Summer Palace Beijing: A Royal Garden That Tells Stories
1. Why Is the Summer Palace a Must-Visit?
The Summer Palace is the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China, often called the “Museum of Royal Gardens.” Built in 1750 during the Qing Dynasty, it was once Empress Dowager Cixi’s summer retreat. With its mix of southern China’s elegance and northern China’s grandeur, the palace feels like walking through a “living history book.”
2. How to Explore: Itinerary Suggestions
- Half-Day Highlights (3–4 hours): East Palace Gate → Hall of Benevolence and Longevity → Kunming Lake → Long Corridor → Tower of Buddhist Incense → Marble Boat → Seventeen-Arch Bridge
- Full-Day Deep Dive (around 6 hours): Add the Six Bridges of the Western Causeway, Suzhou Street, and Garden of Harmonious Pleasures, plus a boat ride on Kunming Lake
- Family-Friendly Route: Mostly flat paths, and sightseeing shuttles (20 RMB per person) make it easy for kids and seniors
3. Practical Information (Read This Before You Go!)
- Tickets: High season (Apr–Oct): 30 RMB; Low season (Nov–Mar): 20 RMB; Small scenic spots like the Tower of Buddhist Incense cost an extra 5–10 RMB
- Opening Hours: High season 6:30–18:00; Low season 7:00–17:00 (advance booking required)
- Transport: Take Subway Line 4 to Beigongmen Station (Exit D, 5-min walk), or Xijiao Line to the West Gate
- Food: Cafés and snack shops inside (try the “Summer Palace Pastry”); outside, grab authentic Beijing-style Zhajiangmian (soybean paste noodles)
4. Travel Tips (Save Time & Stress)
- Avoid weekends and public holidays; mornings at opening time are the best for crowd-free photos
- Rent an audio guide (40 RMB/day, multiple languages) or scan QR codes for free English commentary
- Each season has its charm: magnolias in spring, lotus flowers in summer, red leaves in autumn, ice activities in winter
5. Why Foreign Visitors Fall in Love Here
- East Meets West Beauty: Kunming Lake was modeled after Hangzhou’s West Lake, with the Tower of Buddhist Incense and Longevity Hill forming a classic axis. The Long Corridor features over 14,000 colorful paintings of Chinese myths.
- Surprising Western Touches: The Marble Boat was inspired by European vessels, reflecting 19th-century cultural exchange.
- Everyday Beijing Vibes: In the mornings, locals practice tai chi or sing Peking opera by the lake—a royal garden that also feels like a neighborhood park.
Whether you’re a history buff or just here for the views, the Summer Palace promises an unforgettable experience. Bring this guide along and unlock the unique charm of the “Versailles of the East” in Beijing!
