China1 day
Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace — Beijing, One Day
A full day exploring two of Beijing's most significant imperial sites, with traditional lunch and Pearl Market shopping.
This one-day itinerary moves through three distinct corners of Beijing: the Temple of Heaven, a sacrificial complex where the city's residents gather for tai chi and card games; Hongqiao Pearl Market, a commercial hub where jewelers, textile merchants, and electronics vendors operate alongside souvenir stalls; and the Summer Palace, a royal retreat with formal gardens, lakeside temples, and carved stone arcades. The day includes private transfer, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and lunch at a local restaurant.
Highlights
- Temple of Heaven park at sunrise, observing Beijing residents practicing tai chi, music, and dancing among centuries-old temples
- Hongqiao Pearl Market—six floors of vendor stalls selling pearls, jewelry, electronics, textiles, and traditional crafts
- Summer Palace gardens and lakeside temples, including the Long Corridor and Marble Boat
Day by day
1Temple of Heaven, Hongqiao Pearl Market, and Summer PalaceTemple of Heaven · Hongqiao Pearl Market · Summer Palace
Hotel pickup at 7 a.m. takes you to the Temple of Heaven, a Ming Dynasty complex set within a large, leafy park. Here you'll observe Beijing's elderly engaged in tai chi, cards, music, and dance—a window into daily local life. Your guide then leads you through Hongqiao Pearl Market, a six-story covered bazaar where stalls sell pearls, jewelry, electronics, clothing, crafts, and art to both tourists and locals. The final stop is the Summer Palace, a royal estate featuring formal gardens, lakeside temples, and the Long Corridor with painted panels. You'll walk the grounds at leisure, passing the Marble Boat and smaller pavilions before returning to your hotel.
Where you go
- 1Temple of Heaven
Included
- English speaking guide service
- Private transfer in air-conditioned vehicle
- Entrance fee
- Chinese lunch in a local restaurant
Not included
- Do Not Include:
- International airfare
- China Visa
- Hotel accommodation