TEMPLES & SHRINES · PRIVATE TEMPLE TOURS IN CHINA

Best Private Temple Tours in China — Our Top 15

34 tours  ·  from $7 a head

Every trip has one free morning too few. These 15 private temple tours in China justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide quickly and get back to packing.

All Inclusive Private Day Tour: Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace - Tiananmen Square in about 30 minutes
Beijing Temple Tours, China Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours in Beijing, Private Temple Tours in China, Temple of Heaven Tours, Temple Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

All Inclusive Private Day Tour: Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace

1.All Inclusive Private Day Tour: Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 190 reviews · from $138Our pick

Spend one packed day with a private guide and car at Beijing’s four major imperial sights. Guides such as Maggie, Wendy, Linda, and Lucy are praised for clear English, local food help, and flexible pacing. Hotel pickup, entry fees, bottled water, lunch, and transport are included.

“I had a great day, my guide was good talyored the tour at my pace which not easy as I wanted maximum sightseeing and photos. I learnt alot as we visited temples Tian'ammen Square, definitely if I did alone I would missed many things and not lean much. Even the optional boat trip offered unexpected views. A tour I would recommend as private so much better pace and details”

Check availability →Read our full review

Beijing Private Tour of Temple of Heaven, Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City - Temple of Heaven: start with ceremony and local life
Beijing Temple Tours, China Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours in Beijing, Private Temple Tours in China, Temple of Heaven Tours, Temple Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Beijing Private Tour of Temple of Heaven, Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City

2.Beijing Private Tour of Temple of Heaven, Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 184 reviews · from $100

Spend 6 to 7 hours with a private Beijing guide at the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, and Forbidden City. Guides such as Cindy, Lucy, Susan, and Alice are praised for clear English, history, family-friendly pacing, and smart crowd navigation. Choose subway travel or a private car with lunch.

“I had a great tour of The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven. Tony was very informative and set a nice pace on this tour. I really enjoyed learning about the history of all of these places. Great experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Beijing: Temple of Heaven and Forbidden City Private Tour - Tiananmen Square and the scale of Beijing
Beijing Temple Tours, China Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours in Beijing, Private Temple Tours in China, Temple of Heaven Tours, Temple Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Beijing: Temple of Heaven and Forbidden City Private Tour

3.Temple of Heaven and Forbidden City Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 110 reviews · from $97

Spend 6 to 8 hours with a private English-speaking guide at Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, and Forbidden City. Guides such as Lucy, Anson, Susan, and Jack are praised for clear history, flexible pacing, local food tips, and helpful photos. Optional lunch, car service, and hotel transfers add convenience.

“Susan was awesome! She made a number of opportunities happen. November personal touch.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Beijing Private Tour to Temple of Heaven, Panda House and Summer Palace - Walking beneath the painted Long Corridor
Beijing Temple Tours, China Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours in Beijing, Private Temple Tours in China, Temple of Heaven Tours, Temple Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Beijing Private Tour to Temple of Heaven, Panda House and Summer Palace

4.Beijing Private Tour to Temple of Heaven, Panda House and Summer Palace

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · from $141

Spend about eight hours with a private guide and driver visiting Beijing’s Panda House, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven. Expect hotel pickup, entrance fees, Chinese lunch, flexible pacing, and useful history from guides such as Lucy, Sherry, Judy, Susan, and Kevin.

“Very nice trip guided by Susan. She was very professional and knowleadgeble . I learned a lot about the beautiful places I visited . Really recomend the trip if you don’t have much time to spend in Beijing.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private Day to T-Square, Forbidden city, Temple of heaven, Summer palace Tour - Tiananmen Square: a short start with serious scale
Beijing Temple Tours, China Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours in Beijing, Private Temple Tours in China, Temple of Heaven Tours, Temple Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Private Day to T-Square, Forbidden city, Temple of heaven, Summer palace Tour

5.Private Day to T-Square, Forbidden city, Temple of heaven, Summer palace Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · from $182

Spend 8 to 9 hours with a private guide and driver visiting Beijing’s grandest imperial sights. Guides such as Susan, Wendy, Sunny, and Li Ming have led past departures. Transport, tickets, water, and Peking duck lunch are included, with English, Spanish, Russian, French, and German available.

