Summer Palace: Masterpiece of Chinese Landscape Garden
The Summer Palace is China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden, showcasing the essence of Chinese landscape gardening art. This guide will help you discover its most beautiful spots, understand its rich history, and make the most of your visit.
About the Summer Palace
Located in the Haidian District of Beijing, the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) covers an area of 2.9 square kilometers, three-quarters of which is water. First built in 1750 during the Qing Dynasty, it served as a summer retreat for the imperial family. After being destroyed twice by foreign forces, it was rebuilt in 1903 and has been well-preserved ever since.
In 1998, the Summer Palace was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized as "a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design" that "integrates the natural landscape of hills and open water with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value."
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (April-May): Cherry blossoms and peonies are in full bloom, creating a colorful landscape.
- Summer (June-August): Lush greenery and lotus flowers on Kunming Lake, though it can be hot and crowded.
- Autumn (September-October): Golden leaves and clear weather, considered the best season to visit.
- Winter (November-March): Less crowded, with beautiful snow scenes if you're lucky.
Recommended Route
To make the most of your visit to the Summer Palace, follow this suggested route that covers the main attractions:
East Palace Gate → Hall of Benevolence and Longevity
Enter through the main East Palace Gate and visit the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (Renshoudian), which was the main administrative center of the Summer Palace.
Long Corridor → Marble Boat
Walk along the famous Long Corridor (Changlang), which stretches for 728 meters with over 14,000 painted scenes. At the end, you'll find the unique Marble Boat (Shifang).
Kunming Lake → Seventeen-Arch Bridge
Take a boat ride on Kunming Lake or walk along its shores to the impressive Seventeen-Arch Bridge (Shiqikong Qiao) that connects the lake to Nanhu Island.
Longevity Hill → Tower of Buddhist Incense
Climb Longevity Hill (Wanshoushan) to reach the Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiangge), the symbolic center of the Summer Palace offering panoramic views.
Suzhou Street → Exit
Visit the charming Suzhou Street (Suzhou Jie), a recreated ancient market street, before exiting through the North Gate.
Highlights Not to Miss
Long Corridor
This 728-meter-long corridor is the longest of its kind in the world, featuring over 14,000 paintings depicting stories from Chinese mythology, history, and literature.
Tower of Buddhist Incense
Standing 41 meters tall, this iconic tower was once the highest point in Beijing. Climb to the top for spectacular views of the entire Summer Palace.
Marble Boat
This unique structure was built in 1755 and later renovated with a western-style design. It symbolizes the stability of the Qing Dynasty.
Seventeen-Arch Bridge
With 17 arches, 544 stone lions, and various other stone carvings, this bridge is an excellent example of Chinese bridge architecture.
Practical Tips
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: The Summer Palace is large, and you'll be doing a lot of walking, including climbing stairs on Longevity Hill.
- Boat Ride: Consider taking a boat ride on Kunming Lake to rest your feet and enjoy the views from a different perspective.
- Bring Water and Snacks: There are food stalls inside, but prices are higher than outside. Bringing your own water is recommended, especially in summer.
- Entrance Fees: The ticket price varies depending on which areas you want to visit. A combined ticket including all major attractions costs around ¥60.
- Opening Hours: The Summer Palace is open from 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM (April-October) and 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (November-March). The last entry is 1 hour before closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to visit the Summer Palace?
Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours to see the main attractions. If you want to explore in depth or take a boat ride, allocate 5-6 hours.
Is the Summer Palace crowded?
Yes, especially on weekends and holidays. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays or arrive early in the morning when it opens.
Are there guided tours available?
Yes, you can hire a guide at the entrance or use the official audio guide app (available in multiple languages). Guided tours typically last 2-3 hours.
Related Guides
Mutianyu Great Wall: Scenic and Well-Preserved Section
Mutianyu Great Wall is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved sections of the Great Wall. This guide will show you how to avoid crowds, the best visiting seasons, and transportation tips...
Temple of Heaven: Sacred Altar of Emperors
The Temple of Heaven was where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped heaven and prayed for good harvests. This guide will help you understand the architectural art and cultural connotations of the temple...