Ultimate Guide to the Summer Palace with Local Insights
By Martina
Hey there, I’m Martina. I’ve wandered the vast grounds of the Summer Palace more times than I can count, from misty mornings to golden sunsets, and each visit reveals something new. This UNESCO World Heritage site isn’t just a historical landmark—it’s a living masterpiece of imperial gardens and architecture.
In this guide, I’ll blend solid facts with my personal insights to help you make the most of your trip. Let’s dive in!
Summer Palace in Beijing
The Summer Palace, or Yiheyuan (“Garden of Restful Peace”), is a remarkable testament to China’s imperial past and landscape design. Located about 15 km from Beijing, it spans roughly 290–300 hectares.
Built in 1750 during the Qing Dynasty as a summer retreat for emperors, it blends natural hills like Longevity Hill with Kunming Lake and meticulously crafted structures, embodying the philosophy that “the works of men should match the works of Heaven.” The palace also witnessed key historical events, including destruction during the Second Opium War and reconstruction by Empress Dowager Cixi.
Today, it is China’s largest and best-preserved royal garden, with over 3,000 buildings and 40,000 relics—a vivid glimpse into a bygone era.
What are the Highlights of the Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is thoughtfully divided into several scenic areas, each offering unique perspectives and historical insights. As an expert, I’ve curated a list of must-see highlights that truly capture the essence of this imperial garden:
The Long Corridor (长廊): A Painted Saga
This 728-meter-long corridor is an absolute marvel, stretching gracefully along the north shore of Kunming Lake. It’s adorned with over 8,000 vibrant paintings depicting scenes from Chinese mythology, history, and landscapes. I personally love how each step along this corridor unveils a new story, making it a visual feast and a fantastic spot for photography. It’s truly a unique feature, allowing you to stroll protected from the elements while absorbing rich cultural narratives.
Kunming Lake (昆明湖): The Heart of the Palace
Covering nearly three-quarters of the Summer Palace, Kunming Lake is its serene core. Its expansive waters reflect the surrounding hills and pavilions, creating breathtaking vistas. For a unique perspective and a moment of tranquility, I highly recommend renting a boat and gliding across the lake. This is especially enjoyable during the warmer months when the lotus blooms add to the picturesque scenery. Electric self-drive boats are also available, providing a fun experience for families.
Longevity Hill: Panoramic Views and Sacred Spaces
Longevity Hill, along with Kunming Lake, forms the primary natural features of the Summer Palace. Climbing to the top, though it involves steps, rewards you with unparalleled panoramic views of the entire complex and beyond. At its peak stands the majestic Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiangge), a prominent structure that serves as the visual centerpiece. The Hall of Dispelling Clouds, located on Longevity Hill, also houses an immense gilded statue of bodhisattva, offering a glimpse into the spiritual aspects of the imperial garden.
Suzhou Street (苏州街): A Glimpse of Riverside Life
Step into this charming “water town” within the palace grounds, meticulously modeled after the canals and architecture of Suzhou. The cobblestone streets and traditional wooden shops offer a unique glimpse into what commercial life might have been like for the imperial family. It’s a delightful spot to pick up souvenirs or enjoy a snack, transporting you back in time to ancient Jiangnan.
The Marble Boat (石舟): An Emblem of Extravagance
This iconic stone boat, located on Kunming Lake, is a curious symbol of Empress Dowager Cixi’s extravagant tastes. While not functional, it’s undeniably Instagram-worthy and a testament to the imperial desire for lavish displays of wealth and stability. It’s worth a brief stop for a photo and to appreciate its unique design.
The Seventeen-Arch Bridge and Nanhu Island: Picture-Perfect Moments
Connecting Nanhu Island to the east bank of Kunming Lake, the Seventeen-Arch Bridge is a beautiful and iconic structure, especially stunning at sunset. Its intricate design and the numerous stone lions adorning its balustrades make it a popular spot for photographers. Nanhu Island itself offers peaceful walkways and pavilions.
Practical Tips for Summer Palace from an Expert
Best Time to Visit Summer Palace: Seasons and Timing
While beautiful year-round, I recommend visiting between April and May when the weather is pleasant and the gardens are vibrant with blooming flowers. September and October also offer stunning autumn foliage. July and August bring beautiful lotus blooms but can be hot and crowded.
Aim for early mornings to avoid the biggest crowds, or late afternoon for softer light—perfect for photography. My personal advice: check the weather app for smog-free days; clear skies make the views truly unforgettable.
Summer Palace Opening Hours
| April – October | November – March |
| 06:00 – 20:00, Last Entry 19:00 | 06:30 – 19:00, Last Entry 18:00 |
Duration and What to Wear
The Summer Palace is vast, so plan for at least 3-4 hours to cover the main highlights. History enthusiasts or photographers could easily spend a full day.
Comfortable walking shoes are an absolute must. In summer, hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water are essential. In winter, dress warmly, as winds off the lake can be brisk.
Tickets and Entry Points
You can purchase tickets on-site or pre-book online, especially smart during peak seasons. A “through ticket” is highly recommended as it grants access to all constituent parts of the palace, including specific halls and attractions, offering excellent value.
For first-timers, the East Palace Gate (Donggongmen) is often recommended as the traditional main entrance, providing a classic linear route to the main highlights. However, the North Palace Gate (Beigongmen), near a convenient subway stop, is excellent if you wish to start closer to Suzhou Street and proceed south.
Navigating the Grounds: Boats and Carts
Shuttle boats crisscross Kunming Lake in season, offering a scenic shortcut. Electric self-drive boats are also available for hourly rental, which can be a fun family activity. For those who need to save steps, battery carts operate on a loop with several stops. The main lakeside paths are mostly flat, and wheelchairs can be rented at major gates, enhancing accessibility.
Guided Tours vs. DIY Exploration
The Summer Palace offers excellent English signage and audio guides in multiple languages, making self-guiding feasible. However, given its vastness and historical depth, I highly recommend considering a guided tour. Official guides can be hired at the East Palace Gate desks; always avoid unlicensed “black guides” who solicit near entrances. An expert guide can transform facts into compelling stories, adding significant context to what you see. For instance, learning about Empress Cixi’s birthday celebrations right where they happened truly brings the history to life.
A Deeper Look into the Summer Palace
To fully appreciate the Summer Palace, it’s important to understand its layered history. Built in 1750, it evolved from an imperial garden to a lavish summer residence and political hub, especially under Empress Dowager Cixi. The diversion of vast funds, including 22 million silver taels after the Second Opium War, highlights its importance to the Qing family.
The garden is also a living example of traditional Chinese garden art, blending artificial structures with natural landscapes to reflect balance and harmony. Longevity Hill symbolizes male strength, Kunming Lake female softness, embodying Yin and Yang. Its 3,000+ buildings—from grand halls to intricate pavilions—showcase architectural skill and Qing Dynasty artistry.
The Summer Palace is more than a tourist attraction—it blends China’s imperial history, natural beauty, and architectural artistry. Few places offer such a deep connection to the past while providing a serene escape from modern life. Whether drawn by history, traditional gardens, or a peaceful lakeside stroll, the Summer Palace promises an unforgettable experience. These insights will help you fully enjoy this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site and create lasting memories.
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