“we just finished our day, with our guide Li Ming and it was a great day! the car is super spacious & clean, very safe driver. Li Ming is very knowledgeable and patiently waiting everytime we want to stop for photo, no rush at all! The great part is Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace&Forbidden City Private Tour - Tiananmen Square and its strict entrance routine
Beijing Temple Tours, China Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours in Beijing, Private Temple Tours in China, Temple of Heaven Tours, Temple Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace&Forbidden City Private Tour

6.Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace&Forbidden City Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 53 reviews · 8 hours · from $117

Spend eight hours with an English-speaking guide and private driver visiting Beijing’s imperial highlights. Your day includes Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace, with optional tickets and Chinese lunch. Guides such as Lily, Susan, and May Liu are praised for flexible pacing and vivid stories.

“May Liu was an excellent guide. She went all out to accommodate last minute requests. thank you May Liu”

Check availability →Read our full review

All Inclusive Private City Tour to Temple of Heaven, Tian'anmen Square Forbidden City and Summer Palace - Temple of Heaven: a calm start among imperial ritual buildings
Beijing Temple Tours, China Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours in Beijing, Private Temple Tours in China, Temple of Heaven Tours, Temple Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

All Inclusive Private City Tour to Temple of Heaven, Tian’anmen Square Forbidden City and Summer Palace

7.All Inclusive Private City Tour to Temple of Heaven, Tian’anmen Square Forbidden City and Summer Palace

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 50 reviews · from $198

You’ll visit four essential Beijing sights with a private guide and driver, starting at 8:30 a.m. Guides such as Felix, Lili, Coco, and Sherry are praised for clear explanations, patience, photos, and flexible pacing. Lunch, hotel transfers, and entrance fees are included, but the Summer Palace boat costs extra.

“Rita was a very knowledgeable tour guide, with the right pacing so we didn't feel rushed. It would have been a perfect day, but it rained towards the end of the tour. It would have been much better if umbrellas were readily available during the tour but overall it was great. Definitely recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private Leshan Giant Buddha and Local Food Tasting Trip - Getting from Chengdu East to Leshan
Chengdu Temple Tours, China Temple Tours, Food, Food & Drink, Private Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours in China, Temple Tours, Tour Reviews

Private Leshan Giant Buddha and Local Food Tasting Trip

8.Private Leshan Giant Buddha and Local Food Tasting Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 46 reviews · from $199

Travel privately from Chengdu to Leshan by high-speed train, climb Lingyun Hill, and see the 1,300-year-old Giant Buddha from above, below, or by river cruise. Your guide, including highly praised guides such as Lily, Penny, Jamie, and Cassie, adds local history and a Sichuan lunch.

“Penny was a great tour guide. Very knowledgeable about the history of the Leshan Buddha! Punctual and communicated well in English! Had a great time with her as my tour guide!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private Day Tour Forbidden City Lama Temple and Temple of Heaven - Two hours inside the Forbidden City
Beijing Temple Tours, China Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours in Beijing, Private Temple Tours in China, Temple of Heaven Tours, Temple Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Private Day Tour Forbidden City Lama Temple and Temple of Heaven

9.Private Day Tour Forbidden City Lama Temple and Temple of Heaven

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 39 reviews · from $7Best value

Spend about eight hours exploring Beijing’s imperial heart with a private car, driver, and English-speaking guide. Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Lama Temple, and Temple of Heaven, with entrance fees, hotel pickup, drop-off, and bottled water included.

