Explore Yuanmingyuan: A Complete Guide to Beijing’s Old Summer Palace

Written by Wendy Mo | Updated March 24,2026

Beijing is a city with a profound history, and so are its tourist attractions. Except for the Forbidden City or Summer Palace, Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace) is also a compelling royal garden blending natural beauty and historical significance. This article covers Yuanmingyuan’s must-see highlights and provides detailed information about how to plan the best Yuanmingyuan tour.

Here are some fast facts you may find interesting:

• Chinese Name: 圆明园 (Yuanmingyuan)
• Location: 28 Qinghua West Road, Haidian District, Beijing.
• Tickets: 10-25 RMB
• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM(peak season); 7:00 AM – 19:30 PM (off-season)
• Construction time: 1709 during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing dynasty
• Time Needed: At least 3–4 hours to fully explore
• Best Time to Visit: Late spring (April–May)

Tips of buying tickets:

• Adult tickets cost 10 RMB (forthe Yuanmingyuan park entrance only).
• Combined tickets are 25 RMB (including Yuanmingyuan park entrance, Western Mansions Area, and the panoramic model exhibition).

Content Preview

• History of the Old Summer Palace
• Top Attractions in the Old Summer Palace
• How to Go to and Travel around Yuanmingyuan
• Best Time to Visit Yuanmingyuan
• Visitor Tips & Practical Advice
• Explore Yuanmingyuan in Beijing with China Xian Tour
• Old Summer Palace vs Summer Palace
• Nearby Attractions & Side-Trips
• FAQs about Yuanmingyuan

History of the Old Summer Palace

The Old Summer Palace was constructed from 1709 (Qing dynasty) during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor. Then he granted it to his fourth son, later the Yongzheng Emperor. For the next 150 years, the complex had been continuously expanded and, eventually, it evolved into an imperial garden covering about 350 hectares with over 150 scenic spots, consisting of three main sections:

• Yuanmingyuan(the largest)
• Changchunyuan
• Wanchunyuan (also called Qichunyuan)

Among them, Yuanmingyuan is the largest, and that’s why the Old Summer Palace is also called Yuanmingyuan.

The palace is also known as the “Garden of Gardens,” for its unique blend of traditional Chinese landscapes and Western architectural styles, such as Baroque and Rococo. It also once housed a lot of priceless cultural treasures.

However, in 1860, during the Second Opium War, Anglo-French forces looted and burned the site, leaving only ruins like the iconic Western Mansions and the Grand Waterworks. Today, it stands as both a historical relic and a powerful symbol of cultural memory.

Top Attractions in the Old Summer Palace

Yuanmingyuan is a vast landscape with spots like ruins, water gardens, and historic architecture. Below are three of the most popular sites in the garden.

Grand Waterworks Ruins (大水法遗址)

(This site is in Changchun Garden, Western Mansions Ruins)

The Grand Waterworks is one of the most iconic spots in Yuanmingyuan. It was a part of the elaborate Western-style fountain system. Here you can see how ambitious Qing designers combined water engineering with European architectural flair. After being severely destroyed in 1860, its original beauty can no longer be restored. However, its cultural and historical significance never disappears. This ruin is ideal for bold, dramatic photos.

Western Mansions Ruins (西洋楼遗址)

(This site is inside Changchun Garden, which needs a separate ticket or a combined ticket.)

The Western Mansions area is in the northern part of Changchunyuan. Here, you can see remnants of Baroque-inspired palaces and structures rise amid grassy foundations. The mansions were designed under Emperor Qianlong with European Jesuit involvement. It’s one of the first places in China where Western-style buildings were introduced into a traditional garden, giving visitors a special feeling of walking through both East and West scenery in the same place.

Changchun Garden & Wanchun Garden (长春园与万春园)

For a more relaxed pace, Changchun and Wanchun Gardens offer a quieter experience. Changchun is divided into two major areas: the Chinese-style garden and the Western-style building scenic area. The Chinese part’s landscape was historically the residence area and water garden hub. Wanchun was more of a scenic imperial grounds in ancient times. The site is particularly famous for the Chinese-style bridges and willow-lined ponds. Visitors usually come here for gentle strolls and serene photos.

How to Get to and Travel around Yuanmingyuan

Getting There:

Metro: Take Line 4 to Yuanmingyuan Station (Exit B/C). Walk ~10 min to South Gate.

Bus:

• South Gate: 331, 424, 432, 438, 498, 508, 579, 601, 664, Special Line 19
• East Gate: 305, 320, 365, 375, 424, 432, 626, 664, 982, Special Line 4
• Car: Use navigation to reach South/East Gate parking directly (however, parking spaces are rather limited)

Getting Around the Park

Recommended Easy Route (3 hrs, family-friendly):

East Gate — Xiyanglou (Western Mansions Ruins) — Shuttle/Boat — Three Gardens Intersection — Lotus Garden walk — Zhengjue Temple — Exit South Gate

Electric Shuttle (3 routes)

• East Line: Start from East Gate pass through Three Gardens and Xiyanglou
• Loop Line: A circular route around the main sites
• West Line: Zaoyuan – Xiyanglou

Ticket price: ¥20 for adults, ¥10 for children. Valid only in the same day, usually allows 1 hop-on/off

Time Bus (VR Shuttle):

• Ticket Price: ¥90/person
• The routes run a loop or directly to Xiyanglou. The special thing is that every ride includes a VR experience. However, queues can be long, especially during holidays.

