Full Day Historic Beijing Temples Pandas and Palaces

China’s capitol has grown from strength to strength in delivering Chinese culture and architecture even with modernisation taking over the city by storm. Its residents still draw lots of strength and devotion in preserving some fabled temples and palaces to solidify its past with its present. A full day of getting to know the other, stunning side of the capital with visits to temples, the all-encompassing Summer Palace and visit our furry black /white friends at the Panda Garden. All accompanied by a local, English speaking guide and lunch included.

Reconfirmation of the exact pick-up time affirms that you will be ready to be picked up and meet your fellow travelers for a day out and about in magnificent Beijing. After we have welcomed all guests, your driver for the day bring you to the Lama Temple, a holy temple complex and one of the most revered ones in the region. Once the residence of Emperor Yongzheng before he ascended the throne, it is now an impressive Buddhist temple (with even its own subway stop!) and it is now the largest and best-preserved Lamasery of Yellow Sect in in the city and thus make it worth the visit.

Panda bears are a national symbol and skipping these playful and cute animals marks the next stop on our day list. The Panda Garden at the Beijing Zoo is among the leading centres for research and preservation together with the main centre neat Chengdu. The giant panda is the rarest member of the bear family and among the world’s most threatened animals. It is universally loved, and has a special significance for WWF as it has been the organization's logo since 1961, the year WWF was founded. Seeing these cuddly animals in real will bring a smile to your face. Before we fill in the afternoon program, we head out to a local Chinese restaurant for lunch – the dishes served here represent a true taste of China!

The pearl industry may not be as big as in other destinations but it still is of significance for the economy. Right next to our lunch venue, the skilful artists of Li Heng Tang Pearl workshop will showcase and explain the art of pearl cultivation, all the way from harvesting these pretty stones to finding its way in a necklace of ring. We may have saved the best for last, after we get a final glimpse of all the shiny pearls on display, as we make our way to the Summer Palace. A summer retreat, exclusively for emperors for over nine dynasties, the Summer Palace was constructed in its current state by the last empress – Dowager Cixi – after being destroyed twice by foreign invaders after its foundation was laid in 1888. With palatial gardens, the lovely Kunming Lake, pagodas and mesmerizing vistas over the nearby hills, it is now official inscribed in the books as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.