All Inclusive Private Beijing Tour: Ming Tombs, Sacred Way and Summer Palace

Discover Beijing’s imperial treasures with this all-inclusive private tour that takes you to the Ming Tombs, Sacred Way, and Summer Palace. For $188 per person, you’ll enjoy a full day of culture, guided by knowledgeable hosts who bring history alive. The tour lasts around 8 hours, with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off within central Beijing, making it easy to fit into your travel plans.

What we love most are the personalized experience—a private guide who shares fascinating stories—and the inclusion of lunch and entrance fees, removing the usual hassle of planning logistics. It’s a good option if you prefer a relaxed pace and insider insights. A possible consideration is that the tour involves quite a bit of walking and some sightseeing in potentially crowded locations, so comfortable shoes are a must.

This tour suits history buffs, culture seekers, or anyone wanting a comprehensive yet manageable introduction to Beijing’s imperial sites. It’s especially appealing for those who appreciate having transportation and tickets taken care of, allowing you to focus on enjoying the sites and learning from your guide.

Key Points

• All-inclusive convenience: includes entrance fees, lunch, transportation, and guide service.
• Flexible scheduling: start times can be adjusted to suit your plans.
• Expert guides: knowledgeable, enthusiastic hosts who share engaging stories.
• Comprehensive itinerary: visits to the Ming Tombs, Sacred Way, and Summer Palace in one day.
• Authentic experience: walk the Sacred Way with its impressive statues, explore ancient tombs, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Summer Palace gardens.
• Value for money: at $188, the tour offers a well-rounded, stress-free way to see some of Beijing’s top sites.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Your Day with Ease

The tour begins with hotel pickup in central Beijing—an advantage that saves you the stress of navigating the city on your own. The vehicle is private and comfortable, ensuring a smooth ride from your hotel to the first stop. The flexibility in start times means you can choose a morning that works best for you, whether you’re early risers or prefer a more relaxed start.

Visiting the Ming Tombs and Sacred Way

The primary focus of this tour is to explore the Ming Tombs, the final resting place of 13 Ming emperors. We appreciated the chance to see either Dingling or Changling—both significant but offering different insights. Dingling, for example, is notable as the only tomb that has been excavated, revealing underground palaces filled with stone carvings and burial chambers. One reviewer shared that “Dingling was the only one to have been excavated,” which makes it a fascinating visit for those interested in Ming history.

The Sacred Way adds a layer of grandeur to the experience. Walking beneath rows of stone statues—lions, elephants, camels, officials—your guide shares stories about their symbolic importance. One visitor described it as a “series of impressive stone statues, including lions, elephants, camels, and officials,” which were originally placed to guard the tombs. This part of the tour captures the essence of imperial China’s elaborate tomb customs and offers excellent photo opportunities.

Lunch and Transition

Midday, you’ll pause for a traditional Chinese lunch at a local restaurant. This breaks up the day and gives you a chance to sample authentic flavors in a relaxed setting—an aspect highly praised in reviews. The food is described as delicious and well-structured, offering good value for the price.

Exploring the Summer Palace

Post-lunch, the tour moves to the Summer Palace, a sprawling imperial garden and UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you’ll find breathtaking scenery, elegant architecture, and several highlights like the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the Long Corridor with its colorful paintings, and the iconic Marble Boat.

We loved the way the guide explained the significance of each site, from the Hall where Empress Dowager Cixi once handled affairs, to the stories behind the Marble Boat—built to symbolize stability with its name “Qingyan Fang,” implying the boat would never sink.

Optional Boat Ride and Personal Scenery

While the boat ride on Kunming Lake is not included, it’s highly recommended if you want a leisurely way to take in the scenery. The view of the Seventeen-Arch Bridge and the palaces lining the lakeshore is truly memorable. Many visitors, including one reviewer, found the scenery calming and picturesque, adding a peaceful conclusion to a busy day.

End of the Tour

Your guide will escort you back to your hotel, providing an opportunity to reflect on the day’s discoveries. The private nature of the tour means you can linger at sites or ask questions without feeling rushed, which many found valuable.

The Value of This Tour

At $188, this tour presents notable value considering what’s included: guided commentary, transportation, entrance fees, and lunch. Instead of navigating crowded sites alone or booking multiple tickets separately, this experience streamlines everything, allowing you to focus on the sites and stories. Several reviews highlighted how “effortless” and “relaxing” the day was, with guides helping navigate busy areas, which can be a real time-saver.

The private guide’s enthusiasm and local knowledge bring the sites to life, transforming what could be just a sightseeing trip into a meaningful cultural experience. Whether it’s the stories of Ming emperors or the legends behind the statues, these details add depth to your understanding.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This adventure is perfect for history lovers who want a thorough overview without the hassle of planning each stop. It appeals to travelers who value comfort and convenience, as logistics are handled for you. It’s also a good choice for those who prefer a flexible schedule, making it adaptable to your pace and interests.

If you’re short on time but want a broad, meaningful introduction to Beijing’s imperial sites, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for visitors who enjoy guided storytelling, scenic walks, and authentic local cuisine.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off within central Beijing, making logistics simple and stress-free.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 8 hours, allowing plenty of time to explore each site without feeling rushed.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, admission tickets to the Ming Tombs and Summer Palace are included in the price.

Can I choose between Dingling and Changling?
Yes, you can select to visit either the tomb of Emperor Zhu Yijun (Dingling) or Emperor Zhu Di (Changling), depending on your interests.

Is lunch included?
Indeed, a traditional Chinese meal is part of the package, giving you a taste of local cuisine.

What optional activities are available?
You can opt to take a boat ride on Kunming Lake at your own expense for a scenic view of the Summer Palace.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the sites involve some walking and uneven surfaces.

Is this tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, it operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for the day’s forecast.

Final Thoughts

This private tour offers a well-rounded, hassle-free way to experience some of Beijing’s most iconic imperial sites. The combination of expert guides, included logistics, and authentic experiences makes it a fantastic choice for anyone eager to understand China’s royal past without the burden of planning every detail.

If you’re someone who appreciates storytelling, scenic beauty, and cultural depth, this tour will satisfy your curiosity and leave you with memorable impressions. The attention to detail and the personalized nature of the experience ensure you won’t just see the sites—you’ll understand them better.

For travelers seeking a comprehensive, comfortable, and insightful day in Beijing, this tour strikes a balance between value and authentic experience, making it a smart choice for most visitors eager to explore the city’s imperial history.