The Summer Palace is where the Qing court escaped the heat and formality of the Forbidden City, and it is the most romantic of Beijing’s imperial sites. Its gardens, laid out around the broad expanse of Kunming Lake and the slopes of Longevity Hill, were designed to frame views, and the experience is less about individual buildings than about strolling from one perfect scene to the next. The Long Corridor, a covered walkway running along the lakeshore, is painted with thousands of scenes from history and legend; the Tower of Buddhist Incense crowns the hill; and the famous Marble Boat sits at the water’s edge, a monument to the extravagance of the Empress Dowager Cixi, who rebuilt much of the palace in the late nineteenth century. It is a big place, and a guide helps you find the best route and the stories behind it. This page links to a private half-day tour on Viator, rated 5.0 from more than 100 reviews, which handles tickets and transport.
How to visit: the Summer Palace is in Haidian district in the northwest of the city, at 19 Xinjian Gongmen Road. In the low season, from 1 November to 31 March, the gates open at 6:30 and close to new arrivals at 18:00, with the whole park closing at 19:00; the separately ticketed spots inside open from 8:30 to 16:30 and are closed on Mondays, except on major festivals and holidays. Entry is cheap, and cheaper still in the low season, with a combined ticket for the separately charged spots. Tickets can be booked one to seven days ahead through the park’s official WeChat account, and you must bring your passport and arrive at your chosen time; there is also a service window at the gate.
What to expect: the palace grounds are huge, with hills, stairs and long lakeside paths. The main entrances and most palace areas are accessible, but the climb to the Tower of Buddhist Incense is steep. Allow two to three hours on the grounds and half a day including the journey.
Making the most of it: walk the Long Corridor, climb to the tower for the view over the lake, then descend to the Marble Boat. Visit Tuesday to Sunday in winter so the ticketed halls are open.
What to expect
The experience
A walk through an imperial garden around a lake, along the painted Long Corridor, up Longevity Hill to the Tower of Buddhist Incense and down to the Marble Boat.
Best time
A clear morning from Tuesday to Sunday in the low season, so the ticketed halls are open, or any sunny day in spring and autumn.
How long
Two to three hours on the grounds, half a day including transport.
Tips
Book with your passport one to seven days ahead, buy the combined ticket, and wear good shoes for the hill.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples, garden lovers and anyone who wants a gentler, more scenic counterpoint to the Forbidden City.
- Families
- Open space, lakeside paths and boats in the warmer months make it easy with children, though the hill is steep.
- Couples
- The most romantic sight in Beijing, especially in the low afternoon light over Kunming Lake.
- Pair with
- The Temple of Heaven on another morning, or the Old Summer Palace ruins nearby.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
What are the Summer Palace opening hours in winter?+
From 1 November to 31 March the gates open at 6:30 and close to new arrivals at 18:00, and the park closes at 19:00. The separately ticketed spots inside open from 8:30 to 16:30.
Is the Summer Palace open on Mondays?+
The park is open, but in the low season the separately ticketed spots inside are closed on Mondays, except on major festivals and holidays. Go from Tuesday to Sunday to see everything.
How do I book Summer Palace tickets?+
Book one to seven days ahead through the park’s official WeChat account, bring your passport and arrive at the time you chose. You can also buy at the service window or book a tour that includes tickets.
How long do you need at the Summer Palace?+
Allow two to three hours on the grounds. With travel from central Beijing, it takes about half a day.
What should I not miss at the Summer Palace?+
Walk the painted Long Corridor, climb to the Tower of Buddhist Incense for the view, and see the Marble Boat by the lake. Those three give you the essence of the place.
