Beijing's Summer Palace ranks among China's most important imperial gardens, and it delivers a completely different experience from the Forbidden City . Where the Forbidden City focuses on dense palace buildings and royal court life, the Summer Palace unfolds as a sprawling landscape woven from lakes, rolling hills, ancient halls, covered corridors and pavilions.
This is not a compact attraction. The park covers a huge area, and your choice of entrance plus your planned route will shape nearly every part of your day.If you want to see the main sights without rushing, allow at least 3–4 hours for the Summer Palace.Many first-time visitors underestimate the walking distance and end up rushing past key landmarks or missing closing times for inner sites.
PRO TIP: TIME ALLOCATION
If you want to see the main sights without rushing, allow at least 3–4 hours for the Summer Palace. Plan your entrance and route in advance to avoid unnecessary walking or missing inner site closing times.
The Summer Palace shows how the Qing imperial family used landscape, water and architecture to create a retreat from formal court life.
What Is the Summer Palace?
The Summer Palace is China's largest and most famous imperial garden, renowned as a masterpiece of classical landscape design. Built during the Qing Dynasty as a serene summer retreat for emperors, this UNESCO World Heritage Site seamlessly blends natural scenery—dominated by Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill—with grand pavilions, historic bridges, and intricate covered walkways.
Official Name and Location
Its Chinese name is Yiheyuan (颐和园), with official details available on the Summer Palace Official Website . It sits in Haidian District, northwest of central Beijing, roughly 15–25 kilometres from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City . It takes noticeably longer to reach than downtown landmarks, so build extra travel buffer into your Beijing itinerary.
Why Is the Summer Palace Famous?
This vast garden was built as a summer retreat for Qing dynasty emperors and empresses. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , celebrated for its balanced composition of Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill .
Unlike museum-style palace sites, its core appeal lies in landscape design. The builders blended natural hills and water with carefully placed architecture to create sweeping views. For international travellers, it offers a chance to step into a living example of classical Chinese garden design.
What Can You See?
The Summer Palace's highlights are spread across the whole estate:
- Kunming Lake, the large central body of water where boat tours run
- Longevity Hill, crowned by the iconic Tower of Buddhist Incense
- The Long Corridor, a long covered walkway lined with thousands of painted scenes
- Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, where imperial audiences once took place
- Garden of Virtue and Harmony, the grand courtyard complex
- Tower of Buddhist Incense, the garden's most recognisable landmark
- Seventeen-Arch Bridge, the famous stone bridge spanning to South Lake Island
- Suzhou Street, a recreated waterside market street built for imperial amusement
- Wenchang Gallery, a historic exhibition hall included within the combined ticket
Summer Palace Tickets
Ticket Prices
All prices reflect official 2026 Summer Palace ticketing rules.
| Ticket | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Peak-season basic admission (Apr 1–Oct 31) | CNY 30 | Park entry only; separate tickets required for four inner sites |
| Low-season basic admission (Nov 1–Mar 31) | CNY 20 | Park entry only; separate tickets required for four inner sites |
| Peak-season combination ticket | CNY 60 | Park admission + Wenchang Gallery, Garden of Virtue and Harmony, Tower of Buddhist Incense and Suzhou Street |
| Low-season combination ticket | CNY 50 | Park admission + Wenchang Gallery, Garden of Virtue and Harmony, Tower of Buddhist Incense and Suzhou Street |
Concessions apply: students with valid student ID receive half price on basic tickets. Visitors aged 60 and above can enter free of charge without advance ticket purchase by presenting a valid ID such as a passport. Children may qualify for free admission depending on the park's current age or height rules. Check the latest official ticketing information if travelling with children.
What Does the Basic Ticket Include?
A basic park ticket gets you through the main gates and lets you walk all outdoor areas: Kunming Lake shoreline, Long Corridor, Seventeen-Arch Bridge, lakefront paths and outer courtyards.
It does not grant entry to the four attractions included in the combination ticket : Wenchang Gallery, Garden of Virtue and Harmony, Tower of Buddhist Incense and Suzhou Street. These four sites close on Mondays (except statutory national holidays). If you skip the combination ticket, you cannot enter these buildings, even if you reach their gates. For simplicity later in the guide, these will be referred to as the four attractions included in the combination ticket .
PRO TIP: TICKET SELECTION
For most first-time visitors, the combination ticket is a sensible choice if you want to see the main paid attractions, especially the Tower of Buddhist Incense.
