Summer PalaceSummer Palace
🏛️ What It Is
The Summer Palace is the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China today. Kunming Lake covers three-quarters of the park’s area, and the Buddha’s Fragrance Pavilion on Wanshou Hill overlooks the entire grounds. The Long Corridor, stretching 728 meters, is the longest gallery in classical Chinese gardens.
✨ Why 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.
Tips for Visitors
The combined ticket offers better value
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
A boat ride on Kunming Lake costs 20–30 yuan per person; the view of Wanshou Hill and Foxiang Pavilion from the lake offers a completely different perspective.
Common Mistakes
❌ I only bought the general admission ticket
I didn’t realize the general admission ticket didn’t include core attractions like Foxiang Pavilion.
Consequence: I was stopped at the entrance to Foxiang Pavilion and had to buy another ticket. Just buy the combined ticket right away.
Ticket Information
- Price
- Admission: 30 yuan (peak season) / 20 yuan (off-season) | Combined ticket: 60 yuan (includes Foxiang Pavilion, Dehe Garden, and Suzhou Street)
- Foreign Visitor Price
- Same price
- Student Discount
- ✅ Yes
- Booking
- ✅ No Booking Needed
Location
No. 19 Xinjian Gongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Opening Hours
Open 6:30–18:00, daily
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings. Afternoons offer better lighting for photography. Spring blooms and autumn foliage are at their most beautiful.