The Summer Palace is located at No. 19 Xinjian Gongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing. Originally named “Qingyi Garden,” it was founded in the 15th year of the Qianlong reign (1750) during the Qing Dynasty. This vast natural landscape garden centers around Wanshou Mountain and Kunming Lake, covering an area of approximately 300.9 square kilometers. It is one of the Three Mountains and Five Gardens in Beijing's western suburbs, renowned alongside the Mountain Resort in Chengde, the Humble Administrator's Garden, and the Lingering Garden as one of China's Four Great Gardens.
During the Yuan Dynasty, the site of the Summer Palace was known as Wengshanpo. In the Ming Dynasty, it was called Xihu (West Lake), featuring temples such as Gongde Temple and Yuanjing Temple. The low-lying area south of the mountain gathered spring water from Yuquan Mountain and the Western Hills, forming a large lake named “Wengshanbo,” later renamed “Xihu.” It gradually developed into a scenic tourist destination in the northwest suburbs.
Beginning in the 14th year of the Qianlong reign (1749), Emperor Qianlong issued an edict to dredge and expand West Lake, reshape the terrain east of Wengshan Hill, and construct the “Great Temple of Gratitude and Longevity” on the site of the former Yuanjing Temple at Wengshan. The slope of Wengshan was renamed “Wanshou Hill” (Ten Thousand Years of Longevity Hill), West Lake became “Kunming Lake,” and the entire area was designated “Qingyi Garden.” In the tenth year of the Xianfeng reign (1860), Qingyi Garden was burned and destroyed by the Anglo-French Allied Forces. During the Guangxu reign, Empress Dowager Cixi used naval funds to restore the ruined Qingyi Garden, renaming it “Yiheyuan” (Summer Palace).
Park Layout: The entire park is divided into three distinct zones: the political activity area centered around the Hall of Benevolent Longevity; the imperial and empress living quarters anchored by the Hall of Jade Waves and the Hall of Joyful Longevity; and the scenic tourism area comprising Mount Ten Thousand Years and Kunming Lake.
Summer Palace Attractions
Hall of Benevolent Longevity: Located east of the Hall of Jade Waves, it was originally constructed in the 15th year of the Qianlong reign (1750) and named the Hall of Diligent Governance before being renamed the Hall of Benevolent Longevity. It served as the venue where Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu held court with their ministers during their residence at the Summer Palace.
Yulan Hall: Located in the southwest section of the Summer Palace Museum, it was originally constructed in the 15th year of the Qianlong reign (1750) as a passage hall. Later, it served as the sleeping quarters for Emperor Guangxu. Following the failure of the Hundred Days' Reform, Empress Dowager Cixi imprisoned Emperor Guangxu here.
Lèshòutáng: The main structure within the imperial couple's living quarters, facing Kunming Lake with Wanshou Mountain at its back. It extends eastward to Renshou Hall and connects westward to the Long Corridor, making it one of the garden's most advantageous locations for both residence and recreation.
Buddha Incense Pavilion: Situated on the hillside at the central part of the front mountain of Wanshou Mountain, it stands atop a 21-meter-high square platform. This octagonal, three-story structure features four tiers of eaves. Inside the pavilion, the “Guiding Buddha” is enshrined.
Kunming Lake: The main lake of the Summer Palace, it occupies three-quarters of the park's total area, spanning approximately 220 hectares. Viewed from the lake or its western shore, the scenery beyond the garden seamlessly blends with the lake and hills within, serving as an outstanding example of the borrowed scenery technique in Chinese garden design.
Seventeen-Arch Bridge: Connecting the eastern shore of Kunming Lake to South Lake Island, it is the largest stone bridge in the garden, featuring exquisite carvings.
Long Corridor: Located at the southern foot of Wanshou Hill, facing Kunming Lake, it is the longest covered walkway in Chinese gardens, adorned with numerous colorful paintings.
Harmony Garden: Situated in the eastern part of the rear hills of Wanshou Mountain, it is a garden-within-a-garden embodying the characteristics of Jiangnan gardens.
Four Continents: Located on the rear slopes of Wanshou Mountain, it is a complex of Tibetan-style religious architecture.
Ticket Information for the Summer Palace
High Season Admission (April 1 to October 31): ¥30 per person
Low Season Admission (November 1 to March 31 of the following year): ¥20 per person
Ticket：Trip
Summer Palace Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit: The peak tourist season at the Summer Palace runs from April to October each year, when the scenery is at its most beautiful and the weather is pleasant. Autumn (September and October) is particularly ideal, with clear skies, crisp air, maple leaves turning crimson, and ginkgo trees lining the paths.
Recommended Tour Routes:
Entrance via East Palace Gate:
Route 1 (approx. 3 hours): East Palace Gate → Hall of Benevolent Longevity → Wenchang Courtyard → Hall of Jade Waves, Yiyun Pavilion → Hall of Joyful Longevity → Long Corridor → Hall of Clouds Parting → Pavilion of Incense-Burning Buddha → Stone Boat → Farming and Weaving Scenes Area → Gate of Good Fortune. This route offers a comprehensive tour of the Summer Palace's main attractions, showcasing the architectural artistry and natural scenery of the imperial gardens.
