Beijing Historical Tour: Summer Palace, Lama Temple & Pandas

Walk through eight centuries of imperial history, then watch pandas play.

This full-day Beijing tour visits the Lama Temple (one of the region's most important sacred sites), and the Summer Palace, the emperors' retreat renovated by the Empress Dowager Cixi in the 19th century. You'll see the 60-foot Maitreya Buddha carved from a single sandalwood tree, stroll the palace grounds and ornate rooms, then travel to the panda garden. An English-speaking guide provides commentary on Beijing's history and culture throughout. Hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by air-conditioned coach, Chinese lunch and all admission tickets are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Lama Temple1h · entry included
2. Summer Palace2h · entry included

Visit Lama Temple, Summer Palace, and Pandas

• Explore Lama Temple and its architecture
• Tour the historic Summer Palace and park
• See giant pandas at the Panda Garden

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel (or from Prime Hotel at 7:30 AM if you're outside the 4th Ring Circle Highway) and heads to the Lama Temple, one of Beijing's most sacred spaces. The temple reveals architectural styles from Han, Mongolian, Manchurian and Tibetan traditions, and its centerpiece is the 60-foot Maitreya Buddha, carved from a single piece of sandalwood. Your guide walks you through the different halls and explains the religious and cultural significance of what you're seeing.

From there, the route moves to the Summer Palace, the historic retreat used by emperors for eight centuries. The Empress Dowager Cixi oversaw major renovations in the 19th century, including the manmade lake that is now one of Beijing's most visited parks. You tour the ornate palace buildings and have time to stroll the grounds and take photos. After lunch (a Chinese-style meal included in the tour), you head to the panda garden, one of the highlights for most visitors to Beijing. You'll watch the pandas and learn about their role as a living Chinese treasure.

The tour also includes stops at a jade store and tea house, where you can browse and learn about traditional crafts. Throughout the day, your guide answers questions and provides background on modern Beijing alongside the historical sites. The full day runs about seven hours, and you're returned to your hotel by late afternoon.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (or meeting point at Prime Hotel if outside the 4th Ring).
• transport by deluxe air-conditioned coach.
• English-speaking professional guide.
• admission tickets to the Lama Temple and Summer Palace.
• Chinese-style lunch.
• time for photos and questions at each site.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Friday and SaturdayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Hantang International Travel Service

Is this one for you?The English-speaking guide means you follow the history and cultural details at each site without needing to read ahead or rely on a translation app: the commentary flows as you walk through the temples and palace grounds.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

What is the 60-foot Buddha at the Lama Temple made from?

The Maitreya Buddha at the Lama Temple is carved from a single piece of sandalwood. It's one of the temple's most impressive features and a centerpiece of the visit.

Does the tour include lunch and admission to the sites?

Yes. Chinese-style lunch, all admission tickets to the Lama Temple and Summer Palace, and transport by air-conditioned coach are all included in the price.

How does hotel pickup work on this tour?

If your hotel is within the 4th Ring Circle Highway, the driver picks you up directly. If you're outside that area, you meet the tour at Prime Hotel (No. 2 Wangfujing Ave.) at 7:30 AM, and the tour provides transport from there. Drop-off returns you to your hotel at the end of the day.

What language does the guide speak?

Your guide speaks English and provides informative commentary on the history, culture and architecture at each stop, as well as background on the pandas and modern Beijing.

Will I have time to take photos at each site?

Yes. The itinerary includes time for photos and questions at each stop, so you can capture the Lama Temple, Summer Palace and the pandas without feeling rushed.