About Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing

The Summer Palace consists of a vast ensemble of Imperial gardens, palaces, and lakes. This is a 700-year old, well-preserved, classic garden in Beijing and the largest of its kind in China. Once a summer retreat for the Emperors, it is also called the 'Nourishing Peace Garden' and boasts of lakes, temples, pavilions, architecture, and horticulture. The main activities here include boating on Kunming Lake, walking the Long corridor, and watching a traditional  Chinese performance in the ancient theater. Reported by UNESCO as the 'masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design', is a must-visit tourist attraction in Beijing.

As part of the World Heritage List, this astonishing place will take you on a journey that unites man-made magnificence with stunning natural beauty, the Summer Palace, a visual dream to the naked eye. Harmoniously located on a hill, the stunning ensemble of gardens, lakes, and buildings radiate ancient dynasties' power through perfectly designed architecture that resonates colors of royalty and long-lasting legends. A large variety of excursion tours available to the Summer Palace will take you on pathways of historical perspectives you never thought existed, combining artificial and meticulous creations together with pristine gifts from nature.

Must See

  • Boating on Kunming Lake
  • Walking the Long Corridor
  • Hall of Benevolence and Longevity
  • Hall of Jade Ripples
  • Yiyun House
  • The Hall of Happiness and Longevity
  • The Hall of Dispelling Clouds
  • Watching a traditional Chinese performance in the ancient theater.

How to reach

By Bus:
To the East Palace Gate: Take bus 303, 331, 332, 346, 508, 579, or 584, and then get off at Yiheyuan Station; or take bus 384, 394, 563, 594 or 601 to Poshangcun. After that, walk west for about 200 meters (220 yards) to the gate.

To the West Gate: Take bus 469 or 539 and get off at Yiheyuan Ximen (Yiheyuan West Gate) Station.

To the North Palace Gate: Take bus 303, 331, 346, 394, 563, 584, 594 or Singtseeing Bus Line 3, and get off at Yiheyuan Beigongmen (North Palace Gate) Station; or take bus 332, 384, or 601 to Beigongmen Subway Station.

To the New Palace Gate: Take bus 74, 374, or 437, and get off at Xin Jian Gong Men (Yiheyuan New Palace Gate) Station.

Tips

  • Book an English-speaking tour guide to get intricate details about the history and culture of China.
  • Be prepared for a lot of walking, wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
  • When in a crowded venue, such as a museum if you have a bag/backpack wear it in front of you, better to be safe than sorry.
  • Avoid the crowd by checking the Chinese Official Holidays online.
  • Get to the Palace early and allow at least three hours for your visit (plus another 1/2 - 1 hour each way to and from the Palace).
  • When you get to the entrance you have a choice of a basic ticket or a "through" ticket, which is about 20 RMB more.
  • You can rent an audio guide in your language just a few steps away from the ticket counter. 
  •  If you want to walk up to the Temple of Buddhist Virtue, be prepared because there are lots of stairs and they are steep. 
  • Wear comfortable shoes.
  • Don't forget your sunglasses and sunscreen if you're out on a sunny day. 
  • Don't miss the 10-minute boat ride to see the island temple and do watch the traditional Chinese performances and explore the traditional shops by the river.

 

Visit Time

From April to October
Sunday:        6:30 a.m. to 08:00 p.m.

Monday:       6:30 a.m. to 08:00 p.m.

Tuesday:      6:30 a.m. to 08:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 6:30 a.m. to 08:00 p.m.

Thursday:     6:30 a.m. to 08:00 p.m.

Friday:           6:30 a.m. to 08:00 p.m.

Saturday:       6:30 a.m. to 08:00 p.m.

November to March
Sunday:         7:00 a.m. to 07.00 p.m.

Monday:        7:00 a.m. to 07.00 p.m.

Tuesday:       7:00 a.m. to 07.00 p.m.

Wednesday : 7:00 a.m. to 07.00 p.m.

Thursday:      7:00 a.m. to 07.00 p.m.

Friday:           7:00 a.m. to 07.00 p.m.

Saturday     : 7:00 a.m. to 07.00 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

Ticket Type                                                       Price(CNY)

                                                               April-October          November-March       

Entrance Fee                                             30                                20     

Dehe Garden                                               5                                  5

Tower of Buddhist Incense                         10                                10

Wenchang Hall                                           20                                20

Suzhou Street and Danning Hall                10                                10

Combo Ticket                                              60                               50

Read more

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

3 Hours

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Few Clouds 18.97°C

 

Local Services in Beijing (Contact directly)

Discussion

No threads yet!

Be the first one to start a thread.

Top Attractions in Beijing

Top Cities in China