Route 2 (approx. 2.5 hours): East Palace Gate - Hall of Benevolent Longevity - Wenchang Courtyard - Hall of Jade Waves, Pavilion of Auspicious Literature - Hall of Joyful Longevity - Long Corridor - Hall of Clouds Parting - Pavilion of Fragrant Incense - Stone Boat - Boat Ride to South Lake Island - Seventeen-Arch Bridge - Bronze Oxen - New Palace Gate. This route adds a boat tour of the lake to the main attractions, offering diverse perspectives of Kunming Lake's beauty.
Route 3 (approx. 2 hours): East Palace Gate - Hall of Benevolent Longevity - Wenchang Courtyard - Hall of Jade Waves, Pavilion of Auspicious Literature - Hall of Joyful Longevity - Long Corridor - Hall of Clouds Parting - Pavilion of Incense - Suzhou Street - North Palace Gate. Ideal for visitors with limited time, allowing a quick tour of key attractions.
Route 4 (approx. 2.5 hours): East Palace Gate → Hall of Benevolent Longevity → Wenchang Courtyard → Hall of Jade Waves & Yiyun Pavilion → Hall of Joyful Longevity → Long Corridor → Hall of Clouds Parting → Pavilion of Fragrant Incense → Suzhou Street → Hall of Tranquil Serenity → Garden of Harmonious Delight → East Palace Gate. This route covers multiple areas of the Summer Palace, concluding at the East Palace Gate for convenient exit.
North Palace Gate Entrance:
Route 1 (approx. 3 hours): North Palace Gate - Suzhou Street - Four Continents - Fragrant Buddha Pavilion - Hall of Clouds - Long Corridor - Stone Boat - Boat ride to South Lake Island - Seventeen-Arch Bridge - Bronze Oxen - East Embankment of Kunming Lake - Wenchang Courtyard - Yulan Pavilion, Yiyun Pavilion - Hall of Longevity - Hall of Longevity - East Palace Gate. This route allows visitors to explore the rear mountain attractions first, followed by the front mountain and Kunming Lake, offering diverse scenic experiences.
Route 2 (approx. 2.5 hours): North Palace Gate - Suzhou Street - Daning Hall - Xiequ Garden - Renshou Hall - Yulan Hall, Yiyun Pavilion - Wenchang Courtyard - Leishou Hall - Long Corridor - Paiyun Hall - Fuxiang Pavilion - Stone Boat - Farming and Weaving Scenes - Ruyi Gate. Ideal for visitors who enjoy leisurely exploration, allowing a deeper appreciation of the garden's beauty.
Route 3 (approx. 2 hours): North Palace Gate - Suzhou Street - Stone Boat - Long Corridor - Hall of Clouds - Fragrant Buddha Pavilion - Hall of Longevity - Wenchang Courtyard - Hall of Longevity - East Palace Gate. This concise route focuses on key structures and attractions.
New Palace Gate Entrance:
Route 1 (approx. 2.5 hours): New Palace Gate → East Embankment of Kunming Lake → Wenchang Courtyard → Renshou Hall → Yulan Hall → Yiyun Pavilion → Leishou Hall → Long Corridor → Paiyun Hall → Fuxiang Pavilion → Suzhou Street → North Palace Gate.
Route 2 (approx. 2 hours): New Palace Gate → South Lake Island → Seventeen-Arch Bridge → Bronze Oxen → Boat Ride to Stone Boat → Farming and Weaving Scenes Scenic Area → Suzhou Street.
Summer Palace Travel Guide Photo Collection
Transportation Routes to the Summer Palace
Subway:
Take Subway Line 4 and get off at Xiyuan Station. Exit via Exit C1 or C2 for a walk to the East Palace Gate.
Get off at Beigongmen Station and exit via Exit D for a walk to the North Palace Gate.
Bus:
To East Palace Gate: Take bus routes 331, 332, 346, 303, 584, or Night 8.
To North Palace Gate: Take bus routes 303, 331, 332, 346, 384, 394, 563, 584, 594, 601, Night 8, or Sightseeing Line 3.
To Xinjian Palace Gate: Take buses 74, 374, or 437.
To Summer Palace West Gate: Take buses 469 or 539.
By Car: Use navigation apps to search for “Summer Palace” and follow directions. Multiple parking lots surround the park, such as West Gate Parking Lot and North Palace Gate Parking Lot. However, parking may be limited during peak tourist seasons.
Q&A
Q: Do I need to make a reservation?
A: No, you don't.
Q: Which gates have parking lots?
A: The most convenient parking is at the New Palace Gate, East-West Palace Gate, North Palace Gate (limited spots but right next to the entrance), South Ruyi Gate, and North Ruyi Gate. This is for reference only.
Q: Are there sightseeing buses inside the scenic area?
A: No, there aren't.
Q: How long does it take to explore the entire site?
A: It takes about a full day. Plan your itinerary based on your stamina and time. For a more relaxed experience, remember to take the boat tour.
Q: I'm bringing my parents. Are there many stairs?
A: The site has accessible routes, and most paths are gentle slopes. No need to worry! Of course, you'll need to avoid the Four Continents area (which involves climbing slopes).
