CN-PEKBLT35 – Temple of Heaven, Hutong and Summer Palace – Private

Your day begins with a hotel pickup between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM by your local English-speaking tour guide and private driver.

First, visit the sublime Temple of Heaven—a UNESCO World Heritage Site hailed as “a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design” that embodies an ancient Chinese cosmology. In imperial times, the Emperor—revered as the Son of Heaven—performed sacred rituals here to maintain harmony between heaven and earth, primarily praying for bountiful harvests.

Twice a year, the Emperor and his entire court would process in solemn silence from the Forbidden City to encamp within this sacred complex, wearing ritual robes and abstaining from meat. Ordinary citizens were forbidden from witnessing the ceremony. At the winter solstice, the Emperor would ascend the Earthly Mount to offer prayers directly to Heaven—any mistake, it was believed, could bring misfortune to the entire nation.

As you explore, your guide will reveal the profound symbolism of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests: supported by four dragon pillars (each representing a season), twelve inner pillars for the lunar months, and twelve outer pillars symbolizing the traditional two-hour divisions of the day.

After this spiritual immersion, enjoy a delicious authentic Chinese lunch at a beautiful local restaurant.

Next, step into the soul of old Beijing with a deep-dive walking tour through the city’s legendary Hutongs. The word “hutong” comes from the Mongolian “hottog,” meaning “water well,” and these alleyways first appeared during the Yuan Dynasty under Kublai Khan. Today, they form a labyrinth of courtyards, bicycles, and daily life—a living museum of Beijing’s grassroots culture.

Begin your walk along Huguoshi Hutong, a 600-meter historic street once home to the Huguo Temple and now famed for its Old Beijing snacks. Sample local delicacies before heading into Mianhua Hutong, where you’ll watch artisans transform soybeans into fresh tofu and soy milk—a staple of northern Chinese cuisine.

Stroll past bustling vegetable stalls, tiny convenience shops, and even a curious cluster of medical supply stores near a hospital. Then, arrive at a lively lakeside spot where locals fish, swim, and gather. Pass through a government-subsidized outdoor exercise park, chat with neighborhood elders, and sip on xuan nai—a traditional fermented milk drink beloved by Beijingers.

In the late afternoon, travel to the enchanting Summer Palace—a 2.9-square-kilometer (1.1 sq mi) imperial retreat where three-quarters of the area is water. Centered around Longevity Hill and the shimmering Kunming Lake, this UNESCO-listed garden blends poetry, nature, and architecture into one harmonious landscape. Discover its six scenic zones: the Halls, Longevity Hill (front and back slopes), Kunming Lake—with its three islands (Nanhu, Zaojiantang, Zhijingge)—the Farming and Weaving Picture Scenic Area, the legendary Long Corridor, and the Central Axis lined with pavilions and temples.

At the end of this richly layered day—spanning celestial ritual, neighborhood life, and imperial elegance—you’ll be comfortably transferred back to your hotel.