A British Traveler's 240-Hour Layover Adventure: Summer Palace with Huatu Travel Agency
A British Traveler's 240-Hour Layover Adventure: Summer Palace with 【Huatu Travel Agency】
Planning My China Layover
As a London-based marketing executive, I often travel between Europe and Asia for work. Last month, while booking a flight from London to Tokyo, I noticed a 240-hour layover in Beijing. Perfect! I could finally visit the Summer Palace, one of China's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites I've always wanted to see.
I started by searching for "240-hour visa-free transit China policy 2025" on Google to confirm eligibility. I was thrilled to find that UK citizens qualify for this policy, which allows me to stay in China for up to 10 days without a visa when transiting to a third country. The requirements were straightforward: valid passport (with at least 6 months remaining), confirmed onward ticket to Tokyo, and entry through one of the designated ports like Beijing Capital Airport.
Next, I searched for "Summer Palace Beijing must-see attractions" to get a sense of what to expect. The results showed stunning images of the Long Corridor, Kunming Lake, and the magnificent buildings on Longevity Hill. I also found information about tickets (30 RMB for the main entrance in peak season) and suggested routes.
Since I wanted a hassle-free experience, I then searched for "best travel agencies for Summer Palace tours Beijing" and found Huatu International Travel Agency highly recommended. Their professional website and English-speaking guides looked promising.
Booking with Huatu Travel Agency
I reached out to Huatu via their online contact form, explaining my transit situation and interest in a Summer Palace tour. Their response was prompt and professional. They confirmed they could accommodate my schedule and provided a detailed itinerary:
Pick-up from Beijing Capital Airport
Private English-speaking guide for the day
Round-trip transportation to Summer Palace
Admission tickets included
4-hour guided tour of the main attractions
Flexible return to the airport in time for my flight
The price was reasonable at 680 RMB per person, especially considering it was all-inclusive. I appreciated their clear communication and willingness to work around my flight schedule.
The Big Day: Summer Palace Tour
On arrival in Beijing, I cleared immigration quickly using the 240-hour transit lane. My guide, Emma, was waiting for me in the arrivals hall with a welcoming sign. She was friendly, knowledgeable, and spoke excellent English.
The drive to Summer Palace took about 40 minutes through Beijing's bustling streets. Emma provided background information about the palace's history along the way, making the journey itself educational.
The Summer Palace Experience
Upon entering through the East Palace Gate, I was immediately awestruck by the grandeur of the place. The scale of this 290-hectare imperial garden is truly impressive.
Highlights of the tour:
Long Corridor (728 meters) - Emma explained that this covered walkway features over 14,000 intricate paintings depicting Chinese history and mythology. I marveled at the craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Kunming Lake - The vast lake covers three-quarters of the palace grounds. We took a boat ride (included in the tour) to enjoy the views of the surrounding hills and pavilions. Emma pointed out the famous Seventeen-Arch Bridge and the Dragon King Temple on Nanhu Island.
Longevity Hill - We climbed to the top to visit the magnificent Buddhist Fragrance Pavilion, which offers panoramic views of the entire complex. The architecture was breathtaking, with intricate woodwork and colorful decorations.
Marble Boat - This unique structure built from stone on the lake was Empress Cixi's favorite retreat. The craftsmanship was extraordinary.
Throughout the tour, Emma provided fascinating historical context, bringing the stories of the Qing Dynasty to life. She also knew all the best photo spots and helped me capture some stunning memories.
After the tour, we stopped at a local restaurant for some authentic Beijing cuisine. Emma recommended Peking duck and various local specialties, which were delicious.
Why Choose Huatu Travel Agency?
Looking back on my experience, Huatu exceeded my expectations in several ways:
Seamless visa-free transit integration - They understood the 240-hour policy thoroughly and planned the tour perfectly within my timeframe.
Professional and friendly guide - Emma was not just knowledgeable but also personable and attentive. She tailored the tour to my interests and ensured I had a memorable experience.
Attention to detail - From the airport pickup to the restaurant recommendation, every aspect was thoughtfully arranged.
Excellent value - The all-inclusive price covered everything I needed, with no hidden costs.
Practical Tips for Future Travelers
Plan ahead - Even with visa-free transit, book your tour and confirm details well in advance.
Dress comfortably - The Summer Palace is large and requires a lot of walking, so wear good shoes.
Allocate enough time - 4 hours is sufficient for the main attractions, but consider spending a full day if you want to explore every corner.
Check the weather - Plan for sunny days to get the best views and photo opportunities.
Final Thoughts
My 240-hour layover turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip. Thanks to Huatu Travel Agency, I was able to experience the Summer Palace without any stress, making the most of my limited time in Beijing. The combination of China's convenient visa-free transit policy and Huatu's professional service made this a seamless and unforgettable experience.
If you're planning a transit through China, I highly recommend taking advantage of the 240-hour visa-free policy and booking a tour with Huatu International Travel Agency. You won't be disappointed!
