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Zhuhai Yuanmingyuan is a replica of the famous Old Summer Palace in Beijing. Visitors can explore the beautiful gardens, lakes, and architecture that recreate the splendor of the original palace. The most recommended activities include enjoying the scenic walks, taking photos of the intricate garden landscapes, and admiring the classical Chinese architecture.
Zhuhai Yuanmingyuan is located at the foot of Shilin Mountain on Jiuzhou Avenue in Zhuhai, covering an area of 1.39 square kilometers. It was built based on the original design of Beijing's Old Summer Palace and selected 18 of the 40 scenes of the Old Summer Palace at a 1:1 ratio. It has invested 600 million yuan and is one of the first 4A-level scenic spots in my country.
With its rich Qing Dynasty culture, exquisite pavilions, terraces, towers, and magnificent large-scale dance performances, it attracts countless tourists from home and abroad. The New Yuanmingyuan, a blend of classical imperial architecture, Jiangnan classical gardens, and Western-style architecture, recreates the splendor of the Qing Dynasty for visitors.
The western part of the park boasts a uniquely elegant Western-style architectural complex, with white marble walls and exquisite interior decorations, transporting you to an ancient European palace. The Zhengda Guangming Hall and the Jiuzhou Qingyan scenic area boast a solemn and square layout, reflecting either the grandeur of the royal family or the ethereal elegance of the concubines. Yellow glazed tiles are majestic, green glazed tiles are vibrant, and purple glazed tiles ward off evil spirits. It's no wonder that Emperor Qianlong exclaimed, "Without carving or painting, I can truly enjoy my humble hut."
Suitable for all seasons
Jiuzhou Qingyan Palace Theater "Royal Ceremony"
Ticket price: 85 yuan per adult, 60 yuan per senior citizen, child or student
Performance time: 17:00 every day (no performance on Wednesdays, except statutory holidays)
Venue: Jiuzhou Qingyan Palace Theater
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
free
8:30-21:00
Zhuhai Yuanmingyuan is a replica of the famous Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) in Beijing, which was destroyed by foreign forces during the Second Opium War in 1860. The Zhuhai version was constructed to honor the cultural heritage of the original palace, showcasing traditional Chinese landscaping, architecture, and historical gardens.
Zhuhai Yuanmingyuan is located in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province. It is accessible by taxi or private car, and public buses are available to take visitors near the attraction. The nearest metro station is in the city center, from where taxis can be hired to reach the site.
The park is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn, when the weather is mild, and the gardens are most beautiful. It is also less crowded on weekdays.
The entrance fee is around 60-80 CNY for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and online ticketing is available through the official website and some travel platforms during peak seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak seasons or holidays. You can book tickets 1-2 days ahead to secure your entry, especially for guided tours or special events.
It takes around 2-3 hours to fully explore Zhuhai Yuanmingyuan, including time for walking through the gardens, taking photos, and appreciating the architecture. A guided tour could extend the visit by an additional hour.
Key highlights include the majestic palace gardens, artificial lakes, bridges, and the intricately designed architecture that mirrors the original Old Summer Palace. The scenic views of the gardens, particularly during sunrise or sunset, are also a must-see.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in Mandarin are offered at the entrance, though English-speaking guides may be arranged in advance for tourists who require them.
The best photography spots are near the central lake, where you can capture the symmetry of the palace architecture with the surrounding gardens. The main pavilion offers an elevated view of the entire site, which is ideal for panoramic shots.
Start by exploring the main entrance and garden areas, followed by a visit to the palace buildings. Afterward, take a leisurely walk around the lake, enjoy the scenic spots, and finish with a visit to the pavilions and other cultural exhibitions.
Night visits are not commonly available, and there are no regular light shows. However, special cultural events and performances may be held during major holidays or festivals, so it's worth checking the schedule before visiting.
Zhuhai Yuanmingyuan is generally less crowded on weekdays, especially in the morning. The attraction gets busier during weekends and public holidays, so visiting early in the morning on weekdays is ideal for avoiding crowds.
Basic facilities such as toilets, food stalls, and rest areas are available throughout the park. There are also souvenir shops selling traditional Chinese crafts and memorabilia.
The park is mostly accessible for elderly and children, with paved pathways and resting spots. However, some areas may have stairs or uneven terrain, so mobility-impaired visitors may need assistance in certain sections.
Cash is accepted at the entrance and some shops. However, mobile payment options like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted, and credit cards can be used in larger shops within the park.
There are a few small local restaurants and cafes near the entrance of Zhuhai Yuanmingyuan. For more dining options, visitors can head to nearby shopping malls or areas in the Zhuhai city center, which have a wide range of eateries.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available at local restaurants nearby, offering a variety of plant-based Chinese dishes. Halal food options are more limited, but some Muslim-friendly restaurants can be found in Zhuhai city.
There are a number of hotels and accommodations nearby, ranging from budget hotels to mid-range options. For more luxury stays, there are several high-end hotels in the Zhuhai city center, which is only a short drive away.
Nearby attractions include the Zhuhai Fisher Girl statue, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, and the Macau Tower. These can easily be combined in a day trip if you're interested in exploring more of Zhuhai and its surroundings.
Souvenir shops inside Zhuhai Yuanmingyuan sell traditional Chinese items such as tea sets, silk scarves, and cultural crafts. You can also find artwork, miniature palace replicas, and local specialties like Zhuhai’s famous salted duck eggs.
After visiting Zhuhai Yuanmingyuan, you can take a taxi or use public transport to visit nearby attractions such as the Zhuhai Fisher Girl statue or head to the Zhuhai city center for further sightseeing. For longer trips, buses and taxis to Macau or Shenzhen are available from Zhuhai.
