Unlike the Forbidden City, which impresses with its ceremonial grandeur, the Summer Palace was designed for leisure, where emperors and empresses escaped the summer heat by boating on the lake, strolling through gardens, and enjoying theatrical performances. Once the imperial summer retreat of the emperors during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a perfect blend of majestic architecture, tranquil lakes, lush hill, elegant gardens and centuries of cultural heritage.
Centered around sparkling Kunming Lake and the lush Longevity Hill, the Summer Palace is a masterpiece of classical Chinese landscape design. One of the most rewarding ways to experience the Summer Palace is to appreciate how its landscape changes with the seasons. From spring blossoms and lotus-filled waters in summer to vibrant autumn foliage and the tranquil beauty of snow-covered buildings in winter, each visit offers a different perspective. During the warmer months, a boat ride across Kunming Lake provides some of the finest views of Longevity Hill, the Tower of Buddhist Incense, and the palace's elegant lakeside pavilions.
Whether you're fascinated by Chinese history, passionate about photography, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the city's bustle, the Summer Palace promises an unforgettable journey through one of China's finest imperial gardens.
Don’t miss
1. Take a boat cruise on Kunming Lake for panoramic views of Longevity Hill, the Tower of Buddhist Incense, and the surrounding gardens.
2. Walk through the Long Corridor, the world's longest painted corridor, decorated with more than 14,000 traditional paintings depicting landscapes, flowers, birds, and scenes from Chinese literature.
3. Climb Longevity Hill to enjoy sweeping views over Kunming Lake and the palace grounds.
4. Visit the Marble Boat, one of the Summer Palace's most recognizable landmarks and the only architecture built on water blending both traditional Chinese and European aesthetic styles.
Travel tips
1. Allow 3 to 5 hours to explore the palace at a relaxed pace.
2. Arrive early, especially during weekends and public holidays, to avoid the largest crowds.
3. A boat ride across Kunming Lake offers one of the best perspectives of the palace landscape.
4. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the palace grounds cover more than 3 square kilometers with many slopes and stairways.
Practical info & Getting there
Suggested entrance: Unlike the Palace Museum, the Summer Palace has several gates, and choosing the right one affects the visitor's route. Beigongmen (North Palace Gate, 北宫门) for visitors planning to explore Longevity Hill first, or Donggongmen (East Palace Gate，东宫门) for a more leisurely lakeside route.
Ticket price:
General admission:
Tourist season (April 1 – Oct 31): 30 yuan ($4.41) /per person
Tourist off-season (Nov 1 - March 31): 20 yuan/person
Through ticket:
Tourist season: 60 yuan/person
Tourist off-season: 50 yuan/person
The through ticket includes admission to the park plus several major attractions and historical buildings within the Summer Palace grounds, including the Tower of Buddhist Incense, Garden of Virtue and Harmony, Suzhou Market Street, and the Museum of the Summer Palace.
Getting there
By metro (recommended): Take Metro Line 4 to Beigongmen Station (North Palace Gate, 北宫门) or Xiyuan Station (西苑). Both stations are within a short walk of the main entrances.
By bus: By bus: Numerous public bus routes stop at the Summer Palace, including services to Beigongmen, Donggongmen (East Palace Gate), and Xiyuan.
By taxi or ride-hailing: Search for "Summer Palace" or "颐和园" as your destination. Taxis can drop passengers at the main entrances, with Donggongmen (East Palace Gate, 东宫门) and Beigongmen (North Palace Gate, 北宫门) being the most convenient for most visitors.
By car: Parking is available at several entrances.
