BeijingSummer Palace & Tea or Calligraphy Experience Tour

Imagine strolling through the expansive, centuries-old grounds of Beijing’s Summer Palace, with its beautifully landscaped gardens, shimmering lakes, and imperial architecture. After soaking in this ancient grandeur, you’ll shift gears to get hands-on with Chinese culture—either learning the delicate art of calligraphy or participating in a traditional Kung Fu Tea Ceremony. For $175 per person, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of sightseeing, cultural education, and creative expression, all led by friendly, professional guides and instructors.

What we particularly appreciate is how this experience provides both context and practice. You’ll walk away not just with photos and memories, but also with new skills or a deeper understanding of Chinese traditions. The tour’s organization ensures seamless transitions from the historic to the artistic, making it a comfortable, enriching day. However, keep in mind that it’s a full schedule, so a good level of curiosity and enthusiasm for learning will serve you well.

This tour is especially suited for travelers who love authentic cultural experiences and are eager to go beyond typical sightseeing. Whether you’re an art lover, a curious tea enthusiast, or simply want a meaningful way to connect with Chinese heritage, you’ll find this outing rewarding. Plus, the focus on small-group guidance and expert instruction means you’ll get personalized attention—something not always easy to find in busy group tours.

Key Points

• Comprehensive cultural experience blending history with hands-on learning
• Professional guides and instructors ensure an authentic and educational visit
• Choice of activity allows customization for tea lovers or calligraphy enthusiasts
• All-inclusive package covers tickets, transportation, lunch, and instruction
• Authentic Beijing lunch of Zha Jiang Mian offers a true local flavor
• Ideal for curious travelers interested in engaging with Chinese traditions directly

You can check availability for your dates here:

Visiting the Summer Palace: A Step Back in Imperial China

Your day begins with a visit to the Summer Palace, one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks. It’s not just a garden or a palace—it’s a sprawling complex of lakes, bridges, pavilions, and temples that served as a retreat for emperors. The guided tour here allows you to explore at a comfortable pace, taking in highlights such as the Long Corridor, the Marble Boat, and the beautiful Kunming Lake.

Each stone and structure whispers stories of China’s imperial past. The professional English-speaking guide (often the smiling, knowledgeable Xiao or Li) will fill you in on the palace’s history, architecture, and the way emperors used this space as a place of leisure—and sometimes political intrigue. We loved the way our guide pointed out details that we might have missed on our own, like the intricate carvings and the symbolism embedded in the gardens.

Some travelers mention that the Summer Palace can be quite crowded, especially in peak season, but a guided tour helps you navigate and appreciate the site without feeling overwhelmed. The expansive grounds invite leisurely walking, so wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera; the views across the lake and the traditional Chinese architecture are worth capturing.

Choosing Your Afternoon Experience: Tea or Calligraphy

After a satisfying traditional lunch of Zha Jiang Mian, the tour splits into two options—your choice of a Kung Fu Tea Ceremony or a Chinese Calligraphy class. Both experiences are designed to be interactive and informative, led by expert instructors who speak English fluently.

The Kung Fu Tea Ceremony

Here, you’ll learn about different types of Chinese tea, their brewing methods, and the utensils used for serving. Our guide explained how different teas—like green, black, and oolong—are prepared with precision, and you’ll get to participate in the ritual of brewing your own cup. The hands-on aspect makes it more than just a demonstration; it’s an engaging way to appreciate Chinese tea culture.

Reviews highlight that this experience is both educational and delicious, with Misaki commenting, “The service was excellent, very attentive and warm. The tea was also delicious.” For tea lovers or anyone curious about Chinese beverages, this segment offers meaningful insight that you might find yourself reminiscing over long after your trip.

The Calligraphy Class

For those more artistically inclined, the calligraphy session involves learning to use a brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. It’s a chance to connect with a visual art form that dates back thousands of years. The instructor will guide you step-by-step, explaining brush strokes, character structure, and the cultural significance of each character.

