The Summer Palace

About The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a former imperial garden from the Qing Dynasty, located 15 km northwest of Beijing. Originally named Qingyi Garden, it covers approximately 290 hectares (2.9 km²) and is renowned as the "Royal Garden Museum" for its harmonious blend of natural landscapes and classical architecture.

Designed after Hangzhou’s West Lake, it has Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, and meticulously crafted pavilions, bridges, and corridors that reflect traditional Chinese garden artistry.

• When was it built? 1750 (Qing Dynasty), rebuilt in 1888.
• Where is it located? Beijing’s Haidian District, 15km northwest of the city center.
• Why was it built? Summer escape for emperors to avoid Forbidden City heat and enjoy nature.

Summer Palace Ticket Price & Discount

🎟️ Summer Palace Ticket Prices

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Discounts & Free Entry

Summer Palace Opening Hours

Peak Season (1 April – 31 October)

• Main Park: Open 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM, last entry 7:00 PM
• Paid Courtyards (e.g. Tower of Buddhist Incense, Dehe Garden): Open 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, last entry 5:30 PM

Off-Season (1 November – 31 March)

• Main Park: Open 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM, last entry 6:00 PM
• Paid Courtyards: Open 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, last entry 4:30 PM

Note: The Garden within a Garden and some inner courtyards are closed on Mondays, except during public holidays.

Summer Palace Map & Route

Source from China Tour

• ​Classic Route: Start at the North Palace Gate → Suzhou Street → Longevity Hill → Kunming Lake → Marble Boat → Seventeen-Arch Bridge.

• ​Spring Blossom Route: Enter via the West Gate → Mirror Bridge → Lian Bridge → Jingming Tower → Willow Bridge for iconic views of peach blossoms along the West Dyke.

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Summer Palace History

The Summer Palace, or Yiheyuan in Chinese, has a rich history that dates back over 800 years.

Where is Summer Palace Located?

The Summer Palace is in the western suburbs of Beijing at 19 Xinjiangongmen Road, Haidian District. It is about 15 km (9 miles) from central Beijing and 23 km (14 miles) from Tian’anmen Square, taking roughly 55 minutes by car depending on traffic. From Beijing Capital International Airport, it is around 37 km (23 miles), or about a 47-minute drive.

Nearby attractions

• The Old Summer Palace: 5.4 km (3.4 miles), about 10 minutes by car
• Zhongguancun Science Park: Often called China’s Silicon Valley, 5.5 km (3.4 miles), around 14 minutes by car
• Xiangshan Park: 12 km (7.5 miles), about 20 minutes by car

How to Get to Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is easy to reach using the metro, bus, or taxi. Below is a simple guide to help you choose the most convenient way.

🚉 By Metro

The Beijing Subway is the most convenient way to reach the Summer Palace. Two main stations serve different entrances:

Beigongmen Station (Line 4)

• Exit A1 and walk 400 metres west to reach the North Palace Gate.
• This is the most popular and direct route for visitors.

Yiheyuanximen Station (Western Suburban Line)

• Walk 4 minutes north to reach the West Gate.

🚌 By Bus

Several bus routes stop near different gates of the Summer Palace:

💡 Tip: Buses are cheap but often crowded during rush hours.

🚖 By Taxi or Didi (Ride-hailing App)

Taxis are comfortable and take you directly to any gate.

• Example Fare: From the Forbidden City to the Summer Palace costs around ¥64 (~£7), distance 21 km (13 miles), about 45–50 minutes.
• Show this to the driver: “请带我去颐和园” (Please take me to the Summer Palace).
• Payment: Cash, WeChat Pay, Alipay, or Beijing Transport Card.

🕒 Avoid 7–9 AM and 5–7 PM due to heavy traffic.
🚗 Taxis can drop you at gates with car parks, such as South Ruyi Gate or West Gate.
💡 Navigation Tip: Use Baidu Maps or Amap for real-time metro, bus, and traffic information.

What to Do & See in Summer Palace: 3 Key Areas

1. The Hall of Benevolent Governance (仁寿殿)

This area was once the private residence of the royal family, especially Empress Dowager Cixi. It is where emperors discussed politics, planned battles, and welcomed foreign guests. The throne hall is stunning, with golden phoenixes on the ceiling, dragon carvings winding around the pillars, and a grand throne at the centre.
Nearby, the Hall of Joy and Longevity was Cixi’s living quarters, filled with her personal items such as fans made of peacock feathers. The Hall of Jade Billows, once the emperor’s bedroom, is elegant and surprisingly modest.

2. Longevity Hill (万寿山)

Climbing Longevity Hill feels like walking into a traditional Chinese painting. You will pass temples built on cliffs, ancient stone lions, and a giant bronze deity holding a sword, said to guard against evil spirits.
At the top, the Cloud-Dispelling Hall offers peaceful views across Kunming Lake. The sunlight on the water and the distant mountains make it a perfect spot for photos.
If climbing is difficult, use the lift. There are no cafés up the hill, so take some snacks and water with you.

3. Kunming Lake

Kunming Lake stretches over two miles and is the heart of the Summer Palace. You can rent a paddleboat or take a scenic boat ride to enjoy the temples and willow trees along the shore. The Seventeen-Arch Bridge is a famous photo spot, while the Marble Boat is a graceful white structure that looks almost unreal.
The lakeside paths are great for cycling, peaceful and shaded by trees.

Travel Tips:

• Visit in April for cherry blossoms or in October for golden autumn leaves.
• Bring insect repellent in summer, as mosquitoes are quite active.

Best Time to Go to Summer Palace

The best time to visit the Summer Palace is in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October). The air is fresh, the weather is comfortable, and the gardens look like a postcard. In spring, cherry blossoms and peonies bloom beautifully. In autumn, the red maple trees around Kunming Lake are stunning.

Summer (June–August) is very busy with crowds, hot weather, and occasional thunderstorms. If you do visit, bring a hat, a fan, and try to go early to avoid the main tour groups.

Winter is quiet and peaceful. The palace can be covered in snow, there are very few visitors, and you can enjoy snacks like hot chestnuts from street vendors while exploring the scenic gardens.