Commence your day at the Temple of Heaven, where you'll admire the architectural elegance and witness locals engaging in morning exercises such as Tai Chi, sword dancing, and practicing Chinese calligraphy on the ground with large brushes and water. Then, explore the hidden historical neighborhood of Hutong, visit a local family, and join them for an authentic homemade lunch.
Continue in the afternoon the Summer Palace, strolling around its exquisitely laid-out gardens, lakes, and temples and reading the storied paintings on the roof of its Long Corridor. If weather permits, enjoy boating on Kunming Lake.