Overview
Explore the most important temples and getaways.
We loved loved the experiences at the parks. Young and old, exercising and dancing, and even trying to match up their kids! This culture keeps one young at heart.
Located in the Haidan district about 9 miles north of Beijing city you will find the majestic Summer Palace. Known as the best-preserved Royal Park in China, the Royal Palace has become the epicenter of Chinese horticulture and cultural insight. The park occupies over 700 acres and is made up of primarily Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. With over 3,000 man-made structures, the mixture of human works and nature paint the perfect picture. You will not find a higher standard of an urban getaway anywhere else in the world.
With dancing, singing and Tai Chi going on around you the feeling of community will immediately resonate throughout the Temple of Heaven. Although this is where past emperors would make sacrifices and pray to heaven on the behalf of the country, the real draw of this area is its importance as a home to cultural activities. No age is too high and activity too intimidating for the locals to get out and enjoy the location's beauty and history. This historic temple became a World Heritage Site in 1998 while being chronicled as "a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design which simply and graphically illustrates a cosmogony of great importance for the evolution of one of the world’s great civilizations." With philosophical principles in mind the Temple of Heaven is broken up into three portions; The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, The Imperial Vault of Heaven and The Circular Mound Altar. With a square representing the earth and a circle representing heaven, you will be amazed by the symbolism scattered about the grounds.
The Lama Temple represents the most renowned Buddhist temple outside of Tibet and lays out a path from south to north or "earth to heaven." The decorative five main halls each provide a compelling story that eventually mesh into one following your tour. Make sure to check out the prayer wheel which sends your prayer on a coiled paper to heaven with a simple spin. Many consider this location to have the most impressive constructions amongst temples in Beijing.
- All entrance fees are included in the tour price.
- Lunch is not included in the price. Expect it to cost about 25-30 USD per person.
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Entrance fees are included in the tour cost.
- Although this is our suggested itinerary there are times where traffic and your desire to stay at a certain destination longer may prevent you from visiting all destinations. Traffic is often a factor in Beijing as well in regards to the duration you may have at each place. Your guide will discuss the logistics with you prior to your departure.
Days offered: 7 days a week
Departures:- 08:00 AM, duration: 8 hours
- 09:00 AM, duration: 8 hours
- 10:00 AM, duration: 8 hours
