Beijing: Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple & Summer Palace Tour with Peking Duck Lunch

Summary

Wander Beijing’s temples, gardens and taste Peking Duck in one day

You’ll walk through Beijing’s living history—from sunrise rituals at Temple of Heaven to incense-swirled halls at Lama Temple, then feast on classic Peking Duck before wandering lakeside paths at Summer Palace. This day trip blends stories, flavors, quiet moments—and maybe even a laugh or two you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever seen a tree older than your country?” That’s what our guide Li asked as we stepped under the huge cypress at the Temple of Heaven. The morning air was cool and sharp, and there was this faint smell of incense — or maybe just old wood and grass — I’m still not sure. We watched a group of locals practicing tai chi near the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Their movements were so slow it felt like time stretched out around them. Li told us about emperors coming here to talk to the sky (not literally, but you get it), and I tried to imagine that kind of silence in the middle of Beijing’s noise.

The Lama Temple was next. It’s hard to describe the color — red walls, gold roofs, blue painted beams — but it all sort of glows when sunlight hits it just right. Inside, people lit sticks of incense that made my nose itch in a good way. We craned our necks to see the giant Maitreya Buddha carved from one sandalwood tree (Li laughed when I tried to say “Yonghegong” in Mandarin — probably butchered it). There was this moment where everything went quiet except for the sound of someone sweeping leaves outside. Not sure why that stuck with me.

Lunch was Peking Duck at a place Li said locals actually eat (“not just for tourists,” he promised). The skin crackled and there was plum sauce everywhere — I definitely dripped some on my shirt. After that we drove out to the Summer Palace, and by then clouds had rolled in over Kunming Lake. The gardens felt endless; willow branches brushing my arm as we walked along those stone paths. There were families picnicking, old men playing cards under pavilions, and every now and then you’d catch a breeze off the water that smelled faintly sweet. I didn’t expect to feel so peaceful after such a busy morning.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Beijing's cultural landmarks

• Visit Temple of Heaven
• Tour Yonghe Lama Temple
• Explore Summer Palace gardens
• Enjoy authentic Peking Duck lunch

Top questions

How long is the full Beijing temple & palace tour?

The tour lasts approximately one full day including visits to Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, Summer Palace and lunch.

Is lunch included on this day trip from central Beijing?

Yes, an authentic Peking Roast Duck lunch is included during the tour.

Are entrance tickets covered for all sites?

Yes, entry fees for Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple and Summer Palace are included.

Is transportation provided between locations?

An air-conditioned vehicle is used throughout the tour for transfers between sites.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Yes, an English-speaking local guide leads the entire experience.

Can infants join this group tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour requires moderate physical fitness; not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes entrance tickets for Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple and Summer Palace; guided commentary from an English-speaking local; comfortable air-conditioned transport between each site; plus a proper Peking Roast Duck lunch before heading back into city life again.