and best-preserved imperial palace complex in the world. Located in the heart of Beijing, it served as the home of 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Forbidden City + Summer Palace Guided Day Tour | In-depth commentary
In spring, the Forbidden City’s vermilion walls and golden roofs are framed by the soft pink blossoms of crabapple trees, blending imperial grandeur with delicate floral charm.
Under a clear blue summer sky, the Forbidden City’s sea of golden rooftops and vermilion walls stretches out, showcasing the grand scale and timeless imperial splendor of this ancient palace complex.
Under a clear blue summer sky, the Forbidden City’s sea of golden rooftops and vermilion walls stretches out, showcasing the grand scale and timeless imperial splendor of this ancient palace complex.
In autumn, the Forbidden City’s vermilion walls and intricately painted eaves are softened by the golden glow of ginkgo leaves, blending imperial grandeur with the warm charm of the season.
In autumn, the Forbidden City’s vermilion walls and intricately painted eaves are softened by the golden glow of ginkgo leaves, blending imperial grandeur with the warm charm of the season.
In winter, the Forbidden City is transformed into a snowy wonderland, where snow-capped golden rooftops contrast beautifully with vermilion walls, blending imperial grandeur with the serene magic of a winter day.
In winter, the Forbidden City is transformed into a snowy wonderland, where snow-capped golden rooftops contrast beautifully with vermilion walls, blending imperial grandeur with the serene magic of a winter day.
Forbidden City+ Summer Palace Tour
This carefully planned itinerary leads you through the grand courtyards and timeless halls of the Forbidden City, allowing you to explore its legendary architecture and stories at an easy, comfortable pace.
Forbidden City+ Summer Palace Tour
Your day begins inside the Forbidden City, where grand halls, quiet courtyards, and centuries of royal stories unfold as you walk along its central axis.
Forbidden City+ Summer Palace Tour
"With a professional English-speaking guide, uncover centuries of history and learn about the lives of emperors. An early morning start lets you enjoy the palace before the crowds arrive, making your visit calmer, cooler, and more enjoyable."
Forbidden City + Summer Palace Guided Day Tour | In-depth commentary
A traditional wooden boat drifts across Kunming Lake, framed by a canopy of delicate pink peach blossoms that paint the Summer Palace’s early spring scene with soft, poetic charm.
On a bright summer day, Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace is dotted with pink lotus flowers and lush lily pads, with the iconic Tower of Buddhist Incense standing atop Longevity Hill in the distance, under a vivid blue sky.
On a bright summer day, Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace is dotted with pink lotus flowers and lush lily pads, with the iconic Tower of Buddhist Incense standing atop Longevity Hill in the distance, under a vivid blue sky.
In autumn, Kunming Lake lies calm under a warm golden sky, framed by willows with yellow leaves, while the iconic Yuquan Pagoda stands atop the distant hills, painting a serene and poetic scene at the Summer Palace.
In autumn, Kunming Lake lies calm under a warm golden sky, framed by willows with yellow leaves, while the iconic Yuquan Pagoda stands atop the distant hills, painting a serene and poetic scene at the Summer Palace.
In the winter twilight, the frozen Kunming Lake mirrors the illuminated Tower of Buddhist Incense and the brightly lit waterfront pavilions, wrapping the Summer Palace in a serene, magical glow.
In winter, the Summer Palace is a breathtaking scene of tranquility, with snow blanketing the rooftops and the ground. The vivid red and golden hues of the buildings stand out against the pure white landscape, creating a serene, magical atmosphere.
Forbidden City+ Summer Palace Tour
After exploring the palace’s highlights, you’ll head to the Summer Palace—an elegant lakeside retreat once used by emperors to escape the summer heat.
Forbidden City+ Summer Palace Tour
Stroll along its shaded pathways, admire the long corridor’s vivid paintings, and enjoy the serene views over Kunming Lake. With a balanced pace and ample time at each site
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride(at your own expence) on Kunming Lake while visiting the Summer Palace. Gliding across the calm waters, you can admire the elegant pavilions, ancient bridges, and lush hills that reflect beautifully on the lake’s surface.
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride(at your own expence) on Kunming Lake while visiting the Summer Palace. Gliding across the calm waters, you can admire the elegant pavilions, ancient bridges, and lush hills that reflect beautifully on the lake’s surface.
Whether you're drawn to history, photography, or a relaxing walk through classical Chinese gardens, the Summer Palace is a must-visit highlight of any Beijing itinerary — timeless, enchanting, and unforgettable.
Whether you're drawn to history, photography, or a relaxing walk through classical Chinese gardens, the Summer Palace is a must-visit highlight of any Beijing itinerary — timeless, enchanting, and unforgettable.
The tour ends at the Olympic Park, where you can take in the impressive exterior of the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube.
The tour ends at the Olympic Park, where you can take in the impressive exterior of the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube.
The tour ends at the Olympic Park, where you can take in the impressive exterior of the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube.
The tour ends at the Olympic Park, where you can take in the impressive exterior of the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube.

Reviews

4.8 / 5
Fantastic
91 reviews
Guide
4.9
Itinerary
4.8
Quality of transfer
4.8
Value for money
4.8
Sort by:
Filter by:
All With photos English only
Review for: Forbidden City + Summer Palace · Join-in tour

The tour started on time and both guides Amy and MA have coordinated with us a day before the scheduled tour. They both explained very clearly the history of the Forbidden City and Summer Palace. MA even accompany us to the Bird Nest after the Summer Palace tour. We are very appreciated.

