The Summer Palace: The Ultimate Guide to Unlocking a Stunning Royal Garden Journey

The Summer Palace, a garden treasure embodying the royal dreams of the Ming and Qing dynasties, is a poetic sanctuary in Beijing that you won't want to miss. With the shimmering waters of Kunming Lake, the verdant slopes of Longevity Hill, and the elegance of the Jiangnan gardens, it offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical grandeur. Whether you're tracing the footsteps of emperors or simply seeking tranquility amidst stunning scenery, this guide will help you navigate the Summer Palace with ease! I. Essential Information Before You Go Opening Hours Peak Season (Apr 1–Oct 31): 6am–7pm Off-Season (Nov 1–Mar 31): 6:30am–7pm Note: Gardens within the park, such as the Tower of Buddhist Incense and Suzhou Street, require separate tickets and close earlier. It is recommended to visit these areas first. Ticket Prices - Peak Season: CNY 30/person, Combined Ticket CNY 60 (includes gardens within the park) - Off-Season: CNY 20/person, Combined Ticket CNY 50 - Discounts: Half-price for students and seniors, free for children (reservations required). Best Time to Visit - Spring (Mar–May): Peach blossoms bloom along the West Dike, and Kunming Lake shimmers under the clear sky. - Autumn (Sep–Nov): Longevity Hill is ablaze with autumn colors, and the fragrance of sweet-scented osmanthus fills the air. - Avoid weekends and holidays for a more comfortable experience. II. Transportation Guide Subway - North Palace Gate: Exit D, Beigongmen Station, Line 4, then a 5-minute walk. - Xiyuan Station: Exit C, Xiyuan Station, Line 4, then a 15-minute walk to the East Palace Gate (recommended for those who enjoy walking). Bus - East Palace Gate: Routes 331, 332, 346, etc. - New Palace Gate: Routes 74 and 374. - South Ruyi Gate: Routes 374 and 437 (near the parking lot). Water Route - Royal Grand Canal Cruise: Depart from Ziyuyuan Wharf at Zizhuyuan Park, a 30-minute cruise to the South Ruyi Gate of the Summer Palace. Enjoy views of ancient sites like Wanshou Temple along the way. Tickets are CNY 59.9 (early bird price, requires advance purchase). III. Recommended Routes 1. Quick Route (2–3 hrs) - Enter through North Palace Gate > Suzhou Street (view from afar) > Painting Gallery (panoramic view of Kunming Lake) > Long Corridor (admire 14,000 painted panels) > Marble Boat (a Western-style architectural marvel) > Hall of Joyful Longevity (Cixi's residence) > Hall of Jade Ripples (Guangxu's place of confinement) > Seventeen-Arch Bridge ("Golden Light Piercing Through" spectacle) > Exit through New Palace Gate. Tip: This route is mostly flat and requires no climbing, making it suitable for seniors and children. 2. In-Depth Cultural Route (4 hrs) - Enter through East Palace Gate > Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (emperor's office) > Dehe Garden (Cixi's Grand Theater) > Hall of Literary Brilliance (cultural relics exhibition) > Tower of Buddhist Incense (panoramic views from the top) > Hall of Dispelling Clouds (where Cixi celebrated her birthdays) > West Dike (modeled after Su Causeway in Hangzhou, with six bridges and six scenic spots) > Bronze Ox > Seventeen-Arch Bridge > Nanhu Island (best spot for photographing the Tower of Buddhist Incense). Tip: Rent an electronic guide (available in 19 languages) for a deeper understanding of the historical stories. IV. Must-See Attractions 1. Painting Gallery: A picturesque wonderland, perfect for capturing stunning photos. 2. Seventeen-Arch Bridge: Witness the "Golden Light Piercing Through" spectacle around the winter solstice, as the setting sun illuminates the bridge arches. 3. Long Corridor: The world's longest covered walkway, adorned with painted panels depicting stories from classics like *Journey to the West* and *Dream of the Red Chamber*. 4. Tower of Buddhist Incense: The highest point in the Summer Palace, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. 5. Suzhou Street: A charming royal water street lined with traditional shops, evoking the atmosphere of a Qing Dynasty market. V. Practical Tips 1. Dining: There are snack kiosks inside the park (near the ZhiChun Pavilion and the Hall of Dispelling Clouds). We recommend dining at Xiyuan Food Street outside the park. 2. Boat Rides: Self-drive electric boats are CNY 200/hr (available at the Hall of Jade Ripples wharf). Ferry rides are CNY 40/person (routes include Bronze Ox to Marble Boat). 3. Respectful Visiting: Smoking and climbing on cultural relics are prohibited. Swimming and fishing are not allowed in Kunming Lake. 4. Accessibility: Free wheelchair rentals are available at all six entrances. There is a circular accessible route throughout the park. The beauty of the Summer Palace lies in the surprises around every corner, and in the harmonious blend of history and nature. Whether you're strolling along the Long Corridor, lost in the passage of time, or cruising on Kunming Lake, tracing the footsteps of emperors, this "Royal Garden Museum" will immerse you in its splendor and leave you with unforgettable memories. Embark on your journey and let the winds of the Summer Palace carry you through a thousand years of history!