The Summer Palace is one of the top attractions in Beijing. It combines nature, culture, and history in one beautiful location. It is a great place for walking, sightseeing, and learning about China’s imperial past. This guide gives you all the details you need for a perfect visit.
History & Culture Of Summer Palace
The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) was built during the Qing Dynasty. It was a summer resort for emperors and their families. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a public park.The site covers more than 700 acres. It includes lakes, hills, bridges, temples, and royal buildings. It shows the beauty of traditional Chinese garden design.
The Summer Palace is not only a scenic area but also full of meaning. Here are a few things to understand its culture:
Feng Shui Principles: The entire layout reflects cosmic harmony. The lake is placed in the south, and the hill in the north.
Symbolism in Design: Dragon motifs symbolize imperial authority, phoenixes represent harmony, and peaches indicate long life.
Empress Dowager Cixi: She rebuilt the Summer Palace using funds originally intended for the navy. Her influence is visible in structures like the Marble Boat.
Architecture Styles: Han Chinese buildings mix with Tibetan-style temples, especially around Longevity Hill.
Art and Stories: Painted scenes in the Long Corridor depict stories from classics such as “Journey to the West” and “Romance of the Three Kingdoms.”
How to Get to The Summer Palace in Beijing
The Summer Palace is located in the northwest part of Beijing, about 15 kilometers from the city center. There are two ways to get there,however,you need to get a subway and bus card to take the subway or bus，And it requires a transfer, which is a bit inconvenient.If you sign up for our tour group, we will provide a special vehicle to pick you up and drop you off.
By Subway (Recommended)
✅ Fastest & most reliable way
✅ Avoids Beijing traffic
Route:
Take Line 4 (the blue line) to Beigongmen Station (北宫门站).
Exit from Exit D – The Summer Palace’s North Gate is just 5 minutes away.
📌 Pro Tip:
If you want to enter from the East Gate (main entrance), get off one stop earlier at Xiyuan Station (西苑站) and walk 10 minutes.
By Bus (Multiple Options)
Several buses go to the Summer Palace, but routes can be confusing.
| Bus Number | Drop-off Point | Walking Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 303, 331, 332, 346, 584 | Summer Palace East Gate | 3-5 min |
| 374, 437, 952 | Summer Palace New Palace Gate | 5-7 min |
| 469, 539 | Summer Palace North Gate | 2 min |
⚠ Note:
Beijing buses can be crowded, especially during rush hours (7-9 AM & 5-7 PM).
You’ll need a Beijing Transportation Card (or Alipay/WeChat Pay) to board.
13 Days Classic China Tour from Beijing – Xi’an Lhasa Chengdu Shanghai
Best Time to Visit The Summer Palace
You can visit the Summer Palace all year round, but some seasons are better than others:
Spring (March to May): Flowers bloom, and the weather is mild.
Summer (June to August): Lush greenery, but it may be hot and crowded.
Autumn (September to November): Cool weather and colorful leaves.
Winter (December to February): Quiet and peaceful. Kunming Lake often freezes, and you can walk or skate on it.
| Season | Weather | Scenery | Crowds | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Mild, breezy | Blossoms, clear air | Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Summer | Hot, humid | Lush greenery | High | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Autumn | Cool, dry | Colorful leaves | Low–Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Winter | Cold, snow/ice | Frozen lake views | Very Low | ⭐⭐⭐ |
🌟 Tip: Visit early in the morning for better light and fewer people.
6 Main Attractions Inside The Summer Palace
1.Kunming Lake
This large lake takes up most of the park. It is shaped like a peach, a symbol of long life in Chinese culture. You can rent a paddle boat or take a ferry across the water.
2.Longevity Hill
This hill rises above Kunming Lake. Many temples and halls sit on its slopes. You can climb up to enjoy great views and see beautiful buildings like the Tower of Buddhist Incense.
3.Seventeen-Arch Bridge
This stone bridge connects the shore of Kunming Lake to Nanhu Island. It is famous for its elegant arches and stone lion carvings.
4.Long Corridor (Chang Lang)
This covered walkway is 728 meters long. It is decorated with over 14,000 colorful paintings. Each scene tells a story from Chinese history or folklore.
5.Marble Boat (Qingyan Fang)
The Marble Boat is a unique structure made of stone and wood. It sits at the edge of the lake and is a symbol of stability. It was built by Empress Dowager Cixi during the late Qing Dynasty.
6.Suzhou Street
This area looks like an old canal town. It has small shops and bridges along a narrow waterway. It was once a private shopping area for the royal family.
The Well-planned Tourist Route of The Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is large, and a planned route helps you see the best spots without getting too tired. Here are two popular walking routes:
Short Route (1.5–2 hours):
Enter from the North Gate
Visit Suzhou Street
Walk through the Long Corridor
See the Marble Boat
Exit from the East Gate
Full Route (3–4 hours):
Enter from the East Gate
Walk along Kunming Lake
Cross the Seventeen-Arch Bridge to Nanhu Island
Climb Longevity Hill to the Tower of Buddhist Incense
Walk down through the Long Corridor
Visit the Marble Boat
Exit from the North Gate
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially in warm weather. These routes give you a mix of scenic views and cultural sites.
10 Days Best Silk Road Tour from Beijing to Xi’an, Dunhuang, Xinjiang
Travel Tips for Visiting The Summer Palace
Wear comfortable shoes: Walking paths are long and sometimes uneven.
Bring sun protection: Wear a hat, use sunscreen, and bring sunglasses.
Snacks and water: Pack your own or buy near the gates; options inside are limited.
Time management: Allocate 3–4 hours minimum; more if you’re taking photos or visiting in peak season.
Avoid crowds: Arrive early, especially if you want clear photos or peaceful walks.
Nearby Attractions in Beijing
| Attraction | Distance | Why Visit |
| Great Wall | 1–1.5 hrs drive | Ancient defense with mountain views |
| Forbidden City | ~40 mins | World’s largest ancient palace |
| Tiananmen Square | ~40 mins | Historical and political landmark |
| Beijing Zoo | ~30 mins | Giant pandas, children’s favorite |
| Old Summer Palace | ~10 mins | Once grand, now scenic ruins |
13 Days Classic China Tour from Beijing – Xi’an Lhasa Chengdu Shanghai
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What is the Summer Palace known for?
The Summer Palace is known as the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It features a harmonious blend of natural scenery with palaces, temples, and pavilions.
How much time should I spend at the Summer Palace?
Visitors should plan for at least half a day to explore the main highlights. For a more comprehensive experience, a full day is recommended due to its large size.
Can I rent an audio guide at the Summer Palace?
Yes, audio guide devices are available for rent at the major gates of the Summer Palace. They offer explanations in 19 different languages.
Is the Summer Palace open on Mondays?
Yes, the Summer Palace is generally open every day. Some specific halls or exhibition areas within the palace might have varying hours or closures, but the main grounds remain open.
What is the difference between the Summer Palace and the Old Summer Palace?
The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) is largely restored and well-preserved. The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) was almost completely destroyed in 1860. It now mostly consists of ruins.
