The Summer Palace, known in Chinese as Yíhéyuán (颐和园), is a stunning imperial garden and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located in Beijing, it's renowned for its harmonious blend of natural landscape and man-made architecture, offering visitors a glimpse into China's imperial past.

Summer Palace

Past Story of Summer Palace

Originally built in 1750 as the Garden of Clear Ripples, it was largely destroyed during the Second Opium War in 1860. Empress Dowager Cixi rebuilt and renamed it the Summer Palace in 1888, using funds originally designated for the Chinese navy. It served as a summer retreat for the imperial family until the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1911.

Plaque at the Summer Palace

How Summer Palace Configures

Total area: Approximately 2.9 square kilometers (290 hectares)

Main features:
Kunming Lake (covers about 3/4 of the total area)
Longevity Hill

Layout:
The palace is divided into three main areas: administrative, residential, and recreational/spiritual

Key structures:

• Tower of Buddhist Incense (main building, located on Longevity Hill)
• Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (for administrative affairs)
• Hall of Dispelling Clouds (for ceremonies and receiving guests)
• The Long Corridor (728 meters long, along Kunming Lake)
• 17-Arch Bridge (150m long, connecting to an island in Kunming Lake)
• Suzhou Street
• Various pavilions, temples, and gardens

Gates:
Six gates in total, with the North Gate, East Gate, and Xinjiangongmen being the most recommended for visitors

Other features:

• Three large islands in Kunming Lake
• West Dike with six bridges
• Temples and monasteries in Han and Tibetan style on the north side of Longevity Hill
• Garden of Harmonious Pleasure to the northeast

Panorama of the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace integrates natural landscapes with artificial features, combining hills, lakes, pavilions, halls, temples, and bridges to create harmonious ensemble that exemplifies Chinese landscape garden design.

Tour Information of Summer Palace

Address

19 Xinjiangongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China

Ticket Price

April 1 to October 31:

• Entrance only: 30 CNY
• Combo ticket (includes all attractions): 60 CNY

November 1 to March 31:

• Entrance only: 20 CNY
• Combo ticket: 50 CNY

Opening Hours

April 1 to October 31: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM
November 1 to March 31: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

How to Get There

• By Subway: Take Line 4 to Beigongmen Station (North Palace Gate) or Xiyuan Station (East Palace Gate)
• By Bus: Take bus 303, 330, 331, 346, 394, 563, 583, 726, or 826 to the Summer Palace stop

Travel Tips

• Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the palace grounds.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes as there's a lot of ground to cover.
• Consider renting an audio guide for detailed information about the site's history and features.
• Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season (May-October).
• Take a boat ride on Kunming Lake for a different perspective of the palace.
• The combo ticket is worth it if you plan to visit multiple attractions within the complex.
• Bring water and snacks, though there are also restaurants and vendors on-site.
• In winter, you can ice skate on the frozen Kunming Lake.

Summer Palace

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
• Summer (June-August) is peak tourist season but allows you to see the gardens in full bloom.
• Winter (November-March) offers a unique experience with snow-covered landscapes and ice skating on Kunming Lake.

Nearby Attractions

• Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan)
• Peking University
• Beijing Zoo

Gate of Beijing Zoo

The Summer Palace offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and imperial grandeur. As you wander through its grounds, you'll be transported back to the days of China's last dynasty, experiencing the opulence and artistry that defined imperial life. Whether you're admiring the intricate paintings along the Long Corridor, taking in the panoramic views from Longevity Hill, or enjoying a peaceful boat ride on Kunming Lake, the Summer Palace promises a memorable journey through China's rich cultural heritage.