Summer Palace

Introducing the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a royal garden from the Qing Dynasty in China. It is located in the western suburbs of Beijing, adjacent to the Old Summer Palace. It is the best-preserved royal palace and garden, and is known as the "Royal Garden Museum."

Cultural Value

Historical Witness: The Summer Palace has witnessed major events in China's modern history and is an important physical material for studying modern Chinese history.

Artistic Treasures: The park’s architecture, sculptures, paintings, calligraphy and other art forms are rich and colorful and are outstanding representatives of traditional Chinese art.

Garden Model: The Summer Palace has an ingenious layout that blends natural and cultural landscapes, reflecting the ancient Chinese garden design concept of "man-made, yet seemingly created by nature". It has had a profound impact on the development of garden art in China and even the world.

Climate and best time to travel

Best season to visit:

The Summer Palace has its own unique scenery in each season

Spring is the season when flowers burst into bloom at the Summer Palace. Summer brings shaded trees and blooming lotuses, creating a unique atmosphere. In autumn, the fiery maple leaves and golden ginkgo trees on Longevity Hill at the Summer Palace complement the ancient architecture, creating a natural painting. In winter, the Summer Palace is blanketed in snow, resembling a fairytale world. Kunming Lake, covered in a thick layer of ice, becomes a natural ice rink, offering the joy of skating.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Recommended tours:

There are three main tour routes for the Summer Palace:

Highlights Tour: Enter through the East Palace Gate - Hall of Benevolence and Longevity - Hall of Joy and Longevity - Long Corridor - Marble Boat - Boat ride to Nanhu Island - Seventeen-Arch Bridge - Exit through the Xinjian Palace Gate

In-depth Experience: Enter through the North Palace Gate - Suzhou Street - Four Continents - Tower of Buddhist Incense - Hall of Dispelling Clouds - Long Corridor - Dispelling Clouds Gate - Garden of Harmonious Interests - Zhichun Pavilion - Exit through the East Palace Gate

Leisure Tour: Enter through the Xinjian Palace Gate - Seventeen-Arch Bridge - Nanhu Island - Take a boat to the Marble Boat - Long Corridor - Renshou Hall - Dehe Garden - Exit through the East Palace Gate

Recommended play time: half a day

Tickets

Peak season (April 1st - October 31st)

Full price ticket: 30 yuan/person.

Full price combined ticket: 60 yuan/person.

Off-season (November 1st - March 31st of the following year)

Full price ticket: 20 yuan/person.

Full price combined ticket: 50 yuan/person.

Garden within a Garden: (Dehe Garden, Wenchang Courtyard, Buddhist Incense Pavilion, Suzhou Street)

Attraction opening hours

Peak season (April 1st - October 31st)

Opening time: 6:00

Last admission: 19:00

Closing time: 20:00

Off-season (November 1st - March 31st of the following year)

Opening time: 6:30, last admission time: 18:00

Closing time: 7:00 PM

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Most Popular FAQs for Summer Palace

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

The Summer Palace, built in the Qing Dynasty, served as an imperial garden and retreat. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its classical Chinese landscaping, architecture, and cultural heritage.

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

• Located in Haidian District, Beijing, northwest of the city center.
• Take Beijing Metro Line 4 to Beigongmen or Xiyuan Station and walk to the entrance.
• Buses 303, 331, 332, and 375 also serve the area.
• Taxis are convenient from any part of Beijing.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• April to October: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM.
• November to March: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Best times: Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) for mild weather and fewer crowds.

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

• Main ticket (April–October): ~30–60 CNY, includes key areas.
• Winter season ticket (November–March): ~20–40 CNY.
• Tickets can be purchased online via official websites or on-site at ticket counters.

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

Advance booking is recommended during peak seasons and holidays, ideally 1–2 weeks in advance to avoid long queues.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

At least 3–5 hours are needed for a comprehensive visit, including walking through gardens, lakes, and halls.

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

• Longevity Hill (Wanshou Shan)
• Kunming Lake
• Long Corridor (Chang Lang)
• Seventeen-Arch Bridge
• Marble Boat (Qingyanfang)
• Hall of Benevolence and Longevity

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

Guided tours and audio guides are available in Mandarin, English, and other major languages through official providers and third-party apps.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Top of Longevity Hill overlooking Kunming Lake
• Long Corridor for architectural shots
• Seventeen-Arch Bridge with lake reflections
• Marble Boat near the lakeside
• Sunset over Kunming Lake

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Enter from East or West Gate → Long Corridor → Longevity Hill (explore halls and temples) → Kunming Lake → Seventeen-Arch Bridge → Marble Boat → Exit. Boats can also be taken across the lake for a scenic route.

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

Generally daytime only. Special seasonal events or performances may occur in summer months; check the official calendar.

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

Peak crowds occur on weekends and public holidays. Weekdays, especially mornings, are least crowded.

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

• Restrooms located throughout the park.
• Restaurants, snack stalls, and tea houses near major areas.
• Water fountains and rest areas available.
• Souvenir shops near entrances and popular attractions.

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

Main paths and some halls are wheelchair accessible, but some steep areas on Longevity Hill may be challenging. Children-friendly paths are available.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Most places accept cards and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay). Cash can still be used but is less common.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Restaurants and cafes near the park entrances serve local Beijing cuisine and snacks. Options include small eateries along East and West entrances and nearby Xiyuan district.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available at some restaurants. Halal food is available nearby, particularly in Xiyuan and Haidian areas.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Hotels ranging from budget to luxury are available in Xiyuan and Haidian Districts. Some options offer views of the park or easy access to metro Line 4.

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

• Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan)
• Beijing Zoo
• Fragrant Hills Park (Xiangshan)

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops sell Chinese crafts, postcards, silk products, traditional paintings, and small replicas of the Summer Palace architecture.

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

• Metro Line 4 to central Beijing or other attractions.
• Taxis or rideshare apps for direct travel.
• Bus lines serving nearby districts and tourist spots.