Reviewers like Shahira simply said, “Top,” indicating they found it a worthwhile and memorable activity. Creating your own piece of calligraphy provides a tangible keepsake, and many find the process relaxing and rewarding—even if you’re a beginner.

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The Seamless Flow of the Day

One of the strengths of this tour is its smooth organization. From the moment you meet your guide, transportation is arranged — either via provided transfer or meeting point instructions. The transition from the Summer Palace to the tea house or calligraphy studio is handled efficiently, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than logistics.

The duration of each segment is about two hours, which keeps the day full but manageable. The inclusion of traditional Chinese snacks during the tea or calligraphy session adds a cozy, authentic touch. The tour concludes back at the initial meeting point, leaving you free to explore more or head to your next destination.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Most reviews agree that the professional guidance elevates this experience beyond a simple sightseeing trip. Oliver noted, “It was very interesting and informative… Our hosts were very friendly and welcoming.” The focus on authenticity—from the traditional lunch to the crafting activities—means you’re truly engaging with Chinese culture, not just observing it.

The value for the price is also compelling, considering that tickets to the Summer Palace alone can be pricey, and this tour adds guided narration, instruction, transportation, and a cultural meal into one package.

Some travelers mention the price is not cheap, but many feel the depth and quality of the experience justify it. Plus, the small-group format ensures you don’t feel lost in a crowd, and you get personalized attention from guides and instructors.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for culture seekers, art lovers, and those curious about Chinese traditions. If you’re interested in learning practical skills like calligraphy or appreciating Chinese tea rituals firsthand, you’ll find this tour very rewarding. It’s also well-suited for travelers who value authentic, guided experiences rather than self-exploration, as the guides and instructors are there to deepen your understanding.

It’s less ideal if you prefer a very relaxed, unstructured day or if you’re on a tight schedule—this tour takes a full day, with a mix of walking, learning, and tasting. Nonetheless, for those wanting a memorable, comprehensive cultural outing in Beijing, this is certainly worth considering.

Final Words

In essence, the Beijing Summer Palace & Cultural Craft Tour offers a wonderful balance of history, culture, and participation. It’s a chance to stand in the footsteps of emperors while also getting your hands dirty with calligraphy or tea brewing—activities that turn sightseeing into a personal experience. The guides and instructors are committed to authenticity, making sure you leave with knowledge, skills, and treasured memories.

For travelers eager to go beyond typical attractions and truly connect with Chinese traditions, this tour represents excellent value and a memorable day. It’s best suited for those who enjoy interactive learning, cultural discovery, and small-group intimacy. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer in Beijing, this experience broadens your understanding of China’s artistic and imperial heritage.

FAQ About the Tour

Is transportation included from the Summer Palace to the activity site?
Yes, transportation from the Summer Palace to the tea house or calligraphy studio is included in the tour.

Can I choose between the Tea Ceremony and Calligraphy experience?
Absolutely. The tour offers a choice between the two activities, allowing you to pick based on your interests.

What is included in the price?
Your tour price covers entrance tickets to the Summer Palace, transportation between sites, a traditional Beijing lunch, and professional guides and instructors for both the main sightseeing and the cultural activity.

Are the activities suitable for beginners?
Yes, both the tea ceremony and calligraphy classes are designed for all skill levels, including beginners.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around the Summer Palace, and casual clothes suitable for hands-on activities like calligraphy or tea brewing.

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
While suitable for curious travelers of all ages, the activities are best enjoyed by those interested in arts and culture. Check with the provider if you’re bringing very young children.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

What if I want to extend my visit?
You are free to stay longer at the Summer Palace or explore the city afterward, but the tour ends back at the meeting point as scheduled.

This tour offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of Beijing’s imperial and cultural traditions, making it a worthwhile addition to your itinerary if you’re eager to understand and participate in Chinese heritage firsthand.

You can check availability for your dates here: