CN-PEKBLT39 – Summer Palace and Beijing Zoo (Panda) Half Day Tour – Private

Your morning 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 breathtaking 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 World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design. Explore its six scenic areas: the Halls, Longevity Hill (divided into front and back slopes), Kunming Lake—home to three serene islands (Nanhu, Zaojiantang, and Zhijingge)—the Farming and Weaving Picture Scenic Area, the iconic Long Corridor, and the Central Axis lined with pavilions and temples. The West Dam splits the lake in two, while the East Dam, built during the reign of the Guangxu Emperor, adds to the garden’s elegant balance.

After your peaceful morning amidst lakes and pavilions, enjoy a delicious authentic Chinese lunch at a beautiful local restaurant.

In the afternoon, head to the Beijing Zoo to meet China’s most treasured residents: the giant pandas. The highlight is the Panda Hall, built in 1989 and spanning 2.5 acres (10,000 sq m). Designed to resemble a traditional Chinese garden and shaped like a Tai Chi diagram, the hall offers both a visually stunning and comfortable environment for these beloved animals. Watch them munch on bamboo, play, or nap in their serene habitat—a truly heartwarming experience.

After this delightful encounter, you’ll be comfortably transferred back to your hotel.