Imperial Gardens & Sacred Spaces (48-72 Hours)

Morning: The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan): Begin with a visit to the Summer Palace, a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Originally a royal garden, it became the primary summer retreat for the Qing court. The highlight is Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, inspired by West Lake in Hangzhou. You will walk along the Long Corridor, a 728-meter covered walkway adorned with thousands of paintings, and see the Marble Boat, a lakeside pavilion built on a stone base.

Afternoon: Beihai Park: After lunch, visit Beihai Park, one of the oldest and best-preserved imperial gardens in China, with origins dating back to the 11th century. The park centers on Beihai (North Sea), a large lake. Its main feature is the White Dagoba, a 40-meter-tall Tibetan-style stupa on Jade Flower Island, offering panoramic views of the city. The park's serene environment, complete with weeping willows and lotus ponds, provides a peaceful contrast to the urban surroundings.

Morning: The Lama Temple (Yonghegong): Dedicate your morning to the Lama Temple, the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple outside of Tibet. Initially built as a residence for Prince Yongzheng, it was converted into a lamasery in 1744. The temple is famous for its impressive collection of statues, particularly the magnificent 18-meter-high sandalwood Buddha carved from a single log in the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses. The fusion of Han, Manchu, and Tibetan architectural styles makes it a unique spiritual and artistic landmark.

Afternoon: Confucius Temple and Guozijian (Imperial College): Next, visit the Confucius Temple, dedicated to the great philosopher, and the adjacent Guozijian, the highest educational institution during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The temple grounds are lined with ancient ginkgo trees and stone tablets inscribed with the names of successful jinshi (imperial examination) candidates. This site offers insight into the Confucian-based education system that shaped Chinese society for centuries.