Summer Palace Flower Viewing Guide｜The Top Spring Peach Blossoms in Beijing Have Bloomed

🌸The spring scenery of the West Dike in the Summer Palace reproduces the charm of the Su Causeway in Jiangnan with "pink peach blossoms and green willows." The framed picture of the Seventeen-Arch Bridge and the peach blossoms is a classic photo spot not to be missed. Seize the short flowering season, take this guide, and embark on a flower viewing journey through ancient and modern times!🌿 ✨West Dike Stroll: Peach Blossoms and Willows, Landscape Poetry✨ Stepping onto the West Dike is like falling into the artistic conception of the Book of Songs. Hundreds of mountain peach trees grow along the banks, their branches stretching freely, and pink and white petals adorning the branches like snowflakes. The mountain peach blossoms near the Mirror Bridge are in full bloom, with branches drooping to the lake surface. Occasionally, mallards swim by, breaking the reflection in the water. In the distance, the golden top of the Tower of Buddhist Incense is faintly visible among the flowers, and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge lies like a rainbow on the waves, forming a three-dimensional landscape scroll with the nearby pink peach blossoms and green willows. Walking to the Practice Bridge, a spring breeze suddenly rises, and petals flutter like rain. Visitors stop to take photos in twos and threes, and children chase the falling petals, their laughter intermingling with birdsong. This scene makes one suddenly understand the charm of "strolling in a painting." 🦆Hidden Gems: Ecological Charms Beyond Poetry🦋 The beauty of the West Dike lies not only in the flowers. The newly sprouted buds of the willow trees contrast with the pink and white of the mountain peach blossoms. Wild ducks nest in the reeds, and occasionally black swans glide gracefully across the water. The gnarled branches of the mountain peach trees resemble the freehand brushstrokes in ancient paintings, and the inscription "Six Bridges of the West Dike" is faintly discernible on the moss-covered stone tablets. Look closely, and you'll see bees busy among the stamens and ants climbing up the peach branches in a line—the vitality of spring is hidden in the grand scenery as well as in the details. 🎀Flower Viewing Guide 🗓Best Viewing Time 🌸Peak Blooming Period of Mountain Peach Blossoms: Expected to reach the best viewing state this weekend (around March 22). As the flowering period of mountain peach blossoms is short (about 1-2 weeks), it is recommended to visit as soon as possible. ⏱️Recommended Time: Early morning (7:00-9:00) or evening (16:00-18:00). The light is soft and there are fewer tourists, making it suitable for taking atmospheric photos of "pink peach blossoms and green willows" and reflections of ancient buildings. 📍Recommended Entrance: West Gate: Closest to the West Dike, a 10-minute walk to the core flower viewing areas such as the Mirror Bridge and the Practice Bridge. North Palace Gate/East Palace Gate: Suitable for visitors who want to visit the back hill of Longevity Hill or the Yulan Magnolias at the Hall of Joyful Longevity. It is a long walk to the West Dike, so you can take a boat to the West Dike area after visiting. 🚇Transportation: Subway: Exit at Summer Palace Station on the Xijiao Line and walk about 5 minutes to the West Gate; Exit at Beigongmen Station Exit D on Line 4 and walk about 10 minutes to the North Palace Gate or North Ruyi Gate. ⏰️Park Opening Hours Peak Season (April 1-October 31): Opens at 6:00, last entry at 19:00, closes at 20:00. Off-Season (November 1-March 31): Opens at 6:30, last entry at 18:00, closes at 19:00. 🎫Tickets: Summer Palace tickets: CNY 30/person (peak season) CNY 20/person (off-season) Half-price tickets: Applicable to full-time students and minors aged 6-18 Free Admission Policy: ✅Children under 6 years old or under 1.2m tall (accompanied by an adult) ✅Seniors over 60 years old (with ID card or senior citizen card) ✅People with disabilities, military personnel, and retired personnel (with valid ID) ✅Beijing Park Annual Pass holders can enter and exit freely