Do You Need to Book in Advance?
Advance booking is recommended, but it is not the only option. Visitors can book 1–7 days ahead through the official Beijing park ticketing system, or via Trip.com , a user-friendly third-party platform with an English interface that accepts foreign passport details and international credit cards. On-site ticket purchase is also available at the park's comprehensive service windows. Foreign visitors can use their passports for ticketing and entry verification.
- If you are travelling without a Chinese mainland mobile number,Trip.com is a handy alternative, as it supports bookings using overseas phone numbers.
- Check the current official booking arrangements before your visit, as online verification requirements can vary.
- On-site staff-assisted booking is available for visitors who cannot complete the online process.
Summer Palace Opening Hours
Opening Hours by Season
There is an important distinction: the park gates stay open longer than the combination-ticket attractions.
| Period | Park Hours | Separately Ticketed Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Peak season (Apr 1–Oct 31) | 06:00–20:00; last entry 19:00 | 08:00–18:00; entrances close at 17:30 |
| Low season (Nov 1–Mar 31) | 06:30–19:00; last entry 18:00 | 08:30–17:00; entrances close at 16:30 |
MONDAY CLOSURE NOTICE
The four combination-ticket attractions (Wenchang Gallery, Garden of Virtue and Harmony, Tower of Buddhist Incense, Suzhou Street) close every Monday unless the Monday falls on a major national holiday.
When Is the Last Entry?
The park stops admitting visitors at 19:00 in peak season, 18:00 in low season . Even if you make it into the park before cutoff, the combination-ticket attractions close much earlier. Arriving late in the afternoon means you may walk all the way to Longevity Hill only to find the Tower of Buddhist Incense already shut.
The park closes at 20:00 in peak season and 19:00 in low season. Visitors should leave the grounds before closing.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Summer Palace?
Best Time of Day
Morning is the better choice if you want to explore more of the garden and avoid the strongest crowds.
Early morning has softer light for photos, cooler air in summer, and you have plenty of time to visit the combination-ticket attractions before they close. Tour groups often become more noticeable later in the morning, so arriving at opening or soon after lets you beat the biggest crowds at Long Corridor and the Tower of Buddhist Incense.
Afternoon visits work only for shorter lake-focused itineraries. You still can enjoy the lake views and Seventeen-Arch Bridge, but you risk missing the uphill buildings if you arrive too late.
Best Season
Mild temperatures, blooming peach and cherry blossoms along the lake banks. Pleasant walking weather, though weekends draw crowds.
Summer brings lush greenery and lotus flowers to Kunming Lake, but it is also hot, humid and busy during school holidays. Go early if you visit in summer.
Cool, dry air and golden foliage around Longevity Hill. Generally excellent walking conditions, though the first week of October brings massive holiday crowds.
Visitor numbers are generally lower. The lake may partially freeze on cold days, creating quiet, stark winter scenery. It is cold, so pack warm layers, and daylight hours are shorter.
How Crowded Is the Summer Palace?
The busiest periods are weekends, summer school vacation, and the first week of October. The busiest period is generally late morning to early afternoon, with crowds concentrated around East Palace Gate, the Long Corridor and the Tower of Buddhist Incense.
PRO TIP: CROWD MANAGEMENT
A weekday afternoon is quieter than a weekend morning, but arriving early matters more than simply choosing a weekday . Even weekdays get busy once large tour buses roll in.
How to Get to the Summer Palace
By Subway
Metro Line 4 serves the two most useful gates:
- Beigongmen Station (North Palace Gate):Metro Line 4, followed by a short walk to the North Palace Gate. This gate sits close to Suzhou Street and the northern slope of Longevity Hill.
- Xiyuan Station:Metro Line 4, followed by a short walk to East Palace Gate, the main ceremonial entrance.
Other gates are less convenient by metro: the West Gate connects with the Xijiao Line, which works well if you combine the Summer Palace with Fragrant Hills, but it is far from the core landmarks.
By Taxi / Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing services work well for families, groups or visitors carrying luggage. Direct drop-off is available at East Palace Gate or North Palace Gate. Allow extra time during morning and evening rush hours; Beijing traffic can add significant delays.
