Beijing · SUMMER PALACE TOURS
51 reviewed
The Summer Palace is the emperors’ lakeside escape: the Long Corridor, Kunming Lake, the marble boat and the hill behind. These are the best Summer Palace tours in Beijing, ranked, with what each includes, whether it pairs with the Forbidden City or the wall, group size and price.
Skip ticket lines with a QR entry deal for Beijing’s Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace, plus gate-by-gate transit tips and route help.
“Responded on time, got the tickets when requested, recommended, although you can also buy (sometimes) tickets at the entry for a little bit cheaper.”
Direct Mubus bus to Mutianyu Great Wall from Dongzhimen with an English guide, entry ticket, optional cable car, and buffet lunch.
“Mike was a funny and friendly guide. Great wall is a must for Beijing visitors. Recommend a Mubus to others.”
One day in Beijing for **Mutianyu Great Wall** and **Summer Palace**, plus Olympic Park views. English guide, smooth bus transfer, great value.
“The trip was well organised with great time to spend on your own away from the tour guide if needed. Overall, a great and packed day. Would definitely recommend”
Private Beijing day trip pairing Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace, with hotel pickup, lunch, and ticketed cable car or ski-lift toboggan fun.
“This tour was a fantastic escape from the city! The drive out was smooth and safe, letting us enjoy the beautiful countryside. Taking the lift up to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall was a great touch, especially with the stunning fall colors all around. Some sections of the Wall are steep, but you don’t need to walk the entire route to appreciate the incredible views. The Summer Palace was equally impressive, with its gorgeous lakes and historic architecture. We also enjoyed a few thoughtful stops along the way, including a jade museum visit and ending the day with a great tea ceremony. This tour was well-organized, enriching, and…”
Flexible Summer Palace access in Beijing with ticket-only or guided day-trip options, including an optional Ziyu Bay boat ride combo.
“I was lucky to be the only guest on this tour, which turned into a wonderful private experience. My guide, Julie, was excellent - so kind and knowledgeable. What made it truly special was that it felt like being shown around by a local friend rather than a formal guide. She not only shared great information about the palace but also patiently answered all my specific questions about China. I couldn't recommend Julie more highly - 5 stars!”
See Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven in one day with hotel pickup, lunch, and tickets.
“It was alright. We booked in because we were anxious we wouldn't be able to see everything since our trip was during the golden week. We managed to see everything efficiently. And in the plus side, our guide helped us skip lots of lines. We were very stressed the day before because we were sending them messages and trying to call them in fear that the excursion would be cancelled but they didn't reply. When we saw that they actually came the next day we were so relieved. For the tour guide, if you're reading this: Please try to sum up the information you want to say. It's very tiring…”
A smooth one-day Beijing bus tour pairing Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace, with English guide, tickets, and flexible on-site time.
“The great wall is amazing. Mike was so passionate about the history of the wall and set us up for a great tour.”
A long-day classic: Mutianyu Great Wall plus the Summer Palace, with hotel pickup, guided time, and small-group or private options.
“Our guide today LILY is awesome! She is knowledgeable and accommodating. We enjoyed the tour very much and would recommend it to those wanting to do it at their own pace and no rush”
Temple of Heaven, Yonghegong Lama Temple, Summer Palace and Peking duck lunch on an 8-hour Beijing bus tour with an English guide.
“Jimmy was a great tour guide! He was very knowledgeable about the history of all the places we visited and the tour was a good balance of exploring history while remaining active.”
Beijing in one full day: Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, Hutong lanes, Summer Palace gardens, and night views at Bird’s Nest.
“The guide Joy from Mubus is super energetic. She gives detailed instructions on where to meet, with back up plan in case we wandered off. Even thou we are a big group of 30 - you still get the personal attention. The stories shared in each place takes you back to how people lives during that period. We ended up visiting 6 places as we ended the tour at The Birds Nest. I especially like the waterway cruise from Purple Bamboo Park to Summer Palace.”
Small-group Beijing day trip combining the Summer Palace and Mutianyu Great Wall with lunch, guided pickup, and skip-the-crowd timing.
“I am middle aged and relatively fit but was traveling with a lady about 80 with mild dementia. Our guide did a great job of balancing activity levels (I took tabagon down, others took gondola). Guide made everyone feel safe and well informed. Very historic info and low crowds made this a not to miss tour!”
A small-group Beijing day hitting Temple of Heaven, Hutong by rickshaw, Lama Temple, and Summer Palace, with tickets handled and a 7:00 am start.
“It was amazing! Lucy was incredible—taught us so much, made us laugh, fit in a ton in the day and even helped plan the rest of my visit booking show tickets and taking is to additional places we wanted to go after the tour—really the best customer service and best guide I’ve ever had!”
Skip the ticket lines with QR entry to the Summer Palace and key sites like Dehe Yuan and the Tower of Buddhist Incense.
“Excellent organization, clear and useful messages. Fast and convenient communication. Useful to have a program on what to see at hand since the Palace is scattered or crowded. Very recommendedAuto-translated”
Private full-day tour linking Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace with pickup, tickets, lunch, and a guide for a smoother visit.
“This was an excellent tour. Picked up right at our hotel. Vivian was an extremely knowledgable guide. Made us feel comfortable the whole way through. There are certain security checks and things you should not bring and she provided Read more”
A small-group day trip from Beijing to Mutianyu Great Wall and the Summer Palace, with an English guide, smart timing, and lunch.
“May's Great Wall tour exceeded all expectations! Her relaxed pace allowed us to fully absorb the breathtaking views and historical significance of this wonder. Plus, the delicious lunch provided was the perfect refuel for more exploration. Highly recommend May for an unforgettable Great Wall experience!”
