Beijing Private Day Tour to Tanzhe Temple & Marco Polo Bridge

Experience Beijing’s Hidden Gems: Tanzhe Temple & Marco Polo Bridge

If you’re craving a break from the bustling crowds at the Forbidden City or the Great Wall, this private day tour offers a peaceful alternative on the western outskirts of Beijing. For $160 per person, you’ll spend about 7 hours exploring two remarkable sites—Tanzhe Temple, a spiritual sanctuary over 1700 years old, and the Marco Polo Bridge, a historic crossing with stunning stone carvings and a fascinating past. Guided by friendly, professional guides and driven comfortably in private transportation, this tour balances authenticity and ease, making it ideal for those who want a more relaxed, culturally rich experience.

What we especially love about this experience is the chance to wander through Tanzhe Temple with its ancient architecture and tranquil surroundings — perfect for those seeking some peace of mind—and the opportunity to photograph the intricately carved lions on the Marco Polo Bridge, a site that’s as visually impressive as it is historically significant. A second highlight? The inclusion of all entrance tickets, simplifying the day and avoiding surprises.

One possible consideration is that this tour is quite long, about nine hours, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a full day of sightseeing. Also, since meals are at your own expense, you might want to plan for a light breakfast or bring snacks. Overall, if you enjoy discovering lesser-known sites with expert guidance, this tour hits the sweet spot.

This experience is perfect for travelers who prefer a mix of spirituality, history, and scenic views without the crowds. It suits those who appreciate detailed stories from knowledgeable guides and want to see two very different sides of Beijing—its spiritual heritage and its place in global exploration.

Key Points

• Authentic experiences: Visit Tanzhe Temple, a spiritual site over 1700 years old, and the Marco Polo Bridge, known for its exquisite carvings.
• All logistics handled: Private guide, driver, entrance tickets included—no fuss, just focus on the sights.
• Flexible planning: The tour is about 9 hours long, giving plenty of time at each site and a comfortable pace.
• Authentic photo opportunities: Capture the finely carved stone lions and scenic views without tourist crowds.
• Ideal for relaxed sightseeing: Perfect for travelers who want an authentic, less commercialized look at Beijing’s historical sites.
• Self-catering: Meals are not included, so plan ahead for lunch or bring snacks.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting the Day: Comfortable Pickup and Transportation

The tour begins with a hotel pickup around 8:30 am, a considerate feature that saves you from figuring out transport in a foreign city. Your guide, whose name isn’t specified but is described as professional and engaging, will accompany you throughout the day in a private vehicle. The drive to the Western Hills takes approximately 40 km from downtown Beijing, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery even before you step out of the city.

This private setup improves the experience significantly. You won’t be stuck in a crowded bus or waiting on others, and the driver handles all the logistics, enabling you to focus purely on the sights.

Stop 1: Tanzhe Temple — A Spiritual Oasis

Arriving at Tanzhe Si, you’ll be greeted by a temple that has been a place of worship for over 1700 years. The Buddhist architecture is both charming and evocative, blending well with the surrounding natural environment. Expect to wander freely, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and learning about its religious significance from your guide.

The fact that entrance tickets are included adds to the overall value, and you’ll appreciate the chance to explore at your own pace. The reviews highlight how stunning the temple is and how our guide, nicknamed Jackie, made the visit especially memorable. One reviewer noted, “The temple is stunning and our tour guide, Jackie, was fantastic. He had such amazing knowledge.”

Stop 2: Marco Polo Bridge — History and Photography

After about two hours at Tanzhe Temple, the journey continues to the Lugou Qiao (commonly called Marco Polo Bridge). Marco Polo himself described it as “the most beautiful river bridge in the world,” and you’ll see why. The bridge’s finely carved lions along the railings are especially striking, making it a fantastic spot for photos.

Beyond the bridge, you’ll find the Wanping Fortress, a 17th-century construction housing the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. This provides a compelling historical context, especially relevant considering the bridge’s role in modern history.

While admission to the bridge itself isn’t included, your guide will help you appreciate the craftsmanship and its significance. Many travelers find this site a perfect blend of scenic beauty and historical depth, with the added bonus of fewer crowds compared to more touristy locations.

End of Day: Return and Reflection

After about an hour at the Marco Polo Bridge, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. This thoughtful arrangement means you can relax after an immersive day, reflecting on the tranquility of Tanzhe Temple and the historic grandeur of the bridge.

The Practicalities

The tour costs $160 per person, which is quite reasonable considering it covers all entrance tickets, transport, and guiding services. The tour is suitable for most travelers, provided you’re comfortable with walking and a full day of sightseeing. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and the dress code is smart casual, making it suitable for a range of travelers.

Meals are not included, so plan to dine in Beijing either before or after your tour. Also, note that there is an extra fee after 6 hours, so if you wish to extend your visit, budget accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate authentic, less tourist-heavy sites. If you love exploring spiritual places or historic sites with knowledgeable guides, you’ll find this tour very rewarding. It’s especially appealing if you want a scenic escape from the hustle of central Beijing, combined with rich stories about China’s past. The small group size or private arrangement makes it ideal for those seeking a more personalized experience.

The Sum Up

This private tour to Tanzhe Temple and Marco Polo Bridge offers a refreshing glimpse into Beijing’s quieter corners. It’s perfect for travelers who want a balance of history, spirituality, and scenic beauty without the crowds or commercial feel. With all logistics taken care of, the focus is firmly on enjoying and learning from two very different but equally meaningful sites.

You’ll love the insightful guidance and the stunning views, making it a memorable addition to your Beijing itinerary. It’s a well-priced, thoughtfully organized experience that deepens your appreciation of the city’s lesser-known treasures, especially if you prefer a relaxed pace and authentic atmosphere.

If you’re interested in exploring beyond the usual tourist spots and seeking peace and history, this tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 7 hours, roughly from 8:30 am to around 4 pm, including travel time and site visits.

Are entrance tickets included?
Yes, all entrance tickets for Tanzhe Temple and the Marco Polo Bridge are included in the price.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, smart casual attire and walking shoes are recommended, as there is some walking involved at both sites.

Does the tour include meals?
No, meals are at your own expense. You might want to bring snacks or plan for lunch outside the tour.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, private transportation is included for the entire day, making the logistics hassle-free.

Can children join the tour?
Yes, children can participate but must be accompanied by an adult.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before are not refundable.

This detailed exploration of two of Beijing’s quieter sites shows that a day spent with expert guides and comfortable transport can give you a richer, more relaxed experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or just someone wanting to see a different side of Beijing, this tour offers a thoughtful, engaging way to spend your day.