Experience Beijing's imperial garden paradise through curated cultural tours. Explore the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site with its traditional Chinese architecture, serene Kunming Lake, sacred Longevity Hill, and exquisite imperial pavilions in China's most beautiful royal retreat.
Skip-the-line access to Beijing's magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the imperial gardens at your own pace, including Kunming Lake boat rides, Longevity Hill temples, and the famous Long Corridor with over 14,000 traditional paintings.
Comprehensive full-day guided tours combining Summer Palace with Beijing's other imperial treasures. Visit the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace with expert commentary, transportation, and authentic local dining experiences.
Expert-guided exploration of traditional Chinese architecture and garden design principles. Learn about imperial history, feng shui concepts, Buddhist symbolism, and the artistic mastery behind China's most celebrated royal retreat.
Summer Palace stands as Beijing's most magnificent imperial garden, a UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece that embodies China's traditional landscape architecture and imperial grandeur. Covering 297 hectares with Kunming Lake occupying three-quarters of the grounds, this royal retreat showcases the perfect harmony between natural beauty and human artistry.
More than just a garden, Summer Palace represents the pinnacle of Chinese imperial culture. From the sacred Longevity Hill crowned with Buddhist temples to the famous 728-meter Long Corridor adorned with thousands of traditional paintings, every pathway reveals centuries of imperial history and artistic achievement.
Discover Imperial History
Experience one of China's most prestigious UNESCO World Heritage sites, representing the pinnacle of imperial Chinese garden design. Summer Palace showcases centuries of royal craftsmanship and traditional landscape architecture in perfect harmony.
Discover the tranquil beauty of Kunming Lake, covering three-quarters of the palace grounds. Enjoy traditional boat rides, admire the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, and witness the perfect reflection of ancient pavilions on crystal-clear waters.
Climb the sacred Longevity Hill crowned with Buddhist temples and imperial pavilions. Experience panoramic views of Beijing, explore ancient religious sites, and understand the spiritual significance of imperial garden design.
Marvel at the famous Long Corridor featuring over 14,000 traditional Chinese paintings. Discover exquisite architecture, intricate woodwork, and artistic details that represent the finest achievements of Chinese imperial craftsmanship.
1153 – Ancient Origins: The area's history begins with the Golden Mountain Temple built during the Jin Dynasty. This sacred site established the spiritual significance that would later influence the imperial garden's design and the Buddhist temples crowning Longevity Hill.
1750s – Qing Dynasty Creation: Emperor Qianlong commissioned the construction of the Clear Ripple Garden, the predecessor to Summer Palace. Master craftsmen created an artificial lake and elaborate garden complex, showcasing the pinnacle of Chinese landscape architecture and imperial grandeur.
1860 – Destruction and Resilience: Anglo-French forces destroyed the original gardens during the Second Opium War. This tragic loss demonstrated the vulnerability of China's cultural treasures while preserving the memory of their former magnificence in historical records.
1888 – Imperial Reconstruction: Empress Dowager Cixi rebuilt and expanded the gardens, creating the Summer Palace we know today. The reconstruction included the famous Long Corridor, marble boat, and numerous pavilions that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape.
1998-Present – UNESCO Recognition: Summer Palace achieved UNESCO World Heritage status, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Modern conservation efforts maintain the delicate balance between historical authenticity and visitor access, protecting this masterpiece of imperial Chinese culture.
Explore palace landmarks
Experience the serene beauty of Kunming Lake, covering three-quarters of the Summer Palace grounds with crystal-clear waters reflecting ancient pavilions. This magnificent artificial lake features the famous Seventeen-Arch Bridge, traditional dragon boats, and countless scenic viewpoints that capture the essence of Chinese landscape design.
Discover the sacred heart of Summer Palace with Longevity Hill crowned by the Buddhist Tower of Buddhist Incense and surrounded by imperial pavilions. This spiritual center offers panoramic views of Beijing, houses ancient temples, and represents the perfect harmony between religious devotion and imperial grandeur in Chinese culture.
Marvel at the world's longest painted corridor, stretching 728 meters with over 14,000 traditional Chinese paintings depicting historical scenes, literary classics, and natural beauty. This architectural masterpiece provides shelter while showcasing the finest examples of imperial Chinese artistry and storytelling through visual art.
Visit the iconic Marble Boat, an elegant stone pavilion built on the shore of Kunming Lake that symbolizes the stability of imperial rule. This architectural marvel features intricate carvings, Western-influenced design elements, and serves as a testament to the cultural exchange and artistic innovation of the Qing Dynasty era.
Make the most of your Summer Palace experience with these essential planning tips:
Location: Summer Palace, Haidian District, Beijing, China
Nearest Airports: Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) - 60 minutes | Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) - 90 minutes
Coordinates: 39°59′51″N, 116°16′8″E
Summer Palace is located in Beijing's prestigious Haidian District, serving as one of China's most important UNESCO World Heritage sites. This imperial garden complex is easily accessible via Beijing's extensive subway system, with direct connections to major tourist areas, universities, and business districts throughout the capital city.
Plan at least 4-6 hours to experience Summer Palace's major attractions. Allow 3 hours minimum for architecture tours and lake exploration, plus time for temple visits and traditional boat rides. Full day trips combining with other Beijing sites typically require 8-10 hours including transportation.
Early morning (6:30-8:00 AM) offers peaceful garden exploration with beautiful lighting. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) provide ideal weather and stunning seasonal colors. Avoid Chinese national holidays and summer peak periods for a more serene experience with comfortable temperatures.
Absolutely! Summer Palace offers family-friendly exploration with boat rides on Kunming Lake, garden pathways perfect for strolling, and educational opportunities about Chinese culture. Children enjoy the traditional architecture and lake activities. Consider shorter visits for young children due to extensive walking distances.
Yes, advance booking is highly recommended, especially for architecture tours with expert guides and during Chinese holiday periods. Entry tickets can be purchased online to skip lines. Boat rides may require separate reservations and are weather-dependent, so check conditions beforehand.
Essential experiences include Kunming Lake with its Seventeen-Arch Bridge, Longevity Hill with Buddhist temples, the famous Long Corridor with 14,000 paintings, and the iconic Marble Boat. Don't miss the Tower of Buddhist Incense and traditional garden pavilions showcasing imperial Chinese architecture.
Summer Palace is accessible via Beijing Subway Line 4 to Beigongmen Station (North Palace Gate) or Xiyuan Station. From Beijing airports, take Airport Express to Dongzhimen, then transfer to subway (60-90 minutes total). Taxi service available but may be affected by Beijing traffic.
Bring comfortable walking shoes for extensive garden paths, weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor exploration, and a camera for architecture and lake photography. Portable umbrella for weather changes. Cash for boat rides and traditional vendors. Modest clothing for temple areas.
