Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace Day Tour
Overview
Two of Beijing's imperial landmarks in one day. The Temple of Heaven, in the south of the city, is where the Ming and Qing emperors came to pray for good harvests. Its round Hall of Prayer, with three tiers of blue-tiled roof on a white marble terrace, is one of the most recognisable buildings in China. In the park around it, locals gather in the morning to practise tai chi, sing, dance and play cards.
After lunch you head north-west to the Summer Palace, the lakeside retreat of the Qing court. Pavilions and temples climb Longevity Hill above Kunming Lake, and the Long Corridor, painted with thousands of scenes, runs along the shore. You walk the corridor, look out from the hill and, in the warmer months, can often take a boat across the lake.
Both sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and both involve a fair amount of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. The tour adds the city's other great sights to the Forbidden City and Great Wall on your package.
Highlights
- The blue-roofed Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
- Morning tai chi and music in the temple park
- Longevity Hill above Kunming Lake
- Walk the painted Long Corridor
- Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a day
What's included
- English-speaking guide
- Transport between the sites
- Entrance tickets to the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace
- Lunch, unless stated by the operator
- Boat ride on Kunming Lake
- Tips
Location
Request this tour
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Itinerary
Frequently asked questions
No. It covers two different imperial sites, so it fits well on a free half or full day in Beijing.
Quite a lot: both sites are large, and Longevity Hill has steps. Comfortable shoes and water are a good idea.
