The Ultimate Guide to the Summer Palace: Unlocking the Beauty of the Royal Gardens

The Summer Palace is the largest and most well-preserved royal garden in China, boasting a rich history and culture. Follow this guide to make sure you don't miss any of the highlights! Preparation 1. Ticket Booking: Search "Summer Palace" on WeChat to book tickets in advance. Peak season (April 1 - October 31): CNY 30/person; off-season (November 1 - March 31): CNY 20/person. Combined tickets (including access to the inner gardens) are CNY 60 for peak season and CNY 50 for off-season. Purchase according to your needs. 2. Opening Hours: Peak season: 6:30 - 20:00; off-season: 6:30 - 19:00. Inner gardens: Peak season: 8:30 - 17:00; off-season: 9:00 - 16:30. Closed on Mondays. 3. Transportation: North Palace Gate/North Ruyi Gate: Take subway Line 4 to Beigongmen Station (near Suzhou Street). East Palace Gate/Xinjiangongmen Gate: Take subway Line 4 to Xiyuan Station. The East Palace Gate is the main entrance, while Xinjiangongmen Gate is closer to the Bronze Ox and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. West Gate: Take the Xijiao Line to Summer Palace Station (convenient for viewing peach blossoms in spring). Must-See Attractions 1. Tower of Buddhist Incense: The landmark of the Summer Palace, an octagonal, three-story building with four eaves, standing 41 meters tall. Climb to the top for stunning views of Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill—perfect for taking photos. 2. The Marble Boat: With its intricate pavilions and terraces, this spot is ideal for framed photos that make you feel like you're in a painting. A favorite among photography enthusiasts. 3. Seventeen-Arch Bridge: Spanning Kunming Lake, this bridge has 17 arches. Don't miss the "golden light piercing through the holes" phenomenon around the winter solstice at sunset. 4. Long Corridor: The world's longest corridor, stretching 728 meters, adorned with over 14,000 colorful paintings depicting historical stories, landscapes, flowers, and birds. Enjoy a leisurely stroll while admiring the artwork. 5. Suzhou Street: A shopping street modeled after the water towns of southern China, offering a taste of the region's charm and old Beijing's commercial culture. Recommended Route (5-6 hours) Enter through the North Palace Gate, visit Suzhou Street, then the Four Continents. Next, check out the Marble Boat, the Long Corridor, and the Tower of Buddhist Incense. Afterward, take a boat (separate ticket purchase) to Nanhu Island, visit the Hall of Serenity, cross the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, and finally exit through Xinjiangongmen Gate. Photography Tips Shoot the Tower of Buddhist Incense from a low angle looking up to emphasize its grandeur. Use the pavilions and terraces of the Marble Boat as frames for your photos. Capture silhouettes against the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. Utilize the winding Long Corridor to create dynamic strolling shots. Food Recommendations 1. Near the Summer Palace: Try the authentic Beijing Zha Jiang Mian (fried sauce noodles). The noodles are chewy, the sauce is rich, and the fresh toppings make for a satisfying meal. Also, try the Zhi Zi Kao Rou (grilled meat on a sizzling platter). The tender lamb sizzles on the iron plate, filling the air with a tempting aroma. 2. Inside the Park: There are snack stalls offering sausages, corn, ice cream, and other snacks for a quick energy boost. However, prices are relatively high, so choose according to your needs. The Summer Palace, a royal garden blending natural beauty and cultural history, exudes unique charm in every corner. Follow this guide for a spontaneous trip to the Summer Palace, and you're sure to be captivated by its beauty!