1. Things to Know before You Go
Summer Palace, stands as the pinnacle of Chinese imperial gardens, it is the largest and best-preserved royal garden complex in China and masterfully blends the elegance of Jiangnan-style gardens with the grandeur of northern imperial landscaping, earning its reputation as the "Museum of Imperial Gardens".
Designed with Hangzhou's West Lake as its blueprint, it artfully integrates the natural topography of Longevity Hill (Wanshou Shan 万寿山) and Kunming Lake to create a unique "mountain-water interdependence" landscape. This UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed in 1998) embodies the essence of ancient Chinese garden artistry, architectural ingenuity, and imperial culture. Recognized globally as a cultural treasure, it remains an essential destination for both domestic and international travelers exploring Beijing.
2. Why is Summer Palace so Special?
Historical Background
Origins and Glory: The Summer Palace traces its origins to 1750 when Emperor Qianlong commissioned the Qingyi Garden (its predecessor) as a birthday gift for his mother. Constructed over 15 years, it became the summit of Qing dynasty imperial gardens.
Destruction and Revival: In 1860, the garden was burned by the Anglo-French Allied Forces. Reconstruction began in 1886 under Empress Dowager Cixi, funded partially by diverted naval budgets, and was renamed the "Summer Palace" (Yiheyuan, meaning "Garden of Nurtured Harmony") in 1888 as her retirement retreat. It suffered further damage during the 1900 Boxer Rebellion by the Eight-Nation Alliance but was restored over two years. These events make the Summer Palace a microcosm of modern China's turbulent history.
Cultural Heritage
The Summer Palace's landscape design integrates the artistic essence of Chinese painting, poetry, and literature, unveiling the grandeur of imperial gardens, vibrant color schemes, and harmonious coexistence with natural landscapes. Today, it houses over 40,000 artifacts spanning nearly all categories of Chinese cultural relics, including more than 20,000 national-level treasures. This unparalleled collection earned it a place among China's first batch of key cultural heritage sites under state protection.
Cultural Legends
The Mysterious Construction of the Tower of Buddhist Incense
Legend holds that during the tower's construction, engineers faced insurmountable technical challenges until a mysterious elderly man suddenly appeared, imparting ancient techniques to complete the project. After vanishing without a trace, locals believed him to be a manifestation of the Buddha, thus solidifying the tower’s status as a sacred site for blessings and prayers.
3. The Tangible Benefits Bring to Tourists
Immersive Historical & Cultural Experience
As a Qing dynasty imperial garden, the Summer Palace preserves palace architecture and landscaping artistry intact to offer visitors a tangible encounter with ancient Chinese imperial rituals and garden aesthetics. Examples include the bronze dragon-phoenix sculptures in the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (Renshou Dian 仁寿殿) and Buddhist symbolism in the Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiang Ge 佛香阁). Historical sites like the reconstructed Four Great Regions (Sidabu Zhou 四大部洲) and Suzhou Street—both burned and rebuilt after foreign invasions—bear witness to China’s turbulent modern history.
Multidimensional Cultural Insights
The Summer Palace harmonizes Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. The Hall of Benevolence and Longevity reflects Confucian governance ideals, the Tower of Buddhist Incense embodies Buddhist devotion, while the "Purple Air from the East" archway on South Lake Island nods to Taoist philosophy. This cultural convergence allows visitors to experience China’s spiritual diversity in a single setting.
Seasonal Landscape Aesthetics
Centered on Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill (Wanshou Shan 万寿山), the garden transforms with the seasons: spring cherry blossoms along the West Causeway, summer’s shimmering lake vistas, autumn’s fiery foliage, and winter’s snow-draped pavilions. Unique spectacles like the winter solstice's "Golden Light Piercing the Bridge" phenomenon at the Seventeen-Arch Bridge and moonlit mountain-lake reflections further enchant visitors.
Architectural & Artistic Mastery
The 728-meter Long Corridor—the world’s longest painted gallery—unfolds myths and historical tales through vibrant murals. Architectural marvels like the glazed ceramic-tiled roof of the Tower of Buddhist Incense and the intricately carved Marble Boat (Shi Fang) display the zenith of traditional Chinese craftsmanship.
Urban Oasis for Natural Rejuvenation
Activities such as boating on Kunming Lake or strolling along secluded back-mountain trails allow visitors to escape urban chaos and unwind amid serene landscapes. Quiet zones like the Garden of Harmonious Pleasure (Xiequ Yuan 谐趣园) and Jiqing Pavilion offer meditative retreats for mindfulness.
