Beijing Summer Palace & Panda House Tour: An Honest Review

Alright, planning a trip to Beijing? So, if you’re thinking about hitting up the Summer Palace and the Panda House all in one go, that is totally a popular option, as a matter of fact. Now, I recently did the “Beijing Summer Palace and Panda House Guided Tour,” and I’m here to give you the lowdown. Basically, I will cover what’s great, what’s maybe not so great, and if this tour is really something that your style is like. Honestly, no sugarcoating. By the way, stick around for the full scoop to make your Beijing adventure way more smooth.

First Impressions: Setting the Stage

The tour, it’s almost as if it started pretty early, like around 8 AM, to try to beat the crowds, that is pretty thoughtful of them, if you think about it. The meeting point, it tended to be rather central, like near a subway station, actually that made it pretty easy to find. Anyway, our tour guide, she seemed rather fluent in English, and definitely appeared knowledgeable, as a matter of fact, especially when it came to Beijing’s story. So, first impressions? Arguably, fairly decent, really. Anyway, ready to roll, we piled into a comfy bus, as I recall.

The Summer Palace: A Deep Breath of History

The Summer Palace, it’s almost like stepping back in time, basically. Yet, our guide, she actually did a stellar job bringing the place to life. First, she walked us through the gardens, and those, they were just utterly magnificent, actually. So, all those temples and pavilions? Obviously they looked incredible reflecting on Kunming Lake. Next, hearing stories about Empress Dowager Cixi, that really, you know, added depth, you see. Now, in a way, what I really appreciated, and you might too, is how the guide, she almost encouraged us to explore a bit on our own, too it’s almost to take it all in, instead of feeling rushed the entire time. Very important to do that if you’re interested in a deeper look at Beijing’s royalty!

Summer Palace: Points That Stood Out

• The Marble Boat: Honestly, way more impressive to view it in person, in fact the stories around it are somewhat interesting too.
• Long Corridor: That’s definitely something you will appreciate, the intricate paintings are almost pretty fantastic, clearly each tells its very own story, and definitely a place where taking your time is ideal!
• Kunming Lake: The boat ride is absolutely worthy it, especially on a nice weather day. I think it shows a cool view and some other scenic routes!

Panda House: Cuteness Overload!

Next up, anyway, the Panda House, that’s totally everyone’s favorite part, right? Frankly, getting to watch those fluffy pandas munch on bamboo and just be their cute selves is something to appreciate. So, it’s worth seeing these bears do things. The tour guide there, she sort of knew her stuff about panda behavior and conservation, and that’s clearly what made it a bit better, as well as getting those small bits of information, obviously. Now, is that something you’d really want to see? Obviously if you like panda bears! Also I saw this tip online, and if you plan on seeing this spot you have to arrive early, so maybe that’s an issue since the other place is first, but clearly the most rewarding, definitely if you want to avoid the crowds.

Panda House: Some Helpful Tips

• Best Times: Definitely try to go when the pandas might be more active, like morning feeding times. It’s almost they know that they have fans!
• Photography: Of course, you will bring your camera! Actually, try to be respectful of other people’s space, and that is pretty much the best time, definitely without using flash, seriously.

The Good, The Not-So-Good, and the Verdict

What’s great about the tour? Well, actually, I think the organization was really really good. Frankly, getting transport, the guidance, and the two spots that were clearly must see are pretty great. Anyway, the guide was truly attentive, obviously, as a matter of fact she had very solid info about anything that we were asking, that is a plus! So, something that could be better, more or less? We, as a matter of fact we did feel somewhat rushed at the Panda House, and frankly some more time there, in that case it might really improve the overall experience. As for the verdict, more or less? This tour, that is truly pretty good for folks who are pretty short on time but yet want to get that really iconic taste of Beijing.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

• Pros: Expertly organized, super knowledgeable guide, covers two top attractions, decent transport
• Cons: Time at the Panda House seems somewhat short, sometimes feels too touristy (lots of crowds).

Would I Recommend This Tour?

So, would I tell other people to do this tour, that is almost definitely what you’d be asking. Now, if you are into getting everything organized and done smoothly and in a day then the answer is “yes, obviously”, as a matter of fact! Still, if you want a little freedom and like taking your time when looking at the panda, or old places from history, then you have to plan that out a bit yourself. It, that is almost just what you are really after, really.

Things To Note

Things to think about include tour prices. They might seem pretty cheap or very pricey depending on things like what’s included, time of year, if you will receive meals, and how long the tour is. Check out the different tour plans that best work for what you’re looking for.

Final Thoughts

By the way, Beijing has two popular stops for the travel curious person, Summer Palace for Chinese Royalty, and Panda House with bamboo eating fluffy buddies. I, personally recommend seeing those guys, in some respects, especially if your day looks clear, it may or may not make it to your standards and desires, however the ability to quickly access it, arguably it makes up for any shortcomings, maybe that is an option that you need in your life.

So, that’s my experience. Enjoy getting out there, guys!

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