From Central Beijing
Approximate travel times, traffic permitting:
- Tiananmen / Forbidden City area: 45–70 minutes
- Wangfujing: 40–65 minutes
- Sanlitun: 50–75 minutes
- Beijing Railway Station: 50–80 minutes
From Beijing Capital / Daxing Airport
Both airports sit a long distance away. Capital Airport usually takes 1.5–2 hours by car; Daxing Airport can take 2 hours or longer depending on traffic.
PRO TIP: AIRPORT ARRIVALS
Do not plan a Summer Palace visit on the same day as your arrival flight unless you have a very generous schedule.
Which Summer Palace Entrance Should You Use?
Your entrance choice defines your whole route. Most travel guides skip this decision point, yet it can save or waste hours of your day.
Beigongmen Gate (North Palace Gate)
Best for starting near Suzhou Street and the northern side of Longevity Hill. This route allows you to explore Suzhou Street before continuing through the northern garden toward the Marble Boat, Long Corridor and the main buildings on Longevity Hill. The tradeoff: the initial section has steep stone steps up Longevity Hill, so it is less ideal for visitors with limited mobility.
East Palace Gate
The formal main entrance. This gate puts you straight into the central imperial building zone: Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, then onwards toward Long Corridor and the lake. This is the classic first-time visitor route, but it can be busy, especially later in the morning.
Xiyuan Gate / Other Entrances
New Palace Gate leads straight to Kunming Lake and Seventeen-Arch Bridge, great if your priority is lake scenery and boating, but farther from the hilltop buildings. The West Gate and South Ruyi Gate are quieter, with fewer crowds, but they require longer walks to reach the main landmarks.
Decision Table
| If you want to... | Recommended entrance |
|---|---|
| See the classic imperial halls and follow the traditional sightseeing route | East Palace Gate |
| Start near Longevity Hill and Suzhou Street | Beigongmen Gate |
| Focus on Kunming Lake and Seventeen-Arch Bridge | New Palace Gate |
| Combine with nearby sites such as Peking University or Old Summer Palace | East Palace Gate |
Summer Palace Map and Main Areas
Kunming Lake
Water occupies most of the Summer Palace's total area. Kunming Lake forms the garden's central landscape. Boat ferries cross between different docks, offering a different perspective of Longevity Hill and the Tower of Buddhist Incense. Seventeen-Arch Bridge crosses to South Lake Island, one of the most photographed landmarks.
Longevity Hill
Longevity Hill is the visual heart of the garden. The southern side of Longevity Hill contains the Summer Palace's most important architectural complex, including the Hall of Dispelling the Clouds and the Tower of Buddhist Incense. The hillside rises in terraces, with steep stone steps leading toward the tower and panoramic views over Kunming Lake.
Long Corridor
The Long Corridor stretches along the lake shore below Longevity Hill. This covered walkway is famous for thousands of painted scenes on its beams, including landscapes, stories and figures from Chinese history and mythology. It is shaded and ideal for walking on hot days, yet it also draws the largest crowds. Morning visits mean fewer people and better photo opportunities.
Hall of Benevolence and Longevity
This was the main audience hall within the Summer Palace. Emperors and empresses met officials here during their summer stays. The courtyard, throne room and preserved furnishings give visitors a sense of court life, before you move onward toward the lake and hill.
Garden of Virtue and Harmony and Tower of Buddhist Incense
The Tower of Buddhist Incense is the dominant landmark on Longevity Hill, reached by a series of steep steps above the Hall of Dispelling the Clouds. The climb is one of the most demanding parts of a typical Summer Palace route, but the elevated views over Kunming Lake make it worthwhile. Both the Tower and the Garden of Virtue and Harmony are included in the combination ticket.
Seventeen-Arch Bridge
This elegant stone bridge connects the mainland to South Lake Island on Kunming Lake. Its many carved stone lions on each balustrade are a classic photo subject. It sits at the southern end of the lake, so reaching it means a longer lakeside walk or a ferry boat ride.
Suzhou Street
Suzhou Street is a recreation of a southern Chinese canal-side market town, built for the imperial family's amusement. Small shops line the water channel.
SHOULD YOU VISIT SUZHOU STREET IF YOU ONLY HAVE 3 HOURS?
If your time is tight, skip it to focus on the Tower of Buddhist Incense, Long Corridor and lake. Save Suzhou Street for the extended 4–5 hour itinerary.
Best Summer Palace Walking Routes
East Palace Gate → Hall of Benevolence and Longevity → Long Corridor → Hall of Dispelling the Clouds → Tower of Buddhist Incense → lakeside path along Kunming Lake → Seventeen-Arch Bridge → exit via New Palace Gate or, if boat services are operating, take a ferry back. This hits the core landmarks. This is a fast-paced route and leaves little time for long photo stops.
