Imperial Gardens & Olympic Icons: Summer Palace, Old Summer Palace & Beijing’s Modern Landmarks

Make the most of your stay in Beijing with a fully customizable private sightseeing ride that blends imperial elegance with modern innovation. Relax in the comfort of your own vehicle as your Welcomer shares historical context, architectural insights, and local knowledge that help connect centuries of Beijing’s evolution into one cohesive story.

Suggested Itinerary

Begin your day at 1Summer Palace, the magnificent lakeside retreat where Qing Dynasty emperors once escaped the summer heat. As you explore the scenic grounds for approximately two hours, your driver will explain the symbolism behind the design, the role of the imperial family, and how this vast garden complex reflects classical Chinese landscape philosophy.

After your visit, enjoy time for lunch at your own pace. Your Welcomer can recommend reliable local restaurants nearby, allowing you to choose according to your preferences and arrange your meal independently.

Continue toward 2Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan), where the atmospheric ruins of the Old Summer Palace tell a powerful chapter of Beijing’s history. As you walk through the remains of this once-lavish imperial complex, your driver will provide context about its destruction and the cultural memory it represents today.

In the afternoon, shift from imperial past to modern pride as you arrive at 3Bird’s Nest (National Stadium). This world-famous stadium, built for the 2008 Olympics, showcases Beijing’s contemporary global identity and bold architectural ambition.

Just nearby, pause at 4Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), whose striking design contrasts beautifully with the traditional sites visited earlier in the day. Together, these Olympic landmarks offer a visual reminder of how Beijing continues to reinvent itself.

The schedule is designed to remain flexible and comfortable. If certain stops require more time, your driver will wait, ensuring a relaxed and stress-free experience.

At the end of your sightseeing ride, your friendly Welcome Driver will drop you off at your accommodation.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to balance imperial serenity with modern landmarks—covering Beijing’s historic grandeur and contemporary energy without fatigue.

Important Notes

➜ Your driver is a local, English-speaking professional. While not a licensed tour guide, they’re always happy to share stories, insights, and recommendations — much like a knowledgeable friend showing you around.

➜ Pickup and drop-off are included from any centrally located hotel, B&B, or apartment in the city area. Your driver will meet you at the selected location and assist you before the ride begins.

➜ Airport and port pickups/drop-offs are not included in the standard sightseeing ride. If you need one, simply book an additional transfer for seamless service.

➜ Entrance tickets are not included. Your driver can guide you on the best way to book tickets for the attractions you’d like to visit.

➜ The itinerary is flexible — feel free to skip stops, stay longer, or add new locations based on your interests and available time.

➜ Please mention any special requirements (service animals, accessibility needs, oversized luggage, etc.) in the booking notes so we can ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.