Written by
Anthony
Built in 1750 during the Qing Dynasty, it was reconstructed several times after destruction by foreign forces.
Covering over three square kilometers, three-quarters of the area is water, with over a hundred scenic structures and thousands of ancient trees.
The park perfectly unites palatial architecture and natural elements, reflecting harmony between man and nature.
Recognized as a World Heritage Site, the Summer Palace holds tens of thousands of cultural relics, representing nearly every category of Chinese art.
It stands as China’s best-preserved imperial garden.
The gilded Tower of Buddhist Incense soars 41 meters above Longevity Hill, its sunlit eaves and vibrant tiles glowing like fire against the sky. Nearby, the Seventeen‑Arch Bridge arches gracefully over Kunming Lake, its 544 carved lions and sentinel bronze ox guarding centuries of imperial elegance, all connected by the world’s longest painted corridor—a living gallery of Chinese classics.
Glide across the shimmering lake in a traditional dragon boat as willow branches kiss the water and distant pagodas drift in the mist. From the Tower’s summit, the garden unfolds like a three‑dimensional scroll, where hillside pavilions and jade waters merge into a breathtaking riverside panorama.
In the Hall of Joyful Longevity, magnolia petals rest against time‑worn stone, a delicate counterpoint to the bold “Rock of Splendor.” Elsewhere, moon‑lit koi swirl beneath curved garden bridges, and the Sea of Wisdom’s glazed reliefs conceal over a thousand miniature Buddhas—intimate treasures of ancient artisanship.
In April and May, the Summer Palace feels as if an artist’s palette has been scattered across its gardens. Magnolia blossoms tumble like porcelain snow onto the stone pathways around the Hall of Joyful Longevity, while peonies in every shade of pink, purple, and crimson vie for attention beneath the gilded rooftops of the Hall of Dispelling Clouds. With daily temperatures between 15 °C and 25 °C, you can wander the Long Corridor in gentle breezes or ascend the Tower of Buddhist Incense to discover fresh green hues on the Western Hills and Kunming Lake’s surface sparkling like molten silver. Everywhere you breathe, there’s the sweet perfume of spring flowers.
September and October unveil a crystal-clear autumn sky, turning Kunming Lake into a giant sapphire. As you glide across its waters in a dragon boat, the air carries the lingering fragrance of lotus leaves—and even the sight of their few remaining pads. From the Tower of Buddhist Incense, the slopes of Longevity Hill blush with red and gold foliage, framing the palace pavilions in vivid layers. Sunlight is soft, the lake ripples gently, and the Seventeen‑Arch Bridge casts a golden reflection at dusk, capturing that unforgettable feeling of “wandering inside a painting.”
Standard Ticket
Peak Season (Apr 1 – Oct 31): ¥30
Off‑Season (Nov 1 – Mar 31): ¥20
Access: Long Corridor, Marble Boat (Shi Fang), Seventeen‑Arch Bridge
Combined Ticket
Peak Season (Apr 1 – Oct 31): ¥60
Off‑Season (Nov 1 – Mar 31): ¥50
Access: All Standard Ticket areas plus Tower of Buddhist Incense, Suzhou Street, Dehe Yuan, Tanning Hall
The easiest way is to take Line 4 to either Beigongmen Station or Xiyuan Station. From Beigongmen, it’s a 5‑minute walk to the north entrance—perfect if you want to start with Suzhou Street or climb the back of Longevity Hill. From Xiyuan, it’s about a 10‑minute stroll to the East Palace Gate, the main entrance, where you can head straight for the halls of Ren Shou and Le Shou.
Several routes stop right outside the gates. Take Bus 331 to the East Palace Gate for direct access to the main entrance, or Bus 375 to Beigongmen for the north gate. Buses in Beijing cost just ¥1–2; swipe your transport card or scan the “Yi Tongxing” QR code in Alipay to ride. It’s a budget‑friendly way to see city streets on the way.
For nearby visitors, shared bikes (Meituan or HelloBike) make a fun option. From places like the Old Summer Palace or Tsinghua University, a 20–30 minute ride brings you to the east or north gate. Park in the designated bike‑share area, lock up, and enjoy a leisurely walk into the garden—all in one smooth trip.