Interactive Cultural Engagement
Regular events like intangible cultural heritage markets and classical poetry recitals bring history to life through interactive formats, which end up blending education with entertainment for modern audiences.
4. How to Get to Summer Palace
4.1 Traffic Information
By Subway
Line 4: Beigongmen Station(北宫门站)→ Exit from D → 5-minute walk to the North Gate.
Line 4: Xiyuan Station(西苑站) → Exit from C2 → 10-minute walk to the East Palace Gate.
By Bus
Routes 303, 331, 332 and others directly serve stops near Beigongmen (North Palace Gate) or New Palace Gate
4.2 Opening Time & Ticket Information
Opening Hours
Peak season (Apr 1–Oct 31): 6:00–20:00.
Off-season (Nov 1–Mar 31): 6:30–19:00.
Adress: No. 19, Xinjiangongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing 北京市海淀区新建宫门路19号
Time needed: 3-4 hours
Ticket Reservation
Peak season (April–October): Book tickets in advance via official platforms (e.g., WeChat mini-program "Summer Palace") and enter by scanning your ID card.
Suited to: History and culture enthusiasts, photographers and art lovers.
Ticket Price
| Opening Time | Entrance Fee (RMB) | Combo Ticket Price (RMB) |
| April to October | 30 | 60 |
| November to March | 20 | 50 |
Note: Free for children under 1.2 meters
5. Highlights of Summer Palace
Core Areas of the Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is divided into several key zones: Front Hill Area (Longevity Hill), Kunming Lake Area, Long Corridor Zone, and Rear Hill & Back Lake Area, with iconic landmarks such as the Tower of Buddhist Incense, Long Corridor, and Seventeen-Arch Bridge.
5.1 Front Hill Area (Longevity Hill) 万寿山前山区
Key Feature: A layered imperial architectural complex centered around the Tower of Buddhist Incense, offering panoramic views of Kunming Lake from its summit.
Main Attractions
Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiang Ge 佛香阁): Considered as the hill’s iconic centerpiece, its golden glazed-tile roof shimmers in sunlight and glows magnificently when illuminated at night so that it can create a striking visual spectacle for tourists. Climbing to the top, visitors may witness a sweeping vista of Kunming Lake.
Hall of Dispelling Clouds (Paiyun Dian 排云殿): The core architectural complex on Front Hill, where Empress Dowager Cixi hosted grand birthday celebrations. Its ornate carvings and painted beams epitomize imperial luxury.
5.2 Kunming Lake Area 昆明湖区
Key Feature: Covering three-quarters of the garden, the lake dazzles with summer lotus blooms and transforms into a glassy ice mirror in winter. Boating here immerses visitors in a “painting-like” scenery.
Main Attractions
Seventeen-Arch Bridge: Spanning Kunming Lake, this 150-meter bridge features 17 arches (the central one spans 8 meters) in a symmetrical gradient. Adorned with 544 uniquely carved stone lions, it merges the sturdiness of Beijing’s Lugou Bridge with the elegance of Suzhou’s Baodai Bridge. During the winter solstice, sunlight pierces all 17 arches, creating the magical “Golden Light Piercing the Bridge” phenomenon.
South Lake Island: A serene island accessible by boat, offering poetic views of the surrounding lake and mountains.
5.3 Long Corridor Zone 长廊区
Key Feature: The 728-meter Long Corridor—a UNESCO-celebrated “World’s Longest Painted Gallery”—displays over 14,000 Suzhou-style paintings depicting landscapes, myths, historical tales, and natural scenery.
5.4 Rear Hill & Back Lake Area 后山后湖区
Key Feature: Inspired by Jiangnan water towns, this tranquil zone contrasts with the front hill’s grandeur.
Main Attractions
Suzhou Street: A recreated Qing-era commercial street with vermilion archways, canals, and bridges, perfect for immersive photography.
Garden of Harmonious Pleasure (Xiequ Yuan 谐趣园): A “garden within a garden” modeled after Wuxi’s Jichang Garden, featuring winding corridors, lotus ponds, and pavilions that harmonize with autumn foliage or summer blooms.
Jiqing Pavilion (霁清轩): A secluded retreat embodying the understated elegance of imperial gardens.
5.5 Imperial Court Zone (Hall of Benevolence and Longevity Area) 宫廷区（仁寿殿区域）
Key Feature: The political heart of the palace, preserving late Qing historical relics and royal ceremonial symbols.