Bicycle Rental (Pedal Bikes):

• Deposit: ¥450. Minimum rental time starts from 1 hour; after that, it charges every 30 minutes
• 2-seater: ¥60/hour, 4-seater: ¥80/hour
• Pick-up & return points: Three Gardens Intersection/ Zaoyuan Gate/ and Xiyanglou (Western Mansions)

Boats (Fuhai Lake):

• Types: there are three types: paddle, electric, and painted boats
• Self-drive: ¥100–160/hour (deposit required: ¥400-500)
• Cruise route: ~¥35/person
• It only operates seasonally (March-October). Service will also stop on strong windy days.

Best Time to Visit Yuanmingyuan

Spring (Mar-May) – Top Choice

The park will be full of blossoms in spring, some of the most common flowers are Magnolia, crabapple, and peach blossoms. From March to May, there will be events like the Qingming Begonia Festival and the Spring Outing Festival (early April–early May). They provide strong cultural immersion, and routes covered by blossomes are incredibly beautiful as the background of your photo.

Summer (Jun-Aug) – Lotus & Boating

In summer, the famous Lotus Festival is held from June to August. Areas in the park like Duojia Ruyun (多稼如云) will be covered in lotus flowers. Taking boat rides on Fuhai Lake is also a popular activity, although boating can also be experienced in other seasons, it is more rewarding in the summertime.

Autumn (Sep-Nov) – Best for Colors

Yuanmingyuan in Autumn attracts visitors with cool weather, chrysanthemum displays, and the golden Ginkgo Avenue. Iconic activities include strolling through the gardens and taking photos.

Winter (Dec-Feb) – Quiet & Unique

Winter is the time to enjoy the best snow scenery. Ice activities, such as ice skating and occasional traditional ice performances, will be held. The Spring Festival Lantern Fair (Jan–Feb) is one of the most anticipated seasonal highlights in the Old Summer Palace. Large-scale light installations and night tours are stunning.

Visitor Tips & Practical Advice

• Wear comfortable shoes— the park is extremely huge with uneven paths, nearly five times that of the Forbidden City. So expect lots of walking, and better wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat— many open areas have little shade, so if you’re visiting on sunny days, especially in summer, it’s really necessary to have smart sun protection.
• Use shuttle or bikes to save energy, especially for long distances. Combining walking with the shuttle is also a common choice for most visitors.
• Download a map in advance— it’s easy to get lost due to the park’s size. There will be a map shown on a lot of sites. You can also take a photo when you see it.
• Visit early & avoid holidays for fewer crowds and better photos.

Explore Yuanmingyuan in Beijing with China Xian Tour

Yuanmingyuan allows visitors to see a painful history of ancient China. Its grandeur never fades, and its historical value will long remain. If you’re traveling to Beijing and want to have a look at this magnificent site, you can also combine it with other historic sites such as the Forbidden City and Summer Palace. China Xian Tour can offer a customized itinerary for a smoother travel experience. Contact us now, and embrace a memorable trip to Beijing’s incredible highlights.

Old Summer Palace vs Summer Palace

Nearby Attractions & Side-Trips

Yuanmingyuan is close to several top Beijing sites:

• Summer Palace: This is a grand and well-preserved imperial garden. It perfectly shows Chinese aesthetics.
• Tsinghua University: One of China’s top 2 universities. It shares a highly-recognized reputation worldwide. For visitors, it’s a scenic campus with beautiful tree-lined paths and classic architecture. It’s a really ideal site to have some quiet strolls.
• Peking University: Peking University and Tsinghua University are together known as China’s top 2. It has serene Weiming Lake and traditional halls.Ideal for scenic photos in a strong academic atmosphere.

Tip: Morning at Yuanmingyuan — afternoon Summer Palace — evening stroll at Tsinghua or Peking University. All are short rides away, which is a perfect full-day cultural route.

FAQs about Yuanmingyuan

• Are there food options inside the park?

Yes, there are snack shops and small food areas inside the park. You’ll find options near major spots like Qichun Garden and Xiyanglou (Western Mansions). Light meals, drinks, and convenience snacks can be easily found.

• Can I hire a guide or audio tour?

Yes, official guided tours, audio guides, and VR/interactive apps are all available. Free audio versions are available on the official WeChat public accounts “圆明园遗址公园”.

• Can I buy tickets on-site?

Yes. If you’re traveling in peak seasons or festivals, then an advance reservation made online is recommended.