Step through the vermilion doors of the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, once the political heart of the empire. Inside, a golden nanmu throne sits before a screen emblazoned with the character “寿” (longevity), exuding imperial authority. Notice the copper dragon and phoenix at the entrance—here, the phoenix stands on the left and the dragon on the right, a subtle nod to Empress Dowager Cixi’s reign.
In the Hall of Jade Ripples, you’ll feel the weight of history. This was Emperor Guangxu’s former living quarters and later his place of house arrest after the 1898 reforms. Look for the sealed windows and the remnants of blocked doorways—silent reminders of a tense chapter in palace life. In spring, a magnolia planted by Qianlong blooms in the courtyard, its snowy petals a poignant contrast to the hall’s hushed atmosphere.
The Hall of Joyful Longevity was Cixi’s private retreat, centered around the massive “Rock of Splendor.” Legend says moving this boulder cost the empire dearly, yet here it sits, flanked by blooming magnolias and crabapples. From the stone landing, you can board a painted pleasure boat and drift across Kunming Lake, just as Cixi did on long, lazy afternoons.
Rising 41 meters atop a 20 meter stone base, the gilded Tower of Buddhist Incense defines the palace skyline. Each step up its steep stairway brings you closer to the sunlit eaves, where golden tiles blaze in the light. From the summit, Kunming Lake unfolds like a vast sapphire, the Seventeen‑Arch Bridge a ribbon of white jade, and the distant Western Hills drift like silhouettes in mist. Inside, a statue of the Thousand‑Hand Avalokiteshvara stands draped in gold, its soft incense a whisper of imperial prayers.
Nestled beneath the Tower, the Hall of Dispelling Clouds serves as its sturdy foundation. Red walls and yellow tiles cling to the hillside, flanked by copper cranes and deer that symbolize eternal spring. The intricately carved dragon‑and‑phoenix steps—reserved for emperor and empress—lead you into a space built in Cixi’s honor. From here, looking up at the tower gives the illusion that it floats above the clouds, capturing a sense of otherworldly grace.
Perched at the very peak, the Sea of Wisdom amazes with its beam‑less brick architecture. Not a single wooden support stands within these walls, yet swooping eaves and intricate brackets seem to defy gravity. The true wonder lies in its glazed reliefs: 1,008 small Buddhas in vivid greens, blues, and golds, their expressions immortalized under the sun. Legend says the name reflects boundless insight—after all, wisdom here feels as deep as the ocean itself.
Stretching 728 meters between hill and lake, the Long Corridor is a three‑dimensional scroll of Chinese classics. Its 273 bays are painted with 14,000 scenes—from the Monkey King’s havoc in Heaven to Zhuge Liang’s Empty Fort Stratagem—each pigment still bright after centuries. In summer, the corridor offers cool shade and a gentle breeze, inviting you to pause on its benches, lose yourself in the artwork, and let your footsteps slow to match the palace’s timeless pace.
Kunming Lake stretches across most of the palace grounds, its waters dredged by Emperor Qianlong in homage to West Lake. Climb aboard a painted dragon boat and glide beneath drooping willows as the breeze carries misty lake scent. Look back to see the pagoda on Jade Spring Hill mirrored in the ripples, like brush strokes of indigo on silk. In autumn, brittle lotus leaves float like scattered gold, and at sunset, the water glows honey‑amber with each flick of your oar.
Arching across the lake like a jade rainbow, the Seventeen‑Arch Bridge boasts 17 symmetrically arranged openings and 544 unique stone lions—some frolicking, some fierce, even a few lionesses cradling cubs. At the western end, a lone bronze bull reclines on polished stone, its curved horns echoing the “Water‑Calming Bull” on South Lake Island. By moonlight, each arch appears to cradle a full moon—a magical illusion born of age‑old light and shadow play.
To reach South Lake Island, you must cross the water. Once there, pavilion‑lined paths lead to the Hall of Tranquil Charm, where red pillars and curved eaves frame perfect views of the Seventeen‑Arch Bridge and its mirror image below. This emerald islet, lush with foliage and bird song, feels more like a southern water town than an imperial garden. Rest on a stone bench, listen to lapping waves, and for a moment, forget you’re still within palace walls.
The Marble Boat, or Qingyan Fang, defies its name—36 meters of solid stone carved to resemble a Western-style barge. Its round windows, fluted pillars, and carved railings evoke an opulent palace afloat. Originally made of wood and later rebuilt in brick and stone, it symbolizes “river clear, sea calm,” and the dual power of water to carry or capsize. At dusk, its gilded pavilion reflects in the lake’s shimmering surface, a serene yet poignant monument to imperial ambition.
