Summer Palace Travel Guide: Explore Beijing’s Imperial Garden

Welcome to the Summer Palace (颐和园, Yiheyuan), a timeless wonder and one of the most iconic landmarks in Beijing. Built in the Qing Dynasty as a lavish imperial retreat, the Summer Palace is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its exquisite architecture, lush gardens, and the shimmering Kunming Lake.
 

Covering over 290 hectares, this majestic park is not just a garden — it’s a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design, seamlessly combining nature, palatial structures, and political history.

📌 Location & How to Get There

City: Beijing, China

District: Haidian District

Subway Access: Line 4 – Beigongmen Station (北宫门站), Exit D

🚗 Getting There

By Subway: Line 4 to Beigongmen Station (5-min walk to the North Gate)

By Taxi: ~30–40 minutes from central Beijing (Tiananmen or Wangfujing)

By Bus: Routes 303, 331, 332, 346 to various gates

🎟️ Entrance Fees & Opening Hours

🕘 Opening Hours:

Park: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM (varies by season)

Key Attractions: Open until 5:00 PM

🏯 History of the Summer Palace

Originally built in 1750 by Emperor Qianlong

Severely damaged in 1860 during the Second Opium War

Rebuilt and expanded by Empress Dowager Cixi in 1888, using naval funds

Served as her personal retreat during summer months

Today, the Summer Palace stands as a symbol of imperial luxury and political drama, blending elegance and intrigue into its serene setting.

🧭 Main Attractions at the Summer Palace

With over 3,000 structures, it’s impossible to see everything in one visit. Here are the top highlights you shouldn’t miss:

🏞️ 1. Kunming Lake (昆明湖)

Covers 75% of the park area

Inspired by West Lake in Hangzhou

Enjoy a boat ride or walk around the perimeter

Offers fantastic views of Longevity Hill and Seventeen-Arch Bridge

⛰️ 2. Longevity Hill (万寿山)

Central elevated area with key imperial structures

Provides panoramic views of Kunming Lake and beyond

Best place to understand Feng Shui principles in garden design

🏯 3. Tower of Buddhist Incense (佛香阁)

Most iconic structure of the palace, sitting atop Longevity Hill

Climb the steps for commanding views of the entire park

Used by the Empress Dowager for religious ceremonies

🎨 4. The Long Corridor (长廊)

A 728-meter-long painted corridor with over 14,000 decorative paintings

Depicts scenes from Chinese mythology, legends, and literature

Perfect for leisurely strolls, especially on sunny or rainy days

🌉 5. Seventeen-Arch Bridge (十七孔桥)

Connects the eastern shore of Kunming Lake to South Lake Island

Features 544 carved stone lions

Spectacular during sunset and winter when the lake freezes

🏠 6. Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (仁寿殿)

Main political hall of the palace

Used for imperial meetings and audiences

Furnished with dragon thrones and Qing Dynasty relics

🏡 7. Marble Boat (石舫)

Located at the northwestern edge of Kunming Lake

Symbol of stability and extravagance

Originally built from wood, later replaced with marble

💒 8. Garden of Harmonious Pleasures (谐趣园)

A quiet and elegant Suzhou-style garden

Lush pavilions, ponds, and rockeries

Great for peaceful photos or reflection

🥾 Walking Routes & Tips

🔁 Standard Tour Loop (2–3 hours):

Enter via East Gate

Visit Hall of Benevolence and Longevity

Walk through the Long Corridor

Climb Longevity Hill

Descend toward the Marble Boat

Optional: Boat ride across Kunming Lake to exit at South Gate

🧘 Tips for Visitors:

Wear comfortable shoes — it’s a large area!

Bring sunscreen and water in summer

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds

Avoid major holidays (Golden Week, Chinese New Year)

🏨 Nearby Attractions & Accommodation

✨ Nearby Attractions

Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan): Ruins of another imperial retreat

Peking University & Tsinghua University: Scenic campuses nearby

Beijing Botanical Garden & Fragrant Hills

🏨 Accommodation Suggestions

Shangri-La Hotel Beijing – Luxury near the west of the city

Holiday Inn Beijing Haidian – Mid-range and family friendly

Budget hostels near Wudaokou or Zhongguancun

📸 Photography Hotspots

Seventeen-Arch Bridge at sunset

Tower of Buddhist Incense in golden hour

Long Corridor for vibrant close-ups

Marble Boat reflections in the lake

📷 Pro Tip: Visit in autumn (October) for colorful foliage and clear skies.

🛍️ Souvenirs & Local Snacks

🛒 Souvenirs

Hand-painted fans

Silk bookmarks and scrolls

Traditional Chinese landscape prints

🍡 Snacks

Hawthorn candied skewers (冰糖葫芦)

Chinese pancakes (煎饼果子)

Sweet tofu pudding (豆花)

📅 Best Time to Visit

❄️ Winter is especially magical with snow-dusted rooftops and ice skating available on the lake.

📜 Cultural Significance

The Summer Palace exemplifies traditional Chinese garden aesthetics, imperial leisure, and the intertwining of politics and nature.

It's often referred to as:

“The Museum of Royal Gardens”

“An Encyclopedia of Chinese Landscape Architecture”

Its design harmonizes Confucian ideals, Daoist tranquility, and Buddhist symbolism, reflecting the holistic worldview of Chinese culture.

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🧭 Sample Itinerary (Half-Day Visit)

🕗 Morning:

Arrive at East Gate by 8:30 AM

Visit Hall of Benevolence and Longevity

Walk through the Long Corridor

Climb to Tower of Buddhist Incense

🕦 Late Morning:

Descend via Longevity Hill gardens

Visit Marble Boat

Optional boat ride across Kunming Lake

Exit at South Gate by 12:00 PM

🌟 Final Thoughts

The Summer Palace is a must-see destination in Beijing, offering a captivating blend of natural beauty, imperial architecture, and cultural depth. Whether you're strolling the Long Corridor or watching the sunset over Kunming Lake, every moment feels like stepping into a traditional Chinese painting.