Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven & Summer Palace (WITH LUNCH)

This tranquil park is often a favorite stop for visitors to Beijing, as it provides them with an authentic look into local life in this city. On any given day, it is possible to see enthusiastic groups of Beijingers practicing Tai Chi, playing traditional instruments, or singing Peking Opera. The grounds consist of a sequence of buildings and altars set in beautiful groves of cypress trees. Learn more about the fascinating history behind this massive, circular structure and see local life unfold before your eyes in this very special visit to the Temple of Heaven.

Followed by Summer Place in the afternoon The Summer Palace is one of the largest and bestpreserved imperial gardens in the world. In the 18th century, Emperor Qianlong enlarged and embellished it, only to abandon it a few years later. The grounds today are stunning, as is the lovely Kunming Lake, which occupies more than three quarters of the total area. Enjoy a boat ride before walking the Long Corridor, a 728-metre (well over 2000-foot) hall featuring 8000 paintings collected by the Emperor during his travels around the country.