Tucked into a quiet corner, the Garden of Harmonious Pleasures feels like a tiny Jiangnan oasis. Its zigzag “Bridge of Knowing Fish” lets you pause and watch carp glide beneath your feet—perfectly capturing the saying “How do you know the fish’s joy?” In summer, lotus blooms carpet the pond with pale pink and white flowers, and red lanterns hanging from the corridor cast a soft, rosy glow on the water.
At the foot of Longevity Hill, Suzhou Street recreates a royal waterway lined with over sixty shops modeled on old Jiangnan storefronts. Imagine Empress Cixi drifting by in her boat while palace attendants posed as shopkeepers. Today, you can browse creative souvenirs and sample snacks along the damp bluestone path, where lantern reflections dance in the rippling canal as dusk settles.
Hidden on the eastern slope, Jiqing Xuan is a nearly secret retreat of rockeries and quiet pavilions. Wander its winding stone tunnels and peer through grotto windows into still pools that mirror the surrounding corridors. In summer, pomegranate trees heavy with bright red fruit shade secluded stone steps—sit here, listen for cicadas, and discover why this spot feels like poetry come to life.
Tucked into the foot of Longevity Hill, Tingliguan was once Empress Dowager Cixi’s private theatre retreat and now serves refined court dishes. Don’t miss the signature “Cixi Longevity Peaches”—sweet red bean paste wrapped in pink-tinted glutinous rice, shaped to perfection. Equally elegant is the “Imperial Tofu,” where silken tofu is cut into fine threads and simmered with shiitake mushrooms and ham, each melt‑in‑the‑mouth bite revealing delicate palace‑style flavors.
Exit Beigongmen Station and walk five minutes to Huguo Si Snack Street, a legendary gathering of Old Beijing bites. Here, try the hardcore classic of douzhi’er (fermented mung bean drink) with crispy jiaoquan rings—the tangy, slightly sour soup warms you from the first sip. Don’t skip aiwowo, soft glutinous rice dumplings filled with sesame and bean paste that offer a gentle sweetness. All this for around ¥10 lets you sample authentic local flavors.
Near Xiyuan Station, Haiwanju is famous for its hearty zhajiangmian. A big blue‑and‑white bowl arrives piled with springy noodles and a rich fermented soybean sauce studded with pork. Fresh cucumber, bean sprouts, and radish ribbons add crunch and brightness. Mix well so every strand carries that savory-salty punch. At ¥20 a bowl, it’s a filling, no‑frills meal—complete with vintage Beijing slogans on the walls and servers cheering “Please enjoy!” for a taste of true hutong atmosphere.
When your feet grow tired, pause at one of the stone benches lining the Long Corridor. The cool flagstone underfoot and the riot of colors overhead make each seat a private viewing platform. Here you can gaze up at Sun Wukong soaring through painted clouds, feel a gentle breeze whisper through the beams, and watch sunlight soften beneath the summer canopy. Occasionally, a visitor in flowing Hanfu drifts past, transforming the corridor into a living scroll.
On the east shore of Kunming Lake, a carpet of emerald grass slopes down to the water’s edge. Spread out a mat and let the sun warm your back as you drink in the vista—Seventeen‑Arch Bridge arching like a jade rainbow, a lone bronze ox at its foot, and South Lake Island drifting in the distance. A cool breeze carries the lake’s misty fragrance as pleasure boats glide by, conjuring the serenity of a southern water town rather than an imperial capital.
Tucked beside the pond in the Garden of Harmonious Pleasures, a wooden table shaded by vine‑covered trellises offers true “little Jiangnan” calm. Order a pot of jasmine tea and watch the leaves unfurl in steaming water, their scent rising like a soft perfume. Look down to see koi weaving among fallen petals, then glance up to hear wind‑chimes dancing at the pavilion’s corner. An hour here slows time itself—no wonder the ancients spoke of “stealing half a day’s leisure” in such a place.
Start at 7:30 AM through the East Palace Gate, just as morning light glints off the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity’s glazed tiles. Spend thirty minutes here, then wander over to the Hall of Jade Ripples and the Hall of Joyful Longevity—an hour total to feel the palace’s power and poetry.
