Last updated: August 2026
The Summer Palace was one of the biggest surprises of Beijing for me, and it ended up as my second favourite attraction in the city, right behind the Great Wall. While the Wall was the highlight of the entire trip, the Summer Palace won me over for a different reason: the peaceful atmosphere, the gardens and the scenery around the huge Kunming Lake. It's one of China's best-preserved imperial complexes, used as a summer residence by the emperors of the Qing dynasty.
What is the Summer Palace?
Officially known as Yiheyuan, the Summer Palace is a 290-hectare imperial complex built during the Qing dynasty and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Conceived as a refuge for emperors during the warmer months, it integrates nature and architecture in a way unmatched anywhere else in China.
Is the Summer Palace worth visiting?
Yes, the Summer Palace is absolutely worth it and one of the most enjoyable visits in Beijing. Unlike the Forbidden City, the setting here is open, peaceful and green, ideal for those who want to experience Chinese imperial grandeur at a slower pace, surrounded by nature.
How to get to the Summer Palace
The complex is around 15 km from central Beijing. The main options are:
- Metro (Line 4), the most practical and affordable option, alighting at Beigongmen station
- Didi (ride-hailing app), more comfortable and direct
- Organised tours, ideal for those who prefer hassle-free logistics
The journey takes between 40 and 60 minutes, depending on where you're coming from. I arrived by DiDi, but it's also easy to get there by metro on Line 4, getting off at Beigongmen station.
Tickets
- Low season (Nov–Mar): ¥30 (~$4)
- High season (Apr–Oct): ¥60 (~$8)
- Boat ride on Kunming Lake: ¥20 (~$3), charged separately
- Children: check the official website for the free entry policy, height or age requirements may vary by season
Buying tickets in advance online is recommended, especially at weekends and on public holidays.
What not to miss
- Kunming Lake, the heart of the place. I took the boat ride across to the other side of the lake, and it was one of the most beautiful parts of the visit: it gives you a lovely perspective of the pavilions and the hill seen from the water. A practical tip: I used the boat as a crossing and left through a different gate of the complex, avoiding backtracking the same way
- Longevity Hill, I climbed it and it was worth it; the panoramic view of the lake and the pavilions from the top is beautiful and helps you understand the scale of the complex
- Seventeen-Arch Bridge, I visited it, it's the most photographed spot, connecting an island to the rest of the park
- Tower of Buddhist Incense, one of the palace's most iconic structures
- Suzhou Street, a traditional shopping street rebuilt along the water's edge
How long to spend
- Minimum 3 hours to cover the main highlights
- 4 to 5 hours to explore the complex properly, including Longevity Hill and Suzhou Street
- Half a day is ideal to enjoy the visit without rushing
I spent much of the morning and early afternoon at the complex, without rushing, and it was the ideal pace. It's a place for walking and relaxing, not for rushing through.
Best time to visit
- Early morning, fewer crowds, good light for photos and cooler temperatures
- When I went, in September, there were visitors, but at no point did I find it excessively crowded, much calmer than the Forbidden City
- Avoid weekends and national holidays, when the park can get packed
What I liked most was the parkland feel. The gardens, the pavilions and the lake create an atmosphere completely different from the Forbidden City: more open, green and relaxing. If the Forbidden City impresses with its grandeur, the Summer Palace wins you over with its calm, so it's worth doing both on the itinerary, they complement each other.
Practical tips
- Wear comfortable footwear, the complex is large and involves a good amount of walking
- Bring water, especially in summer
- Arrive early to avoid the crowds at the main highlights
- The boat ride on Kunming Lake is worth it in summer
- Pair with a visit to the Forbidden City on the same Beijing itinerary