Old Summer Palace Exhibition Hall

Introducing Old Summer Palace Exhibition Hall

The Old Summer Palace Exhibition Hall is located within Beijing's Old Summer Palace Ruins Park, west of the Yuanying Pavilion ruins in the Western-style Building area. The museum houses a wealth of precious cultural relics, images, and video footage. It also features faithfully reproduced miniature models of the "Three Old Summer Palaces," detailing the landscape and recreating the history of this renowned garden. While you can only see the Three Old Summer Palaces from a miniature perspective, admiring the magnificent scenery of this "garden within a garden" is undeniably captivating.

The exhibition hall consists of two halls. The first and second halls primarily focus on the construction and splendor of the Old Summer Palace. The second hall features materials related to the Yuanmingyuan disaster and its restoration. The hall displays 150 exhibits, including panoramic bird's-eye views of the Yuanmingyuan, a panoramic sand table, images of the "Forty Views of the Old Summer Palace" and "Twenty Views of the Western-style Buildings" depicting the Yuanmingyuan's former splendor, architectural models of selected scenic areas, historical photographs, books, and physical objects covering the Yuanmingyuan's disaster and restoration.

Climate and best time to travel

The northern temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate has four distinct seasons;

All seasons are suitable for travel.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

It is recommended to visit for 1 to 2 hours

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

7:00-17:30

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Most Popular FAQs for Old Summer Palace Exhibition Hall

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Old Summer Palace Exhibition Hall is dedicated to showcasing the history and destruction of the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan), a vast imperial garden complex that was burned and looted by British and French troops in 1860. It symbolizes the Qing Dynasty's loss and is a poignant reminder of China's turbulent history.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The exhibition hall is located in the Haidian District of Beijing, within the grounds of the Old Summer Palace park. The nearest metro station is Yuanmingyuan Station (Line 4), from which you can take a bus or walk to the entrance.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The exhibition hall is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during weekdays in the morning to avoid the larger crowds during weekends and holidays.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee to the Old Summer Palace Exhibition Hall is approximately 20 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online via the official website or third-party platforms.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Advance booking is not required, but it's recommended to buy tickets in advance during peak seasons or holidays to avoid long queues.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

You will need about 1 to 2 hours to explore the exhibition hall and appreciate the exhibits. If you're also visiting the Old Summer Palace park, plan for additional time to explore the grounds.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The scale models of the Old Summer Palace before its destruction.
• The historical artifacts and relics recovered from the ruins.
• The multi-media presentations that depict the destruction and cultural significance of the palace.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours in Chinese are available, and audio guides in English and Chinese can be rented at the entrance.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Inside the exhibition hall, photography is generally allowed in most areas. The best spots are near the detailed models and artifacts that depict the Old Summer Palace’s splendor before its destruction.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Start with the multimedia exhibits that introduce the history of the palace.
• Next, explore the detailed models of the palace grounds before the destruction.
• Finish by viewing the artifacts and relics in the later sections, which offer a glimpse of the Qing Dynasty's opulence.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Currently, there are no night visits or light shows at the exhibition hall. However, special tours can sometimes be arranged during major festivals.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The exhibition hall can be crowded during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are typically on weekdays, especially in the mornings.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

• Toilets are available at the exhibition hall and throughout the Old Summer Palace grounds.
• Food and beverages can be purchased in nearby cafes and kiosks, but there are no full-scale restaurants inside the exhibition hall.
• Shops sell books, souvenirs, and replicas of artifacts from the palace.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Yes, the exhibition hall is accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors. Wheelchair access is available, and there are ramps and elevators for convenience.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Both cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted. Credit cards are also accepted at most major vendors inside the park.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• Inside the Old Summer Palace park, there are a few snack stalls and small cafes offering drinks and light meals.
• Nearby, there are restaurants in the Haidian District that offer a variety of Chinese and international cuisines.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available at some of the nearby restaurants. Halal food options are also available in the surrounding areas, especially in places frequented by Beijing's Muslim community.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• The Peking University Guest House is a short distance away.
• The Beijing Xihua Hotel offers a comfortable stay near the Old Summer Palace.
• For budget options, there are several hotels and hostels near the Summer Palace entrance.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• The Summer Palace itself, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is very close and can be combined in a day trip.
• The Tsinghua University and Peking University campuses are also nearby and offer scenic views and historical sites.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, souvenir shops inside the exhibition hall offer replicas of artifacts, books, postcards, and panda-themed souvenirs.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• You can take the Beijing Metro Line 4 to Yuanmingyuan Station, which is close to other attractions like the Summer Palace.
• Taxis are also readily available outside the exhibition hall for further exploration of Beijing's main attractions.