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The Old Summer Palace is a large imperial garden in China during the Qing Dynasty and a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction. It consists of the Old Summer Palace, the Qichun Garden, and the Changchun Garden. The Old Summer Palace is the largest, so it is collectively called the Old Summer Palace (also known as the Three Old Summer Palaces).
The Old Summer Palace not only brings together several famous gardens and scenic spots in the south of the Yangtze River, but also transplants Western garden architecture. It is a culmination of the gardening art of ancient and modern times, both at home and abroad. It can be called one of the treasure houses of human culture and is the largest museum in the world today.
Best season to visit:
In spring, the lake of the Old Summer Palace is clear, black swans are swimming around, and spring flowers and ancient buildings complement each other beautifully.
The Lion Grove at the Old Summer Palace is in full bloom with red leaves in autumn (late October to early November).
The snowy scenery of the Old Summer Palace in winter is tranquil, with buildings such as the Jianbi Pavilion covered in silver, just like an ink painting, and the frozen lake creates a unique mirror effect.
In the summer, you can enjoy nearly 200 kinds of fine lotus in the Old Summer Palace. The lotus leaves are connected in the Fuhai Scenic Area, the lotus in the winding courtyard is picturesque, and the ruins of the Western Building show more vicissitudes of life and beauty under the summer sun.
Recommended tours:
The main tour routes of the Old Summer Palace:
South Gate → Jianbi Pavilion → Hanqiu Pavilion → Xianren Chenglu → Three-Arch Bridge → Ginkgo Avenue → Western Building Ruins (Da Fountain, Haiyan Hall) → Panoramic Sand Table → Lion Grove → East Gate.
Recommended play time: half a day
Adult ticket: 10 yuan/person;
Student ticket: 5 yuan/person
Adult combined ticket: 25 yuan/person
Student ticket: 10 yuan/person
The combined ticket includes (including the entrance ticket to the Old Summer Palace, the Western Building Ruins, and the Sand Table Panoramic Model Exhibition)
Peak season opening hours (April 1st - October 31st)
Opening time: 7:00 am
Closing time: 6:00 PM
Off-season opening hours (November 1st - March 31st of the following year)
Opening time: 7:00 am
Closing time: 5:30 PM
The Old Summer Palace, also known as Yuanmingyuan, was once a grand imperial garden that served as the summer residence for Chinese emperors during the Qing dynasty. It was renowned for its beautiful blend of Chinese and European architecture, but was largely destroyed by foreign troops in the Second Opium War in 1860. Despite its ruin, the site remains a symbol of China’s imperial past and a reminder of the country's struggle for sovereignty.
The Old Summer Palace is located in the Haidian District of Beijing, approximately 15 kilometers from the city center. It can be reached via metro Line 4 to the “Beigongmen” station, or by bus, taxi, or walking from the nearby Peking University.
The Old Summer Palace is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the gardens are in full bloom. Early mornings or weekdays are ideal for avoiding large crowds.
The general entrance fee for the Old Summer Palace is around 30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site, or online via the official website or local ticketing platforms. Additional fees apply for special attractions like the boat ride.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is recommended, especially during peak seasons. Tickets can be booked online up to a few days in advance.
To fully explore the Old Summer Palace and its surrounding gardens, it typically takes 2 to 3 hours. For a more detailed exploration, including the historical exhibits and boat ride, you may need up to 4 hours.
Guided tours and audio guides are available in multiple languages, including English and Mandarin. Audio guides can be rented at the entrance for a small fee, or guided tours can be arranged in advance for groups.
Start by entering through the East Gate and walking along the Long Corridor to the West Garden. After visiting the main palaces and ruins, head towards the Marble Boat and the nearby lake for scenic views. If you have time, explore the historical exhibits to learn about the palace's history.
Currently, the Old Summer Palace does not offer night visits or light shows. Special tours and exhibitions may be available during holidays or festivals, so it's worth checking the schedule in advance if you're visiting during a peak season.
The Old Summer Palace can be crowded on weekends and public holidays, especially in the summer. The least crowded times are weekday mornings, especially outside of school holidays and public holidays.
There are rest areas, toilets, and small shops located around the park. However, food options are limited inside the palace grounds. It’s recommended to bring your own water and snacks or visit nearby restaurants before entering.
The Old Summer Palace has relatively flat grounds, but some areas may be difficult to navigate due to uneven paths or historical ruins. The park is generally accessible for children and elderly visitors, though strollers or wheelchairs may require assistance in certain parts.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) and credit cards are widely accepted at the ticket counter and shops. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
There are no major restaurants within the Old Summer Palace itself. However, you can find a variety of dining options around the Haidian area and near Peking University, which offers both local and international cuisines.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in nearby restaurants in Haidian District. Halal food can be found in specific halal eateries around the city, though not directly within the Old Summer Palace vicinity.
Souvenir shops around the Old Summer Palace sell traditional Chinese crafts, paintings, and replica artifacts. Popular items include decorative items featuring Chinese imperial motifs, tea sets, and calligraphy scrolls.