Highlight
Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (Renshou Dian 仁寿殿): Flanked by bronze dragon-phoenix sculptures (symbols of imperial power), the hall houses artifacts like the Nine-Dragon Throne.
5.6 Farming and Weaving Scenic Area 耕织图景区
Key Feature: Showcases ancient Chinese agricultural and hydraulic culture. In spring, visitors enjoy lakeside blossoms (peach, winter jasmine) and waterfowl.
Main Attraction
Naval Training Academy: Exhibits Qing dynasty naval history alongside picturesque garden landscapes.
5.7 Other Notable Areas
Leshou Tang & Yulan Tang (乐寿堂、玉澜堂): Imperial residential halls retaining original layouts. Leshou Tang, Empress Cixi’s residence, features century-old magnolia trees and the famed Qingzhixiu rockery.
Walking in a Painting (Huazhong You 画中游): A terraced hillside viewpoint offering breathtaking lake-mountain vistas.
Six Bridges of West Causeway: Mirroring Hangzhou’s Su Causeway, these six bridges (including Mirror Bridge and Jade Belt Bridge 玉带桥) frame spring peach blossoms reflected in water like ink-wash paintings.
Marble Boat (Shi Fang 石舫): A stone “boat” blending Chinese and Western architectural elements, symbolizing “eternal stability” and reflecting late Qing history.
Visitor Tips
Some attractions (e.g., Tower of Buddhist Incense, Suzhou Street) require separate admission tickets.
Closed on Mondays (except national holidays)
6. Recommended Itineraries for Exploring the Summer Palace
6.1 Classic Half-Day Tour (4-5 hours, covering core landmarks)
Routes: East Palace Gate → Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (Renshou Dian 仁寿殿) → Garden of Virtue and Harmony (Dehe Yuan 德和园) → Yulan Hall (Yulan Tang 玉澜堂) → Leshou Hall (Leshou Tang 乐寿堂) → Long Corridor → Hall of Dispelling Clouds (Paiyun Dian 排云殿) → Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiang Ge 佛香阁 ) → Marble Boat (Shi Fang 石舫) → Boat ride to South Lake Island → Seventeen-Arch Bridge → Exit via New Palace Gate.
Highlights
East Palace Gate: Enter through the imperial main gate and admire the “Dragon Holding Precious Canopy” architectural design at the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, it reflects the royal ceremonial grandeur.
Tower of Buddhist Incense: One can climb to enjoy panoramic views of Kunming Lake with the ticket price 10 RMB.
Boating in the Lake: A 15-minute one-way trip from the Marble Boat to South Lake Island to save time and energy (40 RMB/person).
6.2 In-Depth Full-Day Tour (6-8 hours, including hidden gems)
Routes: New Palace Gate → Seventeen-Arch Bridge → South Lake Island → Six Bridges of West Causeway → Jingming Tower → Farming and Weaving Area → Garden of Harmonious Pleasure (Xiequ Yuan 谐趣园) → Back Stream → Four Great Regions (Sidabu Zhou 四大部洲) → Suzhou Street → Exit via North Palace Gate.
Highlights
Six Bridges of West Causeway: Inspired by Hangzhou’s Su Causeway, perfect for spring peach blossom photography, especially at Jade Belt Bridge and Mirror Bridge.
Garden of Harmonious Pleasure: A Jiangnan-style “garden within a garden”, it is ideal for afternoon tea breaks.
Suzhou Street: A Qing-era watertown-themed market replicates historic commercial culture for the admission fee 10 RMB.
6.3 Evening Tour (Summer only, about 2 hours)
Routes: South Ruyi Gate (南如意门 ) → West Causeway → Mirror Bridge → Jade Belt Bridge → Long Corridor → Tower of Buddhist Incense (exterior view) → Exit via East Palace Gate.
Tips: You can enter after 18:00 to admire the illuminated Long Corridor and lake reflections.
6.4 Transportation & Practical Tips
Entrance Choices
East Palace Gate: 10-minute walk from Xiyuan Station(西苑站) in Subway Line 4; it is ideal for first-time visitors.
New Palace Gate: Direct access via Bus 437; it is best for prioritizing the Seventeen-Arch Bridge.
North Palace Gate: Near Beigongmen Station (北宫门站) in Subway Line 4; it is the reverse route to avoid crowds.
Crowd Avoidance
During peak season (April-October), enter before 8:00 AM to dodge tour groups (9:00-11:00 rush).
Paid attractions like the Tower of Buddhist Incense and Suzhou Street witness fewer crowds around midday.
