Your relaxed day tour begins at the Yonghe Lamasery, one of the best examples of the region’s many sacred temples. Lama Temple reveals diverse architectural styles from Han, Mongolia, Manchuria and Tibet. The highlight is the impressive 60-foot (18-meter) Maitreya Buddha, carved from a single sandalwood tree. Next, it's on to the zoo to see one of the highpoints of any visit to Beijing, the frolicking pandas, China's living treasures.

After a stop for lunch, you'll visit the emperors’ retreat, the historic Summer Palace. Empress Dowager Cixi renovated the estate in the 19th century, installing the artificial lake we see today. After touring the ornate palace, you'll stroll through one of Beijing’s favorite parks and go on a shopping excursion to the Tianhou Silk Market.