“It was amazing visiting the most important Beijing highlights with Mary. My parents and I had a great time discovering the unbelievable Chinese heritage from the Forbidden city to the Lama temple and Temple of heaven and not to mention Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

All Inclusive Private Trip to Chengdu Giant Panda Base and Leshan Giant Buddha - From pandas to Leshan and a Sichuan lunch
Chengdu Temple Tours, China Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours in China, Temple Tours, Tour Reviews

All Inclusive Private Trip to Chengdu Giant Panda Base and Leshan Giant Buddha

10.All Inclusive Private Trip to Chengdu Giant Panda Base and Leshan Giant Buddha

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · from $249

Start early with a private guide at Chengdu Panda Base, where you can see baby, adolescent, adult, and red pandas before crowds build. After a Sichuan lunch in Leshan, choose the hill route or pay extra for a river cruise beneath the 71-meter Buddha. Guides include Amy, Lily, Lucy, Sharlene, and Sammi.

“Great day trip if you're short on time in Chengdu, my guide Lucy + our driver were both excellent. She knew the best ways to see as many pandas as possible in the time we had, and it was wonderful to have someone handling translations, tickets, food ordering, etc. Highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private Day Tour to Leshan Grand Buddha from Chengdu - The two-hour drive from Chengdu
Chengdu Temple Tours, China Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours in China, Temple Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Private Day Tour to Leshan Grand Buddha from Chengdu

11.Private Day Tour to Leshan Grand Buddha from Chengdu

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 26 reviews · from $224

Travel from Chengdu by private car to Leshan with an English-speaking guide. See the 71-meter Buddha from the temple, stairway, and optional river boat, visit Lingyun and Wuyou temples, and eat lunch at a local restaurant. Expect a long day, crowds, and a demanding stair walk.

“The weather was overcast making it dificult to get a view of the Buddah. While this is booked as a full day tour, I was back at the hotel by 3 in the afternoon. I thought it was overpriced for what it was. I do understand that most of the money goes toward the long ride and the driver waiting. There should be some back-up plan if the weather does not cooperate. The tour guide was knowledgeabl but didn't know what to do to compensate for the poor visability”

Check availability →Read our full review

Chengdu panda & Leshan Buddha One Day Private Tour - Starting early at Chengdu Panda Base
1-Day Tours, Chengdu Temple Tours, China Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours in China, Temple Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Chengdu panda & Leshan Buddha One Day Private Tour

12.Chengdu panda & Leshan Buddha One Day Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 25 reviews · 10 hours - 1 day · from $185

Spend 10 hours with a private guide and driver visiting Chengdu Panda Base and Leshan Giant Buddha. Guides such as Victor, Cora, Cherry, and Molly are praised for smart panda routes, clear English, cultural insight, and help with local planning. The Buddha is viewed by boat, not on foot.

“The perfect cuide for the perfect day. The tour was 10/10, the pandas adorable, the big budah impresive …. And Molly, our guide, made everything even better. This tour is a must if you spend some time in Chengdu”

Check availability →Read our full review

4-Hour Private Tour: Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, Guozijian Museum with Dim Sum - Entering Lama Temple and Yonghegong
Beijing Temple Tours, China Temple Tours, Museums, Private Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours in Beijing, Private Temple Tours in China, Temple of Heaven Tours, Temple Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

4-Hour Private Tour: Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, Guozijian Museum with Dim Sum

13.4-Hour Private Tour: Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, Guozijian Museum with Dim Sum

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · from $97

Spend three to four hours with a private English-speaking guide at Beijing’s Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, and Guozijian Museum. You’ll learn about Buddhism, Confucian education, and local customs, then share dim sum at a local restaurant. Guides may include Lucy, Ana, Jessie, Jack, or Roy.

