Summer PalaceSummer Palace
🏛️ Attraction Overview
The Summer Palace is China’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Kunming Lake covers three-quarters of the park’s area, and the Buddha Incense Pavilion on Wanshou Hill overlooks the entire grounds. The Long Corridor, stretching 728 meters, is the longest gallery in Chinese classical gardens.
✨ Why It’s Worth a Visit
Unlike the solemnity of the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace showcases another side of imperial life—scenic lakes and mountains, pavilions and towers, and a poetic, picturesque atmosphere. Boating on Kunming Lake is one of the most pleasant ways to spend an afternoon in Beijing.
Practical Tips
The combo ticket is a better deal
The 60-yuan combined ticket includes Fuxiang Pavilion, Dehe Garden, and Suzhou Street—without it, you’re essentially just visiting the park. The panoramic view of Kunming Lake from Fuxiang Pavilion is unbeatable.
Take a boat tour of Kunming Lake
Kunming Lake boat tour: 20–30 yuan per person. The view of Wanshou Mountain and Foxiang Pavilion from the lake offers a completely different perspective.
Common Mistakes
❌ I only bought the general admission ticket
Be aware that the entrance ticket does not include core attractions such as the Fragrant Incense Pavilion.
Consequences: You’ll be stopped at the entrance to Foxiangge Pavilion and have to buy a new ticket. Buy a combined ticket right away.
Ticket Information
- Price
- Entrance ticket: 30 yuan (peak season) / 20 yuan (off-season) | Combined ticket: 60 yuan (includes Foxiangge, Dehe Garden, and Suzhou Street)
- Prices for Foreigners
- Same Price
- Student Discount
- ✅ Available
- Book
- ✅ No reservation required
Location Information
No. 19 Xinjian Gongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Opening Hours
Open 6:30–18:00, daily
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings. The afternoon light is ideal for photography. Spring blooms and autumn foliage are at their most beautiful.