Summer Palace, Beijing – Best of Classical Gardens in China

Written by Clementine | Updated October 24,2025

Located in Beijing Haidian District, the Summer Palace in Beijing (aka Yiheyuan) boasts China’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden, covering a significantly large area of about 3.009 square kilometers. The garden was built from 1750 to 1764 during the Qing Dynasty and was originally known as Qingyi Garden. Its design was inspired by the West Lake in Hangzhou, as well as the hills and water landscape features of traditional Jiangnan gardens. The entire garden is centered around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill and is dotted with elegant pavilions, corridors, bridges, and rock formations.

Thanks to its remarkable structures and landscapes, the garden has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998. For many tourists from around the world, it has become a must-visit attraction on any Beijing tour.

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• Fast Facts of Beijing Summer Palace
• History of Summer Palace
• Beijing Summer Palace Layout
• Main Attractions in the Summer Palace
• Top Things to Do in Summer Palace
• Recommended Travel Routes
• When is the Best Time to Visit Yiheyuan
• Seasonal Highlights of the Summer Palace
• Essential Travel Tips
• Attractions Nearby
• FAQs about Visiting the Summer Palace
• Join China Xian Tour for a Magic Beijing Tour Including the Summer Palace

Fast Facts of Beijing Summer Palace

• Chinese name: 颐和园(yí hé yuán)
• Location: At 19 Xinjian Gongmen Road, Haidian District, in the western suburbs of Beijing
• Area: 3.009Square Kilometers (about 293 hectares )
• Opening hours: 6:00-20:00 from April to October; 6:30-17:00 from November to March
• Visiting time needed: 5-7 hours, vary according to different travel paces and routes.
• Regular tickets: CNY 30 per person ( Apr. to Oct.), CNY20 per person (Nov. to Mar.).
• Combo tickets: (include Dehe Garden, Summer Palace Museum, Tower of Buddhist Incense, and Suzhou Street ) CNY 60 per person (Apr. – Oct.), CNY 50 per person (Nov. – Mar.)
• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn
• Why visit: A UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design; blends the elegance of Jiangnan gardens and the grandeur of northern landscapes; rich historical buildings; various architectural masterpieces; family-friendly environment and activities; Kunming Lake boat ride.

History of Summer Palace

Initial Construction

Originally named Qingyi Garden, the Summer Palace was initially constructed in 1750 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty. The emperor gathered skilled artisans from across the country and took 15 years to complete this project to celebrate his mother’s birthday.

Because of his fondness for the misty beauty of Jiangnan, the garden’s design drew on the feel of West Lake in Hangzhou but also emphasized local water and hill landscape adaptations.

Destruction and Reconstruction, Renamed as Summer Palace

During the Second Opium War, the Qingyi Garden was destroyed by the British and French allied forces in 1860.

Then, in 1886, Empress Cixi oversaw the reconstruction of the garden and renamed it the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan in Chinese). However, in 1900, it suffered another significant damage by the Eight-Nation Alliance, leaving it once again in ruins.

Fortunately, restoration work began in the following year, allowing this royal garden restored to its former glory.

Opened to the Public & Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

After 1928, Yiheyuan Summer Palace was transformed into a truly public garden.

After 1949, multiple restorations and reconstructions were undertaken, gradually restoring many key attractions to their original grandeur.

In 1989, the garden was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Today, thanks to the addition of essential visitor facilities and the establishment of frequent public transportation routes, the garden has become a convenient and popular attraction in Beijing.

Beijing Summer Palace Layout

Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake form the basic framework of Yiheyuan, with water covering about three-quarters of the total area. Its general layout follows the traditional Chinese garden design of “front palace, back garden”.

Inside the Yiheyuan Garden is a wide array of attractions that can be roughly divided into three main areas: the Front Mountain and Lake Area, the Palace Area, and the Back Mountain and Lake Area.

The Front Hill and Lake Scenic Area is formed by Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, covering over 80% of the entire garden. Main attractions in this area include the Six Bridges on the West Dike, Seventeen-Arch Bridge, Tower of Buddhist Incense, the 700-meter Long Corridor, and the symbolic Marble Boat.

The Palace Area is at the easternmost part of the Summer Palace, serving as the imperial residence and administrative center. Main halls and palaces such as the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (仁寿殿), the Hall of Happiness and Longevity (乐寿堂), and the Hall of Jade Ripples (玉澜堂) are all scattered in this area.

The Back Hill and Lake Scenic Area is located on the northern slope of Longevity Hill.

Main Attractions in the Summer Palace

Tower of Buddhist Incense (佛香阁)

Towering on the top of Longevity Hill, this iconic building is the highest point in the Summer Palace and offers a great spot to enjoy the panoramic view of Kunming Lake and the surrounding scenery. The octagonal tower itself is eye-catching, featuring yellow glazed tiles. Inside, it houses Buddha statues, showcasing the deep cultural heritage of Buddhism.

