A professional guide and driver will arrive promptly at your downtown Beijing hotel. Enjoy door-to-door private transfer throughout the day, eliminating the hassle of transportation. The drive from downtown hotels to the Summer Palace takes approximately 30-40 minutes (varies slightly based on hotel location and traffic conditions). En route, your guide will briefly introduce tour highlights and key notes. Upon arrival, follow your guide to enter the Summer Palace through its main gate, the East Palace Gate, and embark on an immersive journey through this imperial garden.

The tour route is arranged for optimal flow: start with a visit to the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity-the core political venue of the imperial garden. It was the place where the Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu held court and handled government affairs. The hall is decorated with magnificent furniture and imperial symbols. Inside, you can see a throne where the emperor sat, surrounded by various precious antiques and decorations. The architecture of the hall is a blend of traditional Chinese style, with its upturned eaves and wooden structures, reflecting the imperial power and dignity of that time.

Continue onward to the Hall of Joyful Longevity (Leshou Tang), a former residence of Empress Dowager Cixi. Next, head to the Long Corridor (Long Lang), a masterpiece of Chinese garden architecture. Your guide will share fascinating stories behind the thousands of colorful paintings on the corridor’s ceiling, depicting historical events, myths, and landscapes.

After the Long Corridor, you can choose to take a dragon - boat cruise on the Kunming Lake (at your own expense). The lake covers a large area and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. During the cruise, you can admire the pavilions, temples, and bridges that dot the lakeshore. The Western Hills in the distance provide a stunning backdrop, creating a picture - perfect view. You can see the Seventeen - Arch Bridge, which spans the lake and connects the South Island to the east bank. The bridge is decorated with stone lions of different shapes and sizes, adding to its charm.

Your tour of the Summer Palace concludes at the Marble Boat. This unique and famous structure is located on the northwest shore of Kunming Lake. The stone boat is made entirely of marble and was built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong. It has two floors and is decorated with intricate carvings. Not only does it serve as an interesting architectural feature, but it also symbolizes the stability of the imperial power, as the boat will never sink in the water.

After the Summer Palace tour, proceed to the Beijing Botanical Garden. Founded in 1956, this sprawling urban oasis boasts a rich history of plant conservation and research, housing over 1.5 million plants from more than 10,000 species worldwide. Explore its diverse zones, including the Rare Plant Garden, Peony Garden, and Ancient Tree Area, where you can admire vibrant seasonal blooms, rare exotic flora, and centuries-old trees. It’s a perfect retreat to unwind amid nature after the imperial garden tour. Conclude the day’s journey, and your guide and driver will transfer you back to your Beijing hotel safely and comfortably.