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Sightseeing

the Summer Palace

📍 19 Xinjian Gongmen Rd, Haidian, Beijing, China
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4/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Introduction

The Summer Palace sits in Haidian District, Beijing, China, the largest and best-preserved imperial garden surviving in the country. Originating as the Qianlong-era Qingyi Garden and rebuilt by Empress Dowager Cixi in 1888, it centers on Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, blending northern grandeur with Jiangnan elegance. Painted Long Corridor, the hilltop Tower of Buddhist Incense, the Seventeen-Arch Bridge and the marble Marble Boat define its vistas. Boat on the lake, walk the corridor, climb for panoramas — experiencing the garden ideal 'made by man, yet seeming of nature,' a UNESCO site and emblem of historic Beijing.

Highlights

1
Longevity Hill & Tower
Hilltop focal point over the lake.
2
Kunming Lake
Vast water for boating and the arch bridge.
3
Long Corridor
700 m of painted scenes.
4
Seventeen-Arch Bridge
Reflecting beauty at dawn/dusk.
5
Marble Boat
A stone vessel by the shore.
6
Suzhou Street
Riverside mock-Jiangnan bazaar.

🛈 Practical Info

LocationHaidian, Beijing, China
HoursPeak 06:30–18:00; off 07:00–17:00
AdmissionCombo ¥60 peak / ¥50 off
Suggested visit3–4 hours
Best seasonSpring/autumn; lotus & snow each lovely
TransportMetro Line 4 Xiyuan/Beigongmen

💡 Tips

Combo covers inner gardens; better value.
Early or late for fewer crowds and good light.
Boat the lake; note last-rental time.
Huge park — comfortable shoes and water.
Very crowded on holidays; go off-peak.
Enter at Beigongmen to climb first for views.

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting the Summer Palace?

Combo covers inner gardens; better value. Early or late for fewer crowds and good light.

Information on this page is compiled from public sources. Opening hours, ticket prices and other details may change — please verify with official sources before your visit.