Your private guide meets you at the east gate. Within 5 minutes, you're standing on the Marble Boat — a lakeside folly Empress Cixi built using funds meant for the navy. 'She preferred beauty to battleships,' your guide says. Then a private boat across Kunming Lake, the Long Corridor's 14,000 painted panels, and a climb up Longevity Hill for the view that made emperors forget the Forbidden City existed.
With a private guide who shares insider knowledge, every moment becomes a story.
"We skip the crowded ferry. I arrange a private wooden boat — the kind Empress Cixi's ladies-in-waiting used. From the water, you see the entire palace unfold: Longevity Hill, the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, the Jade Belt Bridge. The reflections on the lake at 10am are worth the entire trip."
At 728 meters, it's the longest painted corridor in the world. Each crossbeam tells a different story from Chinese mythology. Your guide picks 5-6 panels to translate — the Monkey King stealing peaches, the Eight Immortals crossing the sea — making the walk a living storybook.
A 10-minute climb to the Tower of Buddhist Incense. Kunming Lake spreads below like a mirror, and on clear days you can see the mountains west of Beijing. Empress Cixi watched fireworks from this exact spot.
"Late afternoon is my favorite time. The setting sun aligns perfectly with the 17 arches of this bridge — each one frames the sun like a golden coin. Photographers spend hours here. With our timing, you get the shot in 15 minutes."
A glimpse of what awaits — captured at the quiet moments only a private guide can find.
"The public ferry is crowded. My family has used the same boatman for 20 years. From the lake, you see palace details invisible from land."
"Empress Cixi diverted navy funds to build this two-story marble 'boat' that cannot float. Your guide tells you which naval battle China lost because of this very boat."
"This tucked-away garden is a miniature Suzhou garden replica. Most tours skip it because it requires a 10-minute detour. With us, 30 unhurried minutes amid lotus flowers."
"Near the north gate, a restaurant in a restored Qing building recreates dishes from Empress Cixi's actual banquet menus — sourced from palace archives. Tour groups eat at the cafeteria."
"Photograph from the east side at 9am — the reflection creates a perfect circle. I guide you to the exact spot."
"A three-story theater with trap doors, water features, and hidden platforms for flying actors. Your guide explains how they created rain and snow effects 150 years ago."
Don't just take our word for it — hear from travelers who have experienced our service.
One of best customer service experience and transportation I have ever received. I would have highly recommend using this service for all your needs. Huda deserves a 5 STAR rating ★
Loved my trip to China (Shanghai, Suzhou, Beijing) thanks to HCT. My travel agent, Huda, was responsive and efficient. Everything was organized to perfection including the guides, the drivers, the cars, the excursions. They also provided the invitation letter I needed and were very accommodating whenever plans had to change. Even when something wasn't available, they found great alternatives. I highly recommend them for your visit to China.
First time using this company and arranged a solo trip to Zhangjiajie from 30 Aug to 5 Sept 2025. Making payment with Alipay was easy and itinerary was flexible since I also wanted to travel to Furong Ancient Town because I heard it was very beautiful and Huda helped to arrange for it. It was a well arranged trip and very scenic too. Will use this company again if I visit China next round.
I had just a short stopover in Hong Kong, but HelloChinaTrip organized everything perfectly. From the airport pickup to watching the city lights from Victoria Peak, it all went so smoothly. Our guide also showed us a small local dim sum place that tourists don't usually know about. Perfect!!
Tell us your dates. We'll arrange your guide, book your private boat on Kunming Lake, and design a Beijing day that flows perfectly. Free itinerary within 24 hours.
