Private 4-Hour Summer Palace Tour: Kunming Lake & Longevity Hill with Expert Guide
Skip the packed lanes and explore Beijing’s Summer Palace with a certified guide in a private four-hour tour. See Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill and quieter viewpoints while learning the Qing-era history that shaped these gardens.
The Experience
Before You Go
Meet at Beigongmen Exit D
Arrive 10 minutes early to meet your guide at Beigongmen subway station Exit D—this is the stated rendezvous point for the 1:30 pm start.
Carry a refillable water bottle
You’ll walk several kilometers across paved paths and up stone steps; water fountains are limited so hydrate before and during the tour.
Protect against sun and heat
Summer months get hot and crowded—bring sun protection and consider a morning alternative if you’re sensitive to heat.
Bring your passport or ID for ticketing
Tickets are mobile/paper accepted but guides often need passport info for booking—have ID on hand.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Suzhou Street canal shops for quieter waterside views
- •The eastern terrace of Longevity Hill for sunset sightlines over Kunming Lake
Wildlife
- •Common carp in Kunming Lake
- •Resident and migratory water birds such as herons
Conservation Note
High visitor numbers strain lawns and banks during peak season—stick to marked paths, don’t feed wildlife, and follow guide instructions to help preserve the site.
Constructed and expanded during the Qing dynasty, the Summer Palace was rebuilt after 19th-century conflicts and later refurbished by Empress Dowager Cixi; it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site for its imperial garden design.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Closed, supportive shoes help on stone steps and long corridors.
Refillable water bottleEssential
Staying hydrated is key during summer heat and long walks.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)Essential
The lake and open terraces offer little shade at midday.
Light daypack
Holds water, extra layer, and camera while keeping hands free.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and where do we meet?
The tour is four hours; the meeting point is Beigongmen subway station Exit D at the scheduled start time (itinerary lists 1:30 pm).
Is admission included?
Yes, the entrance ticket to the Summer Palace is included in the booking price.
Will we take a boat on Kunming Lake?
A short boat ride is often available to gain a lakeside perspective; availability can depend on weather and season and may be optional.
Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?
The tour is generally suitable for most ages but includes stairs and uneven surfaces; contact the operator ahead of time for mobility accommodations.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
Beijing, Beijing
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect 3–5 km of walking with some stairs and uneven stone steps.
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