Helpful
Review for: Forbidden City + Summer Palace · Private tour

Our guide, Xiao Wu, shared lots of interesting information about the Forbidden City & Summer Palace. No regrets choosing a private tour as we could tour the place at a pace comfortable for my parents to follow. She ensured that we were able to take breaks in shaded areas as and when. Guide also arranged for us to take the boat ride within the Summer Palace (additional fees required).

Helpful
Review for: Forbidden City + Summer Palace · Private tour

Our guide (Ms Ada) was very patient, knowledgeable and engaging! Ada and the driver were on time and we didn’t have to wait long for pick up at each destination. Ada guided us through Forbidden City & Summer Palace, providing as much stories as one could absorb. It was no regrets having a personal guide as a first visit (Note: One can’t see everything @ Forbidden in a day!), giving you the flexibility and direct accesss to questions. My husband who loves history truly enjoyed the experience. Great day trip!

Helpful
Review for: Forbidden City + Summer Palace · Private tour

Ada was our guide, and she is bilingual in both English and Mandarin. She contacted me the day before the tour to confirm the pickup time and location, which was greatly appreciated. Throughout the tour, she provided clear, engaging, and easy-to-understand explanations of the history and significance of both the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. She was especially attentive to my children, regularly checking that the walking pace and duration were comfortable for them. Ada also customized the itinerary based on our preferences and requests, making the experience even more enjoyable. In addition, she shared many useful tips and recommended routes for the rest of our stay in Beijing, which helped us make the most of our trip. She is a friendly, knowledgeable, and highly professional tour guide whom I would gladly recommend to others. Our driver, Liu Shifu, was also very friendly, courteous, and professional, making the journey comfortable and pleasant throughout the day.

Helpful
Review for: Forbidden City + Summer Palace · Private tour

Our driver and guide pick us up on time. The car is very clean and comfortable. Frank who is our guide is very knowledgeable and he speak very politely. He is also patient with our kids. A very nice experience walking around the forbidden city. Due to the weather we are unable to get on the boat ride at summer palace. I will recommend this tour if you do not have time in Beijing.

Helpful
Review for: Forbidden City + Summer Palace · Join-in tour

The trip was smooth. The tour guides are friendly. Public transport was used for the transfer from forbidden city to summer palace. The weather was too hot. It would be good if the aircon has been turned on at least 10 mins picking up passengers.

Helpful
Review for: Forbidden City + Summer Palace · Join-in tour

This tour offers great value, allowing you to visit the beautiful Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and Olympic Park.

Show original (Translated review)
Helpful
Review for: Forbidden City + Summer Palace · Join-in tour

Coordination was good. Especially for my case where I will join another group for the summer place tour. Linda and Amy were very helpful and very informative. It was really nice to visit these historical places and know more of it.

Helpful
Review for: Forbidden City + Summer Palace · Join-in tour

yoyo and ma are really indepth with their knowledge regarding the forbidden city and summer palace.

Helpful
Review for: Forbidden City + Summer Palace · Join-in tour

Yuly gave us alot of fun and support us in the tour when we went late. It s so bad for us today, but as her help we can have a informative day. Thanks for your support and wait us. I appreciate this tour very much.

Helpful

Contact us

Got a question about this activity? Ask us on live chat!

You might also like...

Beijing Day trips

Private Tour to Temple of Heaven, Tian'anmen Square & Forbidden City

Private Tour to Temple of Heaven, Tian'anmen Square & Forbidden City
Book now for tomorrow
Private tour
English guided
Private group
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
5.0 (16) 100+ booked
€ 236.29
20 off
Sale
Beijing Day trips

Forbidden City & Jingshan Park Half-Day Tour

Beijing Forbidden City Ticket + Jingshan Park + Manual Guide Half Day Tour
Book now for tomorrow
Private tour
English guided
Afternoon departure
Instant confirmation
4.7 (438) 4K+ booked
€ 16.15
50 off
Sale
Beijing Day trips

Forbidden city group tour with Option Tian'anmen Square add on

Forbidden City 4-Hour Small Group Tour with Entry Ticket
Book now for today
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.9 (1,085) 7K+ booked
€ 19.80
20 off
Sale
Beijing Theme parks

Universal Studios Beijing Ticket

Book your Universal Studios Beijing ticket and experience thrilling attractions and explore your favorite movie worlds.
Book now for today
Instant confirmation
4.7 (3,848) 400K+ booked
From € 73.25 € 77.29
10 off
Sale
Early bird promotion
Beijing Museums

The Forbidden City Ticket

Grab your Forbidden City ticket and explore ancient palaces in Beijing. Visit the Beijing Museum and see treasures from China’s royal past.
4.6 (7,575) 100K+ booked
€ 10.69 € 10.99
25 off
Sale
Beijing Day trips

Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square & Treasure Museum Small Group Tour

Forbidden City Morning Group Tour with Ticket
Book now for today
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.9 (2,200) 20K+ booked
€ 22.05
30 off
Sale
Beijing Day trips

Iconic Beijing Private Tour

Take in the amazing sights of old Beijing such as the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City with this 1 private day Iconic Beijing Sightseeing tour
Private tour
Small group
English guided
Private group
Free cancellation
4.8 (93) 1K+ booked
€ 74.95
Beijing Day trips

Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven Historical Tour

English guided
Free cancellation
4.8 (73) 1K+ booked
From € 19.19
20 off
Sale
Beijing Food tours

Beijing Royal Cuisine Museum Experience | Qing Dynasty Court Feast Performance + Optional Costume Experience + Visit to the Royal Cuisine Museum

Beijing Yuxiandu Royal Cuisine Museum Experience (Emperor's luxurious enjoyment + ancient Chinese folk dance performance + palace banquet + ancient costume experience + museum visit)
Book now for today
Free cancellation
4.8 (247) 6K+ booked
€ 36.19

About the operator

Trending sights