Essentials
Comfortable sneakers (about 20,000 steps in the palace), sun hat, and portable charger (few rental spots available in the park).
7. What to See and Eat in Summer Palace
7.1 Seasonal Highlights & Light Shows
Spring: Cherry blossoms and magnolias bloom along the Long Corridor, with willow trees draped like misty curtains.
Summer: Lotus flowers blanket Kunming Lake, while the Long Corridor offers cooling breezes and Longevity Hill provides shaded retreats.
Autumn: Fiery maple leaves adorn Longevity Hill, and the ginkgo-lined avenue in the Rear Hill area turns golden.
Winter: Witness the "Golden Light Piercing the Bridge" at the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, snow-dusted pavilions, and icy lake views that evoke serene solemnity.
Long Corridor Light Show: At night, the 728-meter Long Corridor glows with red lanterns and illuminated murals, creating a "winding dragon" effect. The S-curve section, with its layered lighting, is a favorite spot for photographers.
Lakeside Night Walk: Stroll around Kunming Lake to experience the poetic contrast between moonlit ripples and tranquil darkness.
Iconic Architecture Illumination: Landmarks like the Tower of Buddhist Incense, Seventeen-Arch Bridge, and Marble Boat are bathed in golden light during specific hours. Their reflections on the lake conjure a dreamy "floating palace" illusion.
7.2 Snacks & Imperial Flavors
Old Beijing Snacks & Imperial Flavors
Sanyuan Meiyuan (三元梅园): Specializes in dairy treats like double-layer milk custard and almond tofu (30 RMB/person).
Dehua Ju Snacks (德华居小吃): A traditional eatery run by a local uncle, serving authentic zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste) and starch sausage (46 RMB/person).
Xijiu Jian·Summer Palace Eatery (西九间·颐和食坊): Inside the Summer Palace, this spot provides imperial pastries like sesame cakes and sticky rice cakes (旗头糕) (29 RMB/ person).
Jinglu Cuisine & Imperial Banquets
Huifengtang (惠丰堂): A century-old restaurant beloved by Empress Dowager Cixi, famous for braised pork knuckle (烧烩爪尖) and crispy meatballs (干炸丸子) (106 RMB/person).
Taoji (陶记): Offers imperial-style roast duck with crispy skin and tender meat, paired with pork offal stew (炖吊子) and stuffed pancakes (口袋饼 ) (83 RMB/person).
Shuxi Jiayan Roast Duck·Fish Head with Pancakes (熟悉家宴烤鸭·鱼头泡饼): Top-rated for homestyle dishes like fish head stew with pancakes (鱼头泡饼 ) in rich broth (91 RMB/person).
Hunan Cuisine & Hot Pot
Dongting Chuxiang (洞庭楚湘): Spicy Hunan dishes like spring-special fresh radish soup and stir-fried beef with chili (100 RMB/person).
Dehua Jubao Hot Pot (德华聚宝涮肉): Hand-cut lamb and tendon cooked over charcoal-fired copper pots (94 RMB/person).
Beihua Hot Pot (北华涮肉): A 30-year-old brand serving tender Ximeng lamb and chewy Sunit lamb tendon (100 RMB/person).
Budget Eats & Dumpling Shops
Xiyuan Baozi Shop (西苑包子铺): Juicy pork and scallion dumplings and authentic fried liver stew (炒肝儿) (22 RMB/person).
Micun Mixed Rice (米村拌饭): Affordable chain with flavorful spicy squid bibimbap (40 RMB/person).
Transportation Tips
Exit via North Palace Gate/East Palace Gate: Walk 5 minutes to Xiyuan Food Street (Taoji, Xiyuan Baozi Shop).
Exit via New Palace Gate: Take a 10-minute taxi ride to Xingyuehui Plaza (Sanyuan Meiyuan, Micun Mixed Rice).
Dining Inside the Park: Xijiu Jian·Summer Palace Eatery near the New Palace Gate offers convenient snacks.
8. Best Time to Go
The best time to visit the Summer Palace is Spring and Autumn.
Spring (April–May)
Mild temperatures (10–20°C) and blooming flowers, such as magnolias at Leshou Hall, create ideal conditions for capturing the garden’s natural beauty.
Autumn (September–October)
Crisp air (15–25°C) and golden autumn foliage contrasting with ancient architecture offer perfect lighting for photography.
Other seasons, like the Summer (June-August) and Winter (November-March), tourists need to pay attention to the heat, the coldness as well as the crowds.
Seasonal Tips
Summer: To visit in early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.
Winter: Check for temporary closures during extreme cold days.
