Beijing: Summer Palace and Panda House Guided Tour

Discover the Beauty of Beijing with the Summer Palace and Panda House Guided Tour

In just five hours, you can visit two of Beijing’s most beloved attractions: the stunning Summer Palace and the adorable Panda House at the Beijing Zoo. Priced at $97 per person, this tour offers a balanced mix of history, nature, and local experience. You’ll be guided through some of the city’s most iconic sites with options for transportation, including public subway or private car, making it flexible for your travel style.

What we love most about this experience is how knowledgeable guides like Cindy and Lucy make the stories of Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu come alive — plus, the opportunity to see pandas in their habitat adds a delightful animal encounter. The stunning views from the Tower of Buddhist Incense and the colorful Long Corridor are highlights that stay with you long after the tour ends.

A possible consideration is that the itinerary involves a fair amount of walking and public transportation, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with moderate activity and crowds. This tour is perfect if you want a comprehensive, well-organized introduction to Beijing’s imperial and natural treasures without the hassle of planning each detail yourself. It’s especially ideal for first-time visitors eager to cover key highlights with an expert guide.

Key Points

Expert-guided experience with insightful stories about the Qing Dynasty and Empress Dowager Cixi
Visit both the Summer Palace and Panda House within five hours
Flexible transportation options, including metro or private car
Authentic experience with colorful, detailed architecture and charming pandas
Ideal for travelers seeking a balance of cultural history and wildlife encounters
Good value for the price considering entrance fees, guided commentary, and transportation

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Beijing’s Summer Palace and Panda House Guided Tour

Appreciate having local insight? Here are other guided experiences in Beijing we've examined

What makes this experience special?

This tour offers a rich blend of history and wildlife, with a focus on authentic experiences that go beyond just sightseeing. You’ll start your morning with a hotel pickup and head to the Beijing Panda House, home to some of the cutest pandas in the world. Expect about 30 minutes here, enough time to get up close to these gentle creatures and learn about their habits and stories — a highlight for animal lovers and families alike.

What sets this tour apart is the expert narration by guides like Cindy and Lucy, who bring the sites to life with stories about the Qing Dynasty, Empress Dowager Cixi, and the significance of the Summer Palace. You’ll learn how Cixi controlled the court from her private quarters, adding depth and context that makes the architecture and layout more meaningful.

The itinerary in detail

After the pandas, your guide will accompany you on the metro or private car to the Summer Palace, depending on your chosen option. This transit is part of the experience, providing a chance to learn about Beijing’s vast public transport network, an essential insight if you plan to explore on your own later.

Upon entering the East Gate of the Summer Palace, the real adventure begins. The Hall of Benevolence and Longevity is your first stop, where Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu once managed state affairs. You’ll walk through courtyards and halls, hearing stories about how Cixi used her influence to control the empire from this retreat.

Next, you’ll stroll along the Long Corridor, one of the most distinctive features of the Summer Palace. Built in 1750, the 273-room corridor is painted with about 8,000 vibrant paintings depicting landscapes, human figures, and battle scenes. It winds around the lake like a ribbon of art, and the octagonal pavilions representing the seasons add a charming touch.

From there, you’ll visit the Hall of Dispelling Clouds, where Cixi celebrated birthdays and received foreign officials, and the Tower of Buddhist Incense, offering a panoramic view of the entire palace grounds. Climbing the tower is a highlight, giving you a bird’s eye view of the lush gardens and serene lake.

Finally, the Marble Boat, built in 1750 by Emperor Qianlong, symbolizes the “steadfast rule” of the Qing Dynasty, with its waterborne foundation and ornate design. Exiting from the north gate, you can either take the metro back to your hotel or enjoy more time exploring this beautiful site on your own.

Authentic experiences and practical details

The guided commentary is a key benefit, offering insights that help you understand the significance of each site — from the architecture to the stories behind the buildings. Many travelers, like Colin, appreciated guides who made history “come alive,” and Barbara praised Cindy’s helpfulness in organizing additional visits.

The transportation aspect is particularly valuable—using the metro system not only keeps costs down but also gives you a glimpse into local life. If you choose the private car option, it adds comfort and convenience, especially if you’re traveling with family or a group.

More Great Tours Nearby

Value for money

At $97, this tour provides great value, considering the entrance fees to the Panda House and Summer Palace are included, along with a live English-speaking guide and metro tickets. Private transportation, when selected, adds to the cost but enhances comfort and flexibility.

What you get is a well-structured, efficient visit that balances guided storytelling with free time at key spots, all within five hours. It’s a perfect way to cover a lot without feeling rushed, especially for those with limited time in Beijing.

While you're exploring Beijing, here are other experiences we've looked into

Who is this tour best suited for?

This experience appeals most to history buffs, families, and wildlife enthusiasts who want a comprehensive introduction to Beijing’s imperial past and its beloved pandas. The knowledgeable guides and well-organized itinerary make it a reliable choice for first-time visitors eager to see highlights with expert insight.

Travelers who prefer a more active, transport-involved experience will appreciate the metro usage, while those seeking a more leisurely pace might opt for the private car. Overall, it’s ideal for travelers wanting a meaningful, authentic, and efficient cultural adventure, all wrapped into one engaging tour.

The Sum Up

In the end, this Beijing Summer Palace and Panda House guided tour offers a rewarding blend of history, culture, and adorable wildlife. The guides excel at bringing stories to life, making the visit both educational and engaging. The combination of stunning architecture, panoramic views, and pandas in their habitat makes it a well-rounded experience for curious travelers.

The tour’s high ratings reflect its value and quality, especially for those who appreciate expert commentary and authentic sights. It’s a smart choice if you want a well-organized, meaningful introduction to Beijing’s imperial and natural treasures without the stress of planning every detail yourself.

If you’re looking for a short, focused trip with a knowledgeable guide, this tour checks all the boxes—delivering memorable moments and plenty of photo opportunities. Whether you’re a history lover, animal enthusiast, or first-time visitor, you’ll find this experience both worthwhile and enjoyable.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 5 hours, including visits to both the Panda House and the Summer Palace.

What transportation is used?
You can choose between taking the metro or private car to and from the sites. The metro is included in the tour price.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, entrance to the Beijing Panda House and Summer Palace are included in the price.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children will enjoy seeing the pandas and exploring the beautiful grounds, but expect some walking.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended as there will be a moderate amount of walking. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

Can I spend more time at the sites?
Yes, after the guided tour, you can choose to stay longer at the Summer Palace or return to your hotel.

Is this a group tour?
No, it’s a private group, meaning you’ll have a dedicated guide and a more personalized experience.

Will I get free time?
You will have some free time at the Summer Palace if you wish to explore beyond the guided areas.

Is the guide English-speaking?
Yes, the tour is conducted in English by knowledgeable guides.

This tour offers a practical, authentic taste of Beijing’s imperial grandeur and its charming pandas. It’s perfect for those who want a well-organized experience that combines learning, sightseeing, and a touch of fun animal encounters—an experience you’re likely to remember fondly.