Seventeen-Arch Bridge (十七孔桥)

Spanning Kunming Lake for about 150 meters, the bridge connects Nanhu Island and the East Bank with its distinctive 17 archways. From afar, the bridge looks like a long rainbow above the water. A top highlight here is the 544 unique , intricately crafted stone lions on the elegant arches.

The Long Corridor (长廊)

Stretching 728 meters, the Long Corridor is the longest-covered walkway in the world. The corridor includes 273 sections, with over 14,000 exquisite paintings of different themes painted on the roof.

The Marble Boat (石舫)

This is a marble structure shaped like a real boat, located on the shore of Kunming Lake. The two upper decks are made of wood, and are adorned with exquisite carvings.

The Garden of Virtue and Harmony (德和园)

Once the residence of Empress Cixi, the garden features the Grand Theater, which is the place for the Empress and the Emperor to watch performances and rest. The theater is a three-story building, boasting the biggest and best-preserved wooden stage in China.

Hall of Jade Ripples (玉澜堂)

The hall is a traditional courtyard-style building featuring a main hall flanked by the east and west wing pavilions. Emperor Guangxu was imprisoned here after the failure of the “Hundred Days’ Reform”.

Hall of Happiness and Longevity (乐寿堂)

The hall is between the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity and the Long Corridor, which once served as the living quarters of Empress Cixi. It is the most luxurious building in the Summer Palace, housing Cixi’s bedchamber and Emperor Guangxu’s study.

Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (仁寿殿)

It is the main venue for Empress Cixi and Emperor Guangxu to handle state affairs during their residence at the Summer Palace. The building features a solemn elegant appearance and lavish decorations.

Suzhou Street (苏州街)

A commercial street that was designed to resemble the famous Shantang Street in Suzhou, Suzhou Street was originally home to a variety of shops and tea houses. In 1860, the street was destroyed by fire, and the current street was rebuilt on the original site, with its original charm remaining.

Garden of Harmonious Interests (谐趣园)

One of the most beautiful areas in the Summer Palace, the Garden of Harmonious Interests features over 20 distinct attractions, such as rear river, rear lake, and the Stone Buddha Temple.

Top Things to Do in Summer Palace

Kunming Lake Boating

Taking a boat ride on Kunming Lake is one of the most recommended ways to catch the beauty of Summer Palace. You can choose either self-drive electric boats or larger scenic cruise boats, while both allow you to enjoy breathtaking views of Longevity Hill, the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, and the Marble Boat from the peaceful water. Boating is available from mid-March to mid-November, and it will be especially enjoyable during the lotus bloom in summer.

Photography

The Summer Palace is a paradise for photography lovers. From the ornate roofs of imperial halls to lakeside reflections and seasonal flowers, you can have all these marvelous moments saved in your camera. Must-capture spots include the Seventeen-Arch Bridge at sunset, the Tower of Buddhist Incense from across the lake, and the vibrant paintings of the Long Corridor. Autumn brings fiery foliage, while spring offers cherry and peach blossoms in full bloom.

Empress Dowager Cixi’s Imperial Waterway (慈禧水道 / Cixi Waterway Cruise)

For a more immersive historical exploration, take a boat ride along Empress Dowager Cixi’s Imperial Waterway (慈禧水道), a 700-year-old royal canal once could only used by the Qing imperial family. You’ll get onboard from Ziyuwan Pier (紫御湾码头) and end your trip at the South Ruyi Gate (南如意门) of the Summer Palace (颐和园), covering a total distance about 9.5 kilometers..

The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and passes several historic sites, even including Wanshou Temple (万寿寺), often nicknamed the “Little Forbidden City in Western Beijing.” Onboard narration is available to share stories and history along the route. Passengers can also ask to disembark at the stops and explore along the way or ride directly to the palace.

• Departure schedule: Boats run hourly from 10:00 to 16:00
• Ticket price:CNY 59.9 per person (one-way), CNY 108 for two people
• Booking: Advance reservation required.

Recommended Travel Routes

There are various routes to tour the garden, and below is a general guidance:

Most attractions in the garden are concentrated in the northern section. So, it’s recommended to enter through the North Palace Gate. A small path heading west is at the base of the hill. Take the small path to the west, and explore the attractions in the northern section from west to east until you reach the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. Then, you can exit the park from the New Palace Gate if your time is limited.

With more time, you can take a Kunming Lake boat ride from South Lake Island to the West Causeway, then walk back toward the North Palace Gate. This way, you can cover most attractions in the garden.

Half-Day Classic Route (3–4 hours):

Enter from the East Palace Gate or North Palace Gate, first stop should be Renshou Hall and Longevity Hill. Then climb to The Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiang Ge), where you can have an amazing panoramic view of Kunming Lake. In the end, stroll back via the Long Corridor and exit the park.