Note: Weekends and holidays (e.g., National Day) attract larger crowds, so the visitors need to avoide those time slots.
9. Nearby Attractions
9.1 Cultural Heritage Sites
Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan 圆明园) Ruins Park
Situated 3 km from the Summer Palace, the ruins of the Western-style Palace (西洋楼遗址) and Grand Waterworks evoke historical grandeur. In autumn, the ginkgo-lined avenue and withered lotus landscapes create striking visual contrasts.
Jade Spring Hill (Yuquanshan 玉泉山) & Jingming Garden (静明园)
Hailed as the former imperial relics in the west of the Summer Palace, it features the Jade Peak Pagoda reflecting on Kunming Lake. Spring blooms of mountain peaches contrast with ancient temples, they are indeed visual appealing and worth visiting.
Qinglongqiao Ancient Town (青龙桥古镇)
Acclaimed as a Ming-Qing era town in the north of the Summer Palace, it still preserves the Qinglongqiao Railway Station, traditional courtyards, and teahouses for authentic Beijing folk culture immersion.
9.2 Nature & Leisure Destinations
Fragrant Hills Park (香山公园)
It is 8 km away from the Summer Palace and renowned for autumn red leaves. One can ride the cable car to Incense Burner Peak for panoramic views of Kunming Lake.
Haidian Park (海淀公园)
A 15-minute walk from the Summer Palace’s East Gate, this urban oasis offers picnic spots and summer rice paddies echoing imperial agricultural traditions.
Beijing Botanical Garden (北京植物园)
It is characterized by the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Metasequoia Forest in Cherry Gully, and tropical greenhouses. Spring cherry blossoms and tulip fields draw the largest crowds.
9.3 Cultural Experiences
Zhongguancun Science Park (中关村科技园区)
Located in the southeast of the Summer Palace with a distance of 6 km, you can explore the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center and Innovation Street to witness the fusion of technology and history.
Dajue Temple (大觉寺)
It is a thousand-year-old temple, 12 km northwest of the Summer Palace, famed for ancient magnolias, ginkgo trees, and spring-fed streams. Those who are interested in Chinese tea culture can go to the Minghui Tea House, which offers meditative tea sessions.
9.4 Transportation & Itinerary Tips
Accessible by Walking/Cycling
The Old Summer Palace, Haidian Park, and Qinglongqiao Ancient Town are all within 3 km. Rent shared bikes or walk to explore these sites in a connected itinerary.
10. Useful Travel Tips
Attire Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes due to long distances. It is recommended to bring a sun hat and sunglasses in summer, and dress warmly with windproof layers in winter.
Transportation Advice
Avoid crowded gates (North/East Palace Gates) during peak seasons. Opt for less busy entrances like North Ruyi Gate (北如意门) or New Palace Gate (新建宫门).
Ticketing Strategy
Remember to reserve the basic 30 RMB entrance ticket in advance. Purchase separate tickets for the Tower of Buddhist Incense (10 RMB) and Dehe Garden (5 RMB) as needed.
Cultural Souvenirs
Collect limited-edition sachets and stamp the "Summer Palace Passport" at Chenghuang Pavilion (澄怀阁).
Imperial Cuisine
Exit via the New Palace Gate and walk 10 minutes to Sanyuan Meiyuan for Empress Dowager Cixi’s favorite dairy desserts.
Guided Tours
Rent audio guides (20–50 RMB) or join our guided tours to explore historical details.
11. The Possible Benefits of Visiting with Yes! CN Tour
Assisting you to enjoy a time-saving and convenient visit in Summer Palace, we highly recommend you to travel with us Yes! CN Tour.
Guided tours are led by knowledgeable and experienced tour guides who provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and significance of the places you visit. Therefore, joining a guided tour offers a hassle-free, enriching, and socially engaging way to explore the world. It’s an excellent choice for those who value convenience, expert insights, and the camaraderie of group travel. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, a guided tour can provide a memorable and rewarding experience.
What's more, our local experienced drivers will serve you wholeheartedly from the beginning you arrive in the airport of tourism destinations to the last moment you want to leave, we focus on each detail and make tailor-made itineraries based on your group size, physical conditions and budgets. What you need to do is to concentrate on the highlights in the scenic spots.
Most importantly, traveling with a group and a professional guide can provide an added sense of security, especially in unfamiliar or remote locations, our tour guides are well-prepared to handle emergencies, and being part of a group reduces the risks associated with solo travel.
Please don't hesitate to contact with us to create a more unforgettable journey.