“Great guide, patient and helpful. Beautiful place and good lunch. Recommended!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Leshan Buddha + Panda Base or Old Tea House Private Day Tour - Chengdu Panda Base: an active morning with animals
Chengdu Temple Tours, China Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours in China, Temple Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Leshan Buddha + Panda Base or Old Tea House Private Day Tour

14.Leshan Buddha + Panda Base or Old Tea House Private Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · from $99

Spend the morning at Chengdu Panda Base or Pengzhen’s old tea house, then travel by private car to Leshan Giant Buddha. Choose a boat, a walking route, or both. Guides such as Cora and Victor add useful local context, while tickets, lunch, and gratuity cost extra.

“Our guide was outstanding. The tea house is a real treat. And Victor took us to some really fun places to eat during the day. He was great and the day was a lot of fun. I rate Victor 5 stars but the overall tour only gets 4 stars because the Leshan Giant Buddha is a bit underwhelming. Cool, just not amazing. But the day was totally worth it.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Beijing:Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show & Dinner - The two-hour visit at the east gate
Beijing Temple Tours, China Temple Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Private Temple Tours, Private Temple Tours in Beijing, Private Temple Tours in China, Show, Temple of Heaven Tours, Temple Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Beijing:Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show & Dinner

15.Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show & Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 18 reviews · 2 - 8 hours · from $54

Choose a 2-hour Temple of Heaven visit with a guide such as Mina, Jay, or Miko, or build a longer private day around Beijing’s major sights. Add hotel transfers, the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, acrobatics, Pearl Market, or Peking duck dinner.

“Absolutely fantastic tour! Mina, our tour guide, made this experience perfect. First, she made it convenient to meet her outside the gate and had all tickets ready for different attractions within the temple of heaven. Her tour was both enjoyable and educational, and at an appropriate pace, showing us the key highlights and responding to all our questions. At the end, she was kind enough to recommend places for food and shopping in Beijing. Overall, it was an excellent experience and would definitely recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Private Temple Tours in China

★ 5.0Chengdu Panda & Leshan Giant Buddha Premium Private Day TourFrom $1289 reviews
★ 4.52-Day Private Tour of Leshan Grand Buddha and Emei Shan including Monastery StayFrom $5138 reviews
★ 5.0Summer Palace and Temple Of Heaven Private TourFrom $1629 reviews
★ 5.0Private Half-day Tour Tiananmen Square ,Forbidden City and Temple of HeavenFrom $16910 reviews
★ 5.0Private Beijing Day Tour : Summer Palace And Temple of HeavenFrom $1689 reviews
★ 4.5Temple of Heaven Private Tour with Extra Scenic Spots Added OnFrom $6011 reviews
★ 4.9Private Tour to Leshan Giant Buddha & Huanglongxi Old TownFrom $21810 reviews
★ 5.0Private Tour: Discovering Pandas & the Majestic Giant BuddhaFrom $2709 reviews
★ 5.0Luoyang Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple&Longmen GrottoesFrom $26810 reviews
★ 4.8Lantau Private Coach, Tai O & Big Buddha TourFrom $468 reviews
★ 4.9Leshan Grand Buddha Full-Day Private TripFrom $13412 reviews
★ 4.2Chengdu Private Tour of Leshan Buddha and Panda BaseFrom $3258 reviews
★ 5.0Customizable Temple and Religious Sites Private TourFrom $7711 reviews

Keep browsing

Angkor Wat Tours164Uluwatu & Tanah Lot Temple Tours108Grand Palace & Wat Pho Tours83Fushimi Inari Shrine Tours51Temple Sunrise Tours107Temple Tours1718
Scroll to Top

Temples by kind

Sunrise, sunset, on foot or by tuk-tuk.

The big ones

Angkor WatBorobudur & PrambananUluwatu & Tanah LotGrand Palace & Wat PhoFushimi Inari

Time of day

Sunrise ToursSunset ToursKecak Fire DanceTemple WalksTuk-Tuk Circuits

How you go

Private GuidesHotel PickupTemples & WaterfallsMonkey ForestWater Temples

Beyond Asia

Karnak & the KingsAbu Simbel & PhilaeAcropolisMeteoraRila Monastery