In-Depth Exploration Route (5–6 hours):

Follow the above path but continue by taking a boat cruise on Kunming Lake to explore some of the most iconic sites in the palace, like Suzhou Street, Back Hill, and quieter lakeside pavilions. This route allows you to take your time and enjoy a slow-paced cultural immersion.

Leisure & Boat Route (2–3 hours):

Start from the Yuyuwan Pier for a short boat trip across Kunming Lake, disembark near the South Ruyi Gate. After that, take a relaxing lakeside walk to appreciate the beauty of the site in your own pace. Families and travelers who prefer a lighter itinerary can find this extremely rewarding.

When is the Best Time to Visit Yiheyuan

The Best time to visit the Summer Palace is spring (April and May) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and the air is crisp. March to May is the blooming season of various flowers and October is the best time to enjoy osmanthus flowers. As a royal summer retreat, the park is also delightful to visit in summer and will reward you with stunning lotus flowers.

If travel to Beijing during these periods, a Summer Palace visit will reward you with much fun.

Tips:

• Visitors had better avoid the official holidays in China, because many Chinese citizens choose to travel on official holidays. As a result, most Chinese tourist attractions are overcrowded and traffic jams are quite common.
• To escape the crowds, you’d better enter the park around 9 AM, when the number of visitors is relatively low.

Seasonal Highlights of the Summer Palace

Spring (April–May):

Spring is the season when everything on the land welcoming their new lives. The peach blossoms, willows, and cherry trees will use their most beautiful color to dress the Summer Palace in a new vibe. Mild temperatures and fresh greenery can together make it an even more ideal time for photography and boating on Kunming Lake.

Summer (June–August):

This season has a special meaning to the palace which can be seen from the palace’s name. Indeed, this place was originally built as a retreat for ancient royal to escape from Beijing’s summer heat. Walking along the shaded Long Corridor will offer you a unique taste of summer. And the endless green that seems to be unchanged for hundreds of years can make you feel like traveling across time.

Autumn (September–October):

Beijing’s autumn is golden and fiery. While slopes and hills dress on these colors, the Summer Palace will thus become hidden wonderland living in the masterpiece of nature.

Winter (November–February):

Though chilly, the snow-covered temples and frozen lake offer an unparalleled peaceful atmosphere which can be never found in other seasons. Since there will be less crowd, you can also understand the beauty of the serene landscapes in a more intimate way.

Essential Travel Tips

• How to Get to: Take Metro Line 4 and get off at either Xiyuan Station or North Palace Gate Station. Frequent buses are also available for reaching.
• Avoid visiting on Mondays: Many attractions within the park are closed on Mondays.
• Highly recommended to take a boat: Taking a boat to enjoy the scenery from the water is highly recommended. Both electric and sightseeing boats are offered from mid-March to mid-November.
• Wear comfortable shoes: It will take about 5-8 hours to explore the entire garden and need a lot of walking.
• Ticketing: Separate tickets are required for the Tower of Buddhist Incense, the Garden of Virtue and Harmony, and the Summer Palace Museum. Or, you can buy the combo tickets with these sites included.
• Food and water: Food vendors are not evenly distributed within the park, so bring some snacks and water.

Attractions Nearby

• • Beijing Zoo: About 10 km away.
  • Old Summer Palace: Aka Yuanmingyuan, about 3 km away
  • Xiangshan Park: About 10 km away, best known for the stunning red leaves in autumn.

FAQs about Visiting the Summer Palace

What makes the Summer Palace special?

The Summer Palace (Yíhé Yuán) is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Here you can see the essence of both northern-style imperial architecture and Jiangnan-style elegance being mixed with each other.

How much is the entrance fee?

The ticket prices vary slightly by season. A standard entrance ticket costs around CNY 30–40, and a combo ticket costs about CNY 60. There are discounts for students and seniors.

How long should I spend at the Summer Palace?

You’ll need at least 3–4 hours to cover the highlights. If you want to have an in-depth visit with boat rides and hill climbs, then you’ll probably have to spend half a day.

What’s the Chinese name of the Summer Palace?

It’s called Yíhé Yuán (颐和园) in Mandarin Chinese.

Is the Summer Palace the same as the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan)?

No. The Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) are different. Yuanmingyuan was mostly destroyed in the 19th century, while the Summer Palace was rebuilt and still remains well-preserved.

Join China Xian Tour for a Magic Beijing Tour Including the Summer Palace

While the Summer Palace can give you glimpse of Beijing’s infinite historical grandeur, there are still a lot of highlights waiting for you to discover in the Beijing city. Join a customized trip with China Xian Tour, and let our local guides share the hidden stories of every site you’ll see along the way. While all the details will be taken care by us, you’ll get to fully immerse yourself in the charm of this magnificent city.