Beigongmen Gate → Suzhou Street → Longevity Hill → Hall of Dispelling the Clouds → Tower of Buddhist Incense → Long Corridor → Kunming Lake ferry → South Lake Island → Seventeen-Arch Bridge → lakeside stroll. This route includes Suzhou Street and more lakeside walking, with time to pause for photos and rest breaks, depending on walking pace and boat availability.
East Palace Gate → Hall of Benevolence and Longevity → Long Corridor → quick view of the Tower of Buddhist Incense from the lake level → return. This version skips the climb to the hilltop and Seventeen-Arch Bridge. It gives a flavour of the garden, but you will miss the most famous elevated views.
How Long Do You Need at the Summer Palace?
Only enough for a condensed snapshot. Stick to the palace halls and Long Corridor. You will not climb Longevity Hill or reach Seventeen-Arch Bridge. Good if the Summer Palace is just a quick stop in a packed Beijing schedule.
Recommended for most visitors.This window lets you cover the main landmarks, climb to the Tower of Buddhist Incense, walk part of the Long Corridor and see Kunming Lake. It is the sweet spot for first-time travellers.
Perfect for photographers, slow walkers, families and garden lovers. You can wander side paths, stop repeatedly for photos, take a lake boat and explore Suzhou Street without rushing.
Most first-time visitors do not need a full day unless they want to explore remote western sections of the park and spend hours sitting beside the lake. A full day can be peaceful, but for the majority of international travellers, it is unnecessary.
Are the Summer Palace Boat Rides Worth It?
Boat trips are a signature Summer Palace experience, but they are optional and add cost.
Boat Ride Options
Multiple boat services run seasonally on Kunming Lake, subject to weather, wind and operational adjustments. Two primary types are available: fixed-route ferry crossings between lakeside docks, and rental electric boats for private groups. Boat tickets are sold separately at on-site docks on the day of travel. Routes, pricing and operating dates may change each year. Confirm service status before building boat travel into your planned itinerary.
Boat Ride vs Walking
| Choose a boat if… | Walk if… |
|---|---|
| You want to save long stretches of lakeside walking | You enjoy slow garden walks |
| Visiting on a hot summer day | Weather is cool and pleasant |
| You want unique lake-level views toward Longevity Hill | You want flexible stops along the shore |
| Travelling with young children or older guests | You have plenty of time |
Are Boat Tickets Included?
Boat rides are separate from park admission or combination tickets.You buy boat tickets at the docks on the day, subject to availability and weather.
OPERATIONAL NOTICE
Check operating status before counting on a ferry to complete your planned route, as wind can cancel services without much advance warning.
What to Expect During Your Visit
- Walking Distance:The Summer Palace is far larger than most visitors imagine. Even the 3-hour classic route covers several kilometres of flat path plus uphill sections. Wear proper footwear.
- Stairs and Slopes:Longevity Hill and the Tower of Buddhist Incense require stone stair climbs. Some flights are steep. Visitors with knee issues or limited mobility should plan accordingly: you can admire the tower from lake level without climbing all the way up.
- Crowds:Crowds are usually most noticeable around the Long Corridor, Tower of Buddhist Incense and Seventeen-Arch Bridge.
- Photography:Morning light delivers the best shots. Reflections on Kunming Lake, the painted Long Corridor and hilltop views of the tower all photograph well before midday. Avoid flash photography inside historic buildings.
KEY HIGHLIGHT
The iconic Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiangge)on Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake form the core landscape axis of the Summer Palace.
Summer Palace Visitor Tips
Planning ahead makes exploring the vast grounds of the Summer Palace much smoother. Keep these essential tips in mind for a hassle-free visit:
- Arrive early:Beat both the tour groups and the midday heat.
- Choose your entrance wisely:Pick your entrance (East, North, or New Palace Gate) based on your planned walking route, not just subway convenience.
- Wear sturdy footwear:Expect extensive walking over stone paths and uneven steps.
- Save an offline map:Download a digital map beforehand, as mobile signal can be patchy across the park.
- Carry enough water:Stay hydrated, especially in summer, as distance between facilities can be long.
- Don't skip entry buffer time:Leave extra time for security queues and ticket checks during peak hours.
