palaces

Question

Are there any combined tickets for the summer palace, temple of heaven and the forbidden city? should I use guide phones or go with a guide? We are in Beijing for only three days layover. Thank you

Answer

In Beijing, the three major historical sites you mentioned—the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven—do not offer an official combined ticket for all three. Each attraction has its own ticketing system, so you will need to purchase tickets separately for each site.

Here’s a breakdown of each site:

Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Tickets are date-specific and sometimes sell out in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Online booking is recommended to secure your preferred time slot.
Summer Palace: Tickets are generally valid for a full day, and you can explore at your own pace. There are discounted tickets if you enter via specific gates or for certain sections.
Temple of Heaven: Tickets cover the main halls and surrounding park. It is less crowded early in the morning, which is also when locals do Tai Chi and morning exercises.

Regarding guides:

Guide phone / audio guide: This is a good option if you prefer exploring at your own pace. Most major attractions provide audio guides in English, which give historical context and highlight key points.
Hiring a guide: If this is your first visit and you want in-depth historical and cultural explanations, a local guide can save time and give richer insights. Guides can also help navigate ticket lines, especially at the Forbidden City.

Since you only have a three-day layover, a suggested approach is:

Day 1: Forbidden City and nearby Tiananmen Square, as they are close to each other.
Day 2: Temple of Heaven in the morning and explore nearby Hutongs (traditional alleys) in the afternoon.
Day 3: Summer Palace, ideally in the morning to avoid crowds, then a short evening walk along Wangfujing or other nearby streets.

Using either a guide or an audio guide depends on your preference for depth of information and flexibility. If you want detailed history and a smoother experience without worrying about logistics, a guide is recommended. If you prefer flexibility and a slower pace, the official audio guides will suffice.

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