Beijing: Forbidden City, Lama Temple & Temple of Heaven Private Tour

Four imperial sites in one day: the Forbidden City's 9,000 rooms, the Lama Temple's sandalwood Buddha, and two UNESCO temples

You visit four major Beijing landmarks (Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Lama Temple, and Temple of Heaven) with a private driver and English-speaking guide. All entry fees, hotel pickup, and water are included. The day flows without group waits or transport gaps, leaving you to absorb the scale of the Forbidden City's 9,000 rooms and the detail of the sandalwood Buddha without the stress of arranging it yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Tiananmen Square30m · entry included
2. Forbidden City2h · entry included
3. Lama Temple1h · entry included
4. Temple of Heaven1h 30m · entry included

Visit Tiananmen Square and Temples

• Explore Tiananmen Square sights
• Tour the Forbidden City
• Visit the Lama Temple
• See the Temple of Heaven

The experience

The Forbidden City has over 9,000 rooms. That's the first thing that hits you when you step through the gates, not the number itself, but the scale of it, the way the courtyards repeat and the golden roofs keep appearing no matter how far you walk. This private tour threads through all four of Beijing's major imperial landmarks in a single day without the chaos of group crowds or the stress of figuring out transport between them. Hotel pickup means you don't negotiate taxis or subway transfers. Your driver and English-speaking guide handle the logistics while you focus on what you came to see.

The route starts at Tiananmen Square, where you get the lay of the land: the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum rising behind it. From there you move into the Forbidden City itself, the palace complex where 24 emperors lived across nearly 500 years. The guide walks you through the main halls and courtyards, explaining the architecture and the history without rushing you between stops. After that comes the Lama Temple, the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing, where there's an 18-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of sandalwood. The craftsmanship alone makes you stop and look twice. The day ends at the Temple of Heaven, where you'll see locals doing tai chi and other exercises in the surrounding park: a quieter moment after the intensity of the palace.

All entry fees are included upfront, so there's no haggling at ticket windows or surprise costs. Bottled water comes with you, and the car is private, which means the pace is yours. If you're traveling with children or need wheelchair access, the tour accommodates both. All areas are accessible, and specialized infant seats are available if you're bringing small kids. The whole day is designed to fit the main sights without the rush, which is the difference between seeing Beijing's imperial heart and just checking boxes.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off service.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• professional English-speaking guide.
• private car and driver.
• entrance fees for Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Lama Temple, and Temple of Heaven.
• local taxes.

Options for this experience

3 options

Entrance ticket for the Lama TempleGuide in English · No fixed timeEntrance ticket only, covering the Beijing Lama Temple admission; no pickup, car or English-speaking tour guide is provided

Ticket fee for the Temple of HeavenGuide in English · No fixed timeEntrance ticket only, covering the Temple of Heaven admission (main entrance plus interior halls under the combined ticket); no pickup, car or English-speaking tour guide is provided

Private day tour covering the Forbidden City, Lama Temple and Temple of HeavenGuide in English · 16 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 15:00Pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day16 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 15:00

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Child (2 to 12 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Great China Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you want Beijing's four major imperial sites in one day without arranging transport, buying tickets separately, or navigating crowds: the private car and included fees are what make a full itinerary possible in a single outing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years): free.

How long is the full day tour?

The itinerary covers four major sites in a single day. Exact duration depends on how long you spend at each location, but the route is designed to fit all four comfortably without rushing.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not mentioned in the inclusions. The tour includes entry fees, water, guide, and transport, but you'll need to arrange or budget for a meal during the day.

What language is the guide?

The guide speaks English professionally and is trained to explain the history and architecture at each site.

Can I do this tour if I use a wheelchair?

Yes. All areas and surfaces at the four sites are wheelchair accessible, and transportation is also wheelchair accessible.

What if I'm traveling with an infant?

Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available in the car if needed.

Does the price include entry fees?

Yes. Entrance fees for Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Lama Temple are all included in the tour price.

What time does the tour start?

The tour includes hotel pickup, so the start time is arranged based on your hotel location and preference.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited fitness?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You move between sites by private car, and the pace at each location is flexible.