- Don't rely blindly on boats:Ferry operations depend on weather and wind conditions, so verify service before relying on them for your route.
- Don't forget sun protection:Bring a hat, sunscreen, and lightweight cover on hot days.
- Don't rush the Longevity Hill climb:Take breaks on the scenic terraces during steep stone steps.
- Don't miss attraction closing times:Keep track of closing times for combination-ticket attractions so you do not arrive too late.
Summer Palace Visitor Rules
- Stay on marked trails and designated viewing areas.
- No littering; waste bins are spaced along main paths.
- Follow staff instructions and posted notices.
- Speak quietly near historic buildings and respect other visitors.
- Do not climb on historic walls, pavilions or stone carvings.
- Do not touch relics, painted beams or carved details.
Summer Palace vs. Forbidden City vs. Temple of Heaven
These three top Beijing sites serve very different travel goals.
| Attraction | Best for |
|---|---|
| Summer Palace | Imperial gardens, lake scenery, hillside pavilions and longer walking routes |
| Forbidden City | Imperial palace architecture, throne halls and royal court history |
| Temple of Heaven | Imperial ritual architecture, grand symmetric spaces and a more compact visit |
ITINERARY ADVICE
If you only have time for one, choose based on what experience you want rather than trying to rank them. If you love landscape and long walks, pick the Summer Palace. If palace history is your priority, the Forbidden City fits better.
How to Combine Summer Palace with Other Beijing Attractions
This is the most natural pairing. The two sites sit close together in Haidian District. Visit one in the morning, the other in the afternoon, but be mindful both require a lot of walking.
These campuses are nearby, but campus entry rules change frequently and often require advance reservation. Do not build your itinerary assuming you can enter.
You can return downtown after the Summer Palace for dinner or evening sightseeing, but do not try to squeeze another large historic site in the same day. The travel time plus walking fatigue makes this too rushed.
Summer Palace + Temple of Heaven / Forbidden City:Not recommended for a single day. These are three large sites spread across Beijing. Trying to check two in one day will leave you exhausted and barely able to enjoy either.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Summer Palace cost in 2026?
Basic park admission is CNY 30 in peak season and CNY 20 in low season. The combination ticket including the four combination-ticket attractions costs CNY 60 peak, CNY 50 low. Boat rides are purchased separately.
Do I need to book the Summer Palace in advance?
Advance booking is recommended but not mandatory. Online reservations open 1–7 days before arrival, while on-site ticket purchase is available at park service windows. Foreign visitors can use passports for ticketing and entry, and staff-assisted help is available for those unable to complete online bookings.
What time should I visit the Summer Palace?
A morning arrival is recommended. You get cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and the full window to visit combination-ticket attractions before they close.
Which entrance is best for the Summer Palace?
East Palace Gate suits first-time visitors who want the classic palace-to-lake route. Beigongmen Gate works if you want to start at Suzhou Street and Longevity Hill.
How long do you need at the Summer Palace?
Most travellers should budget 3–4 hours. A quick visit can fit into 2 hours, while slow photography or garden exploration may take half a day.
Is the Summer Palace boat ride worth it?
It depends. The ferry offers beautiful lake views and saves long lakeside walking. It is optional and costs extra. If you have limited time or struggle with heat, the boat is a good addition.
Can I visit the Summer Palace in winter?
Yes. Visitor numbers are generally lower and there is a quiet winter atmosphere, though it will be cold. The lake may freeze partially. The combination-ticket attractions run shorter hours, and you must check Monday closure rules.
Is the Summer Palace worth visiting?
For most international visitors to Beijing, yes, if you have enough time and enjoy gardens and landscape architecture. It is a nice counterpoint to the dense palace halls of the Forbidden City.
Is the Summer Palace Worth Visiting?
- You want to explore a large, living imperial garden
- You enjoy classical Chinese architecture and lake-and-hill landscapes
- You have at least 3 hours available
- You do not mind several kilometres of walking
- You want a different experience from the Forbidden City's palace halls
- You only have 1–2 hours to spare
- You dislike long walks and steep steps
- Your Beijing itinerary is already overloaded
- Your main interest is indoor palace architecture rather than outdoor gardens
For most first-time international visitors to Beijing , the Summer Palace is worth a half-day, especially in spring, autumn or on a cooler morning. It delivers a completely different side of China's imperial history, not in crowded throne rooms, but across hills, water and centuries-old garden design.