Beijing Private Tour of Summer Palace, Prince Gong’s Mansion, Hutong plus Lunch

Your tour guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel at 09:00 a.m.. Then, we will transfer to Summer Palace and start Beijing private tour. The Summer Palace is the largest and best-preserved of the surviving imperial garden, rich in history and culture. Once a summer retreat for emperors, this 716-acre park is still a retreat for tourist, who can relax here or stroll around ancient pavilions, mansions, temples, bridges and huge lake, stopping occasionally at a shop or tea-house. Much-loved summer retreat of the Imperial families, the lovely landscaped gardens, halls, pavilions and corridors are set around the lake and rivers in natural harmony. Long Corridor at the Summer Palace The paths beside the lake lead you under shady trees, or along the roofed colonnade known as the Long Corridor, with its magnificently painted ceilings. Bridges, boats, willows, lotus flowers, and other attractive landscaping make this a pleasant place to soak up the atmosphere and in the views. At noon, we will enjoy a traditional lunch. Vegetarian, Western and Local Speciality options are available.

Prince Gong’s Mansion is the best preserved mansion in China, including the mansion and the park. The main layout of Prince Gong’s Mansion includes three parts: middle buildings, east and west buildings. All those three parts are built along the central axis and composed of traditional courtyards. Those mansions are built widely with the highest level of construction regulations at that time. Besides, there are three courtyards in each of three main buildings and each of them is a popular tourism spot.

The Drum Tower was equipped with bronze clepsydras and drums that were beaten to mark the hours. The drum was beaten quickly for 18 times and then slowly for 18 times to mark the hour. You have the opportunity to climb to the top of Drum tower for an excellent view of drumming performance which lasts for 20 minutes.

Houhai, which literally means "Back Sea", is a large artificial lake in northern downtown Beijing. There were many wine shops, workshops, and opera stages in ancient times. Nowadays, it is open to all. We will stroll along Lotus Lane in the Back Lakes (Houhai) area, see its night-time bars and lake waters, taste some local traditional snacks and take in the historical Yandaixiejie Hutong and Nanluoguxiang Hutong.

Nanluoguxiang Hutong is known for its authentic Beijing atmosphere. The age-old siheyuans, archways, wall carvings, and former residences of socialites can be found there. Today there has been an unprecedented fusion of East and West in Nanluoguxiang Hutong, where new pubs and restaurants have given it an urban appearance. Afterwards, enjoy comfortable transfer back to your hotel, Wrap your memories and say good-bye in your hotel.