The 'Beijing Altar, Lama Temple & Panda Garden" full day tour is all-inclusive with transportation aboard a comfortable, air conditioned touring coach, complimentary lunch, English-speaking guide, admission fees and hotel pickup/drop off. The day begins at Lama Temple, or Yonghegong Lamasery, which features five halls and courtyards with decorative archways and intricately carved, upturned eaves. The interior is adorned with Tibetan murals and religious sculpture, including rare Chinese and Tibetan artworks. Originally built as a royal residence in 1694, this is one of the largest and most important Buddhist monasteries in the world. You'll end the morning with a visit to Beijing Zoo, home to China's living treasure, the Giant Panda as well as 7,000 creatures from around the world. This beautifully landscaped garden setting includes rare Chinese species such as the Golden Monkey and red-crowned crane. Following a traditional Chinese mid-day meal, you'll travel to Shen Nong Altar, built in the 15th century to honor Chinese farmers who grow herbs and plants for medicinal purposes. The altar is located in a nature reserve and national park named after the Taiwanese Yellow Emperor, the first 'shen nong,' or herbal farmer, in China. A museum onsite contains interesting historical information on Chinese agriculture and herbal medicine.
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