By 10 AM, ascend Longevity Hill. Pause at the Hall of Dispelling Clouds to admire its carved dragon‑and‑phoenix steps. Continue to the Tower of Buddhist Incense, where you can marvel at the gilded Avalokiteshvara statue and drink in panoramic views of Kunming Lake, the Seventeen‑Arch Bridge, and the distant Western Hills. On your way down, linger at the Sea of Wisdom to see 1,008 glazed Buddhas glowing in the afternoon light.
At 12 PM, stroll the Long Corridor for about forty minutes. Let its vibrant paintings sweep you through Chinese classics, then rest on a shaded stone bench and enjoy a simple snack by the Marble Boat as its pavilion reflects on the water.
By 2:00 PM, board a pleasure boat to South Lake Island. As you glide across the lake, watch the hill’s reflection shimmer. Once ashore, explore the Hall of Tranquil Charm and frame the Seventeen‑Arch Bridge and its mirror image in your lens.
At 3:30 PM, cross the bridge on foot, counting the unique stone lions along the railing and greeting the bronze ox at the shore.
By 4:00 PM, slip into the Garden of Harmonious Pleasures to feed the koi and wander beneath lantern‑hung corridors. Finally, at 5:30 PM, exit through Beigongmen Station as the setting sun gilds Suzhou Street rooftops—an unforgettable close to a day woven with history and beauty.
Sunrise at Seventeen‑Arch Bridge
Arrive before dawn on the bridge’s east side and watch the rising sun beam through its arches, casting 17 golden “rings” on the lake’s mirror‑flat surface.
Sunset from the Tower of Buddhist Incense
Climb to the top in the evening for a fiery panorama—Kunming Lake painted orange by the setting sun, with boat silhouettes drifting across rippling light.
Framing the “Living Landscape” at Chenghui Pavilion
Head to Chenghui Pavilion (“Picture‑in‑Picture Pavilion”) to align Jade Spring Hill’s pagoda, the jade‑blue lake, and the bridge’s curve in one perfect shot—nature and architecture in harmony.
Magnolia Rain at the Hall of Joyful Longevity (Mar–Apr)
In early spring, the magnolia planted by Emperor Qianlong carpets the courtyard with white petals. Stroll along the West Causeway beneath drifting pink peach blossoms for your own petal shower.
Autumn Blaze on Longevity Hill (Oct–Nov)
Come mid‑autumn to find fiery maples blanketing the slopes and the lake’s lotus stubs glowing bronze in the golden light—an exquisite contrast of vigor and quiet.
Snowy Enchantment in Winter
After the first snowfall, the gilded rooftops of the Tower of Buddhist Incense sparkle under a white frost, and the corridor’s murals pop in the crisp snowlight—transforming the palace into a frozen fairy tale.
Just beyond the western gates of the Summer Palace lie the ruins of Yuanmingyuan, once a sprawling complex of three gardens—Yuanmingyuan, Changchunyuan, and Qichunyuan—known as the “Garden of Gardens.” For more than 150 years, Qing emperors flocked here to admire its Jiangnan‑style pavilions and lakes. Today, you can wander among charred stone remains, reflect on its imperial past, and stroll along Fuhai Lake, whose name—“Blessing as vast as the Eastern Sea”—hints at its former role as a royal boating retreat.
A short ride on the Western Suburban Line brings you to this living museum of plants. From March through May, flower festivals showcase blooms from around the world, while winter’s greenhouses shelter rare tropical species. Don’t miss the dawn‑fresh Metasequoia boardwalk in the north, where the city feels miles away. The garden also houses the Cao Xueqin Memorial Hall and the Reclining Buddha Temple, adding layers of literary and spiritual history to your visit.
Rising to 575 meters at its famous “Incense Burner Peak,” Fragrant Hills has been a royal retreat since the Yuan dynasty. The park offers one of Beijing’s Eight Scenic Views—“Clear Snow over the Western Hills”—and the Ming‑Qing style Bright Cloud Temple. In autumn, 140,000 golden‑leafed lacquer trees blaze across 1,400 acres in a riot of red and gold. History lovers can also tour the Shuangqing Villa, where Mao Zedong once lived and worked, adding a modern chapter to this ancient landscape.
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Just a quick heads-up — a helpful user named Volker let me know that some of the non